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Photo CV Templates for the UK

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Photo CV Templates

Photos on CV have their time and place - and if you’d like to have one or it’s a requirement for your job - we have plenty of templates that support them. Just select a template, fill-in your details and download your CV today!

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Stylish

Many more colours, backgrounds, sections and icons available in the CV editor.

Perfect for creating a one-page CV, highlighting your skills and projects. Great for software engineers and developers. Perfect for including a polished CV photo.

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Double Column

Many more colours, backgrounds, sections and icons available in the CV editor.

Discover our versatile Two Column CV template, perfect for professionals in programming, marketing, and more. This popular design ensures your CV stands out with a clear, organized layout. Ideal for showcasing a professional headshot.

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Compact

Many more colours, backgrounds, sections and icons available in the CV editor.

A one-page CV template tailored for professionals with a lot of experience in upper-management roles. Including a high-quality CV photo enhances your professional image.

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Modern

Many more colours, backgrounds, sections and icons available in the CV editor.

Ideal for upper management roles, project managers, and product owners, the Modern CV template offers a clean, professional aesthetic that commands attention. A well-placed photo on CV adds a personal touch.

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Elegant

Many more colours, backgrounds, sections and icons available in the CV editor.

The Elegant CV template features a sophisticated design with a compact, easy-to-read format, highlighting your strengths and achievements beautifully. This layout is perfect for a stylish CV photo.

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Creative

Many more colours, backgrounds, sections and icons available in the CV editor.

Make a memorable first impression with the Creative CV template, featuring a distinctive header that draws in recruiters. This template is suitable for any industry and includes space for a standout photo on CV.

Why is a CV photo important?

A CV photo, when included, can play a significant role in creating a strong first impression. Although not commonly required in the UK, when requested, a photo can help to humanize your application, making it easier for recruiters to remember you. A professional photo can convey your professionalism and suitability for the role, potentially setting you apart from other candidates.

Furthermore, in industries where personal presentation is important, such as media, marketing, or customer-facing roles, a well-presented photo can demonstrate your awareness of professional standards and your readiness to represent the company. However, it's important to ensure that the photo aligns with the norms and expectations of the specific industry and employer you are targeting.

What photo is appropriate for a CV?

Choosing the right photo for a CV is crucial as it creates a first impression before you even have a chance to interview. An appropriate CV photo should portray you in a professional and approachable manner. Firstly, your attire should reflect the professional standards of the industry you are applying to. Business attire, such as a suit and tie for men or a blouse and blazer for women, is generally a safe choice. The background of your photo should be plain and neutral—white, light grey, or a soft, muted color works best. This helps to keep the focus on you rather than on any distractions in the background.

The composition of the photo is also important. It should be a headshot or a head and shoulders shot, clearly showing your face. Ensure that your face is well-lit, with no harsh shadows, and that the photo is taken with a high-resolution camera to avoid any pixelation or blurriness. Avoid using filters or overly editing the photo; it should be a realistic representation of you. Additionally, it's worth noting that in the UK, including a photo on your CV is not a common practice and may not be necessary unless explicitly requested by the employer.

How to make a photo for a CV?

Creating a photo for your CV involves several key steps to ensure it looks professional. Start by choosing the right attire that matches the industry standards—this typically means business professional clothing. Find a neutral background to stand in front of, such as a plain wall or a backdrop designed for photography. This ensures that the focus remains on you and not on any distractions in the background. Next, consider the lighting. Natural light is often the best, but if this is not available, use soft, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows on your face. Position yourself so that your face is fully visible and well-lit. The photo should be taken from the chest up, focusing on your head and shoulders.

Use a high-quality camera or a smartphone with a good camera to take the photo. If possible, ask someone to help you or use a tripod to ensure the camera is stable. Once the photo is taken, check for clarity and sharpness. Avoid heavy editing or filters; a slight adjustment to enhance brightness or contrast is fine, but the photo should remain a true representation of you.

Frequently asked questions about photo CV templates

What can I put on my CV instead of a picture?

Instead of a photo, you can enhance your CV with strong content and formatting. Focus on:

  • Professional summary: a concise overview of your career highlights and key qualifications
  • Skills section: a detailed list of your relevant skills, tailored to the job you are applying for
  • Work experience: clearly outline your previous roles, responsibilities, and achievements
  • Education: include your academic qualifications and any relevant certifications or training
  • Achievements: highlight any awards, recognitions, or significant accomplishments
  • Professional affiliations: mention any professional memberships or affiliations
How to dress for a CV photo?

When dressing for a CV photo, aim for a professional and polished appearance:

  • Business attire: wear business professional clothing that suits the industry. men might opt for a suit and tie, while women could wear a blouse and blazer
  • Neutral colors: choose neutral or solid colors like navy, black, grey, or white, avoiding bright or distracting patterns
  • Grooming: ensure your hair is neat and styled appropriately. pay attention to details like clean and well-maintained clothing
  • Minimal accessories: keep accessories simple and professional
How to pose for a CV photo?

For a CV photo, your pose should convey confidence and approachability:

  • Stand or sit upright: maintain good posture to appear confident and professional
  • Face forward: look directly at the camera with your head and shoulders visible
  • Natural expression: a slight, professional smile can help you appear friendly and approachable, but avoid exaggerated expressions
  • Relax: ensure your shoulders are relaxed and avoid any tense or stiff poses
What color background for a CV photo?

A neutral, plain background is ideal for a CV photo. Commonly recommended colors include:

  • White: clean and professional, ensures the focus remains on you
  • Light grey: provides a neutral backdrop without being too stark
  • Soft, muted colors: subtle colors can work if they are not distracting

Avoid busy or colorful backgrounds, as they can detract from the professional appearance of the photo.