A resume headshot has a different job than a LinkedIn or directory headshot. It sits on a one-page document next to dense text, where it competes with bullet points and section headings for the recruiter's first 6-second scan. That changes the optimization target.

Framing should be tighter than typical — head-and-shoulders, head taking up roughly half the photo's vertical space. Most CV templates render the photo at around 100x125 pixels (around 2.5 cm tall when printed), where wider framing means your face becomes too small to register.

Attire follows the local convention of the market you are applying into. European CVs default to business formal — structured jacket, dress shirt or blouse, conservative tie if expected. Latin American CVs are similar but typically allow slightly warmer expression. Asian markets (Japan, Korea, China) follow strict formal conventions — dark suit, white shirt, neutral expression, plain light background, often a passport-style framing. Tech and creative roles in any market can be one notch more relaxed (open collar, no tie) without losing credibility.

Backgrounds should be solid light gray, off-white or pale blue. Avoid white if your CV template uses a white page background, because the photo edge will disappear. Avoid any environmental backgrounds; the resume photo is a credentialing photo, not a personality photo.

Expression should be a slight closed-mouth smile or a calm neutral look. Wide grins read as inappropriate for the format. Lighting should be soft frontal with no harsh shadows. The face needs to read clearly even when the recruiter views the resume on a printout or PDF preview at small size. For more on the failure modes we see most often, see our headshot mistakes guide.