Should I put a photo on an ATS-friendly resume?

In most cases, no. Applicant tracking systems do not use photos to read your experience, and a photo can complicate the layout around your name and contact details. In many countries, including the UK, US and Canada, photos are not expected and are commonly advised against.

Reasons to leave it out:

• Software gains nothing from it, and it can interfere with how the header is read.
• It takes space from information that helps you.
• It shows details that are irrelevant to whether you are qualified, which is why many employers prefer not to see one.

Where photos are common, such as in parts of the Gulf, parts of Europe and Asia, follow the employer's instructions. If they ask for a photo, some portals have a separate upload field, which keeps your resume file clean. If an employer specifically requests a photo on the CV itself, use a simple, professional head-and-shoulders image placed so it does not break the text layout.

When in doubt, leave it off. A strong, readable resume matters more than a picture.