# Do You Need a Photo on Your CV?

Photo or no photo on a South African CV? The short, clear answer.

Category: CVs
Author: Tlangelani Khosa
Published: 2026-09-23
Tags: CVs, Job Search

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Short answer: **no.** Leave it off.

Here is why:

- It takes up space your experience could use
- It can introduce bias before anyone reads a word
- It can confuse the software that screens your CV

## When it is fine

A photo only makes sense in a few creative or personal-brand roles that specifically ask for it. For almost every graduate job in South Africa, skip it.

Let your skills and results do the talking. More on getting the [format right](/insights/ats-friendly-cv-format-south-africa).

## FAQ

### Should I put a photo on my CV in South Africa?
No. It wastes space, can introduce bias, and often confuses the software that screens your CV.

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Canonical page: https://www.flyquest.co.za/insights/do-you-need-a-photo-on-your-cv
Published by FlyQuest, South Africa's career platform for students and graduates.