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A document photo is the worst option. It's made for a passport, where they require a neutral expression, dull lighting, and often poor quality. In a resume, an employer is looking for someone who looks professional and approachable, not like an identification object. Plus, a document photo is often small and low resolution - it'll look blurry on a monitor screen.
Get a portrait photo with decent quality: good lighting, a smile or friendly expression, no selfies from bed. The shot should be close enough so your face is clearly visible. Look neat and put-together, business casual (shirt, blouse, jacket) - nothing outlandish. If you don't have a good photo, it's better not to include one than to use a document photo.
One more thing: in some fields (IT, creative, startups), a photo in a resume isn't necessary at all. Check the requirements in the job postings you're applying to - some actually ask you not to attach one. But if you do attach one, make sure it's decent.
A document photo is a formal photo taken under specific conditions: neutral background, straight-on gaze, no emotions. A resume needs a completely different approach. A portrait photo shows you in a more natural light, with better lighting, maybe a slight smile - basically, you look more presentable. That's what an employer wants to see, because a document photo doesn't inspire anyone, it's more off-putting. Plus, documents always look a bit washed out and cold.
Of course, if you're nowhere near getting a portrait done and you need to send your resume urgently, then a document photo will do - it won't hurt anyone. But if you have the chance, ask someone to take a decent photo of you outside in good light or pop into a photo studio for half an hour. You don't need to spend a fortune, even a simple photo against a light background will look way more professional. And yeah, make sure your face is clearly visible, you look neat in the photo, and you're dressed properly - it's the first impression, so don't brush it off.
If it's a passport photo - then better not 😅 Those usually have an awkward angle, harsh official lighting, and that "I'm emigrating" expression on your face. Recruiters see it hundreds of times and subconsciously read it as a signal that "this person didn't bother to try." A resume portrait isn't just a document, it's a first impression, and it shapes how people perceive you.
Better to use a good portrait shot: clean background, calm expression, natural or professional lighting, in clothes that match the company's style where you're applying. I used to do photography, so I know how important lighting and composition are for a portrait 📸 You can take a shot of yourself at home or ask a friend to help - the main thing is that it looks neat and professional, not like some random selfie.
Actually, having a quality portrait in your resume already sets you apart from the pile of boring CVs. Recruiters pay more attention to it because you're showing that you value your presentation. A document photo - not an option, even if your passport photo is decent.
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