In the era of the selfie, one generation is even sharing its favorite photos with potential employers.
A new survey by Talker Research has revealed that American millennials are leading the way in including photos on resumes, even though resumes in the U.S. traditionally exclude headshots.
The survey conducted October 21-24 asked 1,000 Americans across generations about their resumes. Forty-two percent of millennials (born 1981-1996) said they would include a photo on their resume or job application.
This percentage was notably higher than their older counterparts, Generation X (32 percent) and baby boomers (28 percent). Meanwhile, Generation Z (born 1997-2006) displayed a similar openness to resume photos, with 46 percent stating they would consider them.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advises against including photos to help prevent potential discrimination based on race, gender, or age and recommends that hiring processes focus solely on skills and qualifications.
Michelle Holahan, the vice president and head of Employer Brand for HireMinds, discourages including photos on resumes.
"I think putting a photo on your resume is job search suicide—unless you are an actor, model, or performer," she told Newsweek. "In U.S. corporate America, I know many employers that automatically ditch resumes with photos. They are actively trying to decrease bias in interview processes. It's just too risky."
According to the survey, 47 percent of all respondents said they would not include a photo on their resume, with boomers being the most cautious (55 percent) in opting out of the practice. Notably, a smaller segment of participants, mainly from the Silent Generation, were undecided; 48 percent of Silent Generation respondents reported being "not sure" about whether to include a photo on a resume.
As social media profiles and LinkedIn headshots become more ubiquitous than ever and job applicants look for more ways to stand out in a competitive job market, adding a photo can be an attempt to stand out. Adding a selfie or passport photo also reflects a generational shift in attitudes when it comes to blending the professional and personal.
Organizational psychologist and HR strategist Etty Burk said she can see why adding a photo may be tempting but also advised against it.
"While it might seem like a personal touch that sets you apart—especially for millennials who are more likely to add photos—it can have unintended consequences. Most HR experts recommend skipping the photo due to potential biases and legal implications," she told Newsweek.
But she did agree that in an age of social media, it isn't as clear cut.
"With social media so prevalent, employers can often get an idea of what you look like from public profiles, which comes with its own set of concerns around bias and privacy. To keep things as unbiased as possible, it's best to focus on showcasing your skills, experience, and qualifications," Burk said.
Outside of the U.S., though, including a photo during a job application is common. For example, applicants in several European countries like Austria, Germany and Spain may even be expected to include a picture with their resume.
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