CV template with photo
A photo block above a shaded skills column, a name in wide-spaced capitals and a contact strip.
Best for experienced candidates, career changers and first jobs. Sidebar layout, elegant and professional, in pink.
£4.99 one-off · CV + matching cover letter · PDF and Word. Secure checkout by Stripe, instant access, no subscription. Or try it free with your details first.
Colourways of the Photo design: Gold, Sage, Rose.
What's included
- A matching cover letter in the same design
- A4, laid out for UK applications
- Real, selectable text that online application systems can read
- Switch template any time without losing a word
- AI writing help for your profile, achievements and letter (up to 60 AI actions)
- PDF and Word downloads of your CV and letter
- Edit and download again any time, no subscription
What to put on a photo CV
If you have decided your CV needs a photo, it helps to have a layout built around one. This CV template with photo has a photo block above a grey skills column, your name in wide-spaced capitals and a contact strip, so the picture sits neatly beside your details. It suits acting and modelling, some hospitality and customer-facing roles, and applications to employers in mainland Europe.
The photo is optional, and a monogram shows if you leave it out, so the same CV also works for UK employers who prefer none. It comes with gold, sage or rose accents. Fill it in and preview every page for free, with no account needed. Pay £4.99 once to download it as PDF and Word, with a matching cover letter included. It is A4 and the text is real and selectable.
Check whether a photo is wanted
Most UK employers do not expect a photo on a CV and many prefer none, as they want to judge your skills and experience alone. Read the advert first. If it does not ask for one, and the role is not one where photos are usual, use the monogram instead.
Use a photo where it is normal
Photos are common for acting, modelling, some hospitality and front-of-house jobs, and for applications to employers in mainland Europe, especially Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In these cases a good photo helps the reader put a face to your experience.
Choose the right picture
Use a recent head and shoulders shot with good light and a plain background. Dress as you would for the job, look at the camera and avoid filters, sunglasses or a cropped group photo. For acting work, use your current headshot.
Make the skills column specific
The grey column is read early, so fill it with skills the advert asks for, such as languages, software, licences or service skills. Keep each one short, and back up the important ones with an example in your experience.
Keep personal details brief
Even with a photo, leave out your age, date of birth and marital status on a UK CV. If you are applying abroad, check that country's usual CV conventions, as some expect more personal details. Two sides of A4 is the most you need.
Questions
Should a UK CV have a photo?
Usually not. Most UK employers do not expect a photo and many prefer none, so that hiring is based on skills and experience. The main exceptions are acting, modelling, some hospitality and customer-facing roles, and applications to employers in mainland Europe, where a photo is more common.
What happens if I leave the photo out?
A monogram shows in the photo space instead, so the layout still looks finished. You can try it both ways in the preview before you download, and choose whichever suits the job. Many people keep the photo for European applications and use the monogram for UK ones.
What kind of photo should I use on a CV?
A recent, well-lit head and shoulders photo with a plain background. Look at the camera, dress as you would for the role and keep your expression friendly and natural. Avoid holiday snaps, filters and selfies taken at arm's length. A clear phone photo taken by a friend is often enough.
Do European employers expect a photo on a CV?
In many countries they do. A photo is common on CVs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and you will often see one in France, Spain and Italy too. Check the advert and the company's careers page, and follow any instructions they give about format and personal details.
More templates like this
- Seaglass CV template - A clean main column beside a pale full-height rail for your details.
- Sage CV template - A full-height colour sidebar, a framed portrait and an elegant serif name.
- Sand CV template - A tall magazine-style portrait panel above a tinted details column.
- Noir CV template - Your name set vertically down a narrow colour spine.