There is no single rule. It depends on where the job is.
Iraq, the Kurdistan region and the Gulf
Most employers expect a photo, and a CV without one can look incomplete. Include one unless the advert asks you not to.
The UK, the US, Canada and Australia
Most employers there do not expect a photo, and many advise against one. Leave it out.
Europe and elsewhere
Habits vary by country and by company. Follow the advert, or look at how the company’s own staff present themselves on LinkedIn.
If you include one
- Use a recent photo that looks like you today.
- Face the camera, head and shoulders, on a plain light background.
- Dress as you would for the interview.
- Keep it small, in a corner of the first page, and never put your contact details inside the image.
Do not change your face
Light, background and sharpness can be improved. Your face should not be. The person who arrives at the interview has to match the photo.
Check yours
Scan your CV for free to see whether software can still read everything around the photo.