Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Should I include a photo on my CV?

Hi, 

I am applying for Consulting Jobs in Middle Europe. I heard that it is common here to include a photo on the CV. Is this correct? 

6
200+
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Alberto
Coach
on Jun 28, 2025
Ex-McKinsey AP | Professional MBB Coach | +13yrs experience | +2,000 real interviews | +150 offers

Hi there,

Absolutely not! Don’t include a picture in your consulting resume — ever.

Use one of the standard consulting templates you’ll find online. They exist for a reason:

  1. Recruiters fly through dozens of CVs a day — don’t make them work harder than they have to.
  2. A picture adds zero value and introduces unnecessary bias.
  3. The less “original” your formatting, the more likely they’ll focus on content — and that’s what gets you interviews.

If you can’t find a proper template, just send me a message — I’ll share mine.

Best,

Alberto.

Alessa
Coach
on Jun 28, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | xRB | >400 coachings | feel free to schedule an intro call for free

Hey there :)

In Middle Europe, adding a photo is mostly common in Germany, especially for German-style CVs. But for consulting or finance roles, it’s not required and won’t make a difference in your application. Most firms are totally fine with or without it, so feel free to leave it out if you prefer a cleaner, more international format.

Let me know if you’d like quick feedback on your CV!

Best,
Alessa :)

Jeroen
Coach
on Jun 28, 2025
Ex-Netherlands Recruitment Lead OW | 5+ years of coaching experience | Great Price/Value | Free Intro Calls
Fully echoing this answer. From my own experience about half of the resumes that I saw had a picture.

As long as you are able to get your story across within the ‘available space’ feel free to include one but in situations where you need more space I’d drop the picture. However despite what it might seem based on some other reactions, the format is much less important and regions-specific than it might seem outside in. Please reach out to me if you’d like me to do a free quick screening.
Mariana
Coach
on Jun 30, 2025
xMckinsey | Consulting and Tech | 1.5h session | +200 sessions | Free 20-min introductory call

Hi there,

Adding to what was stated, make sure your CV has the right format and also the right content. Consulting CVs are very different from regular ones. Build it in an achievements-based mode and do not make it longer than a page if you have less than 10y of work experience.

Happy to help you crafting an outstanding resume, let me know if you would like to know more about this service.

Best,

Mari

Mihir
Coach
on Jun 28, 2025
McKinsey Associate Partner and interviewer | Bulletproof MBB prep

For consulting CVs, do not include a photo!

on Jun 30, 2025
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

I would not include the photo. The space is much better used to elaborate and prove that you have the right skills.

on Jun 30, 2025
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi there,

It's not common for consulting applications. So I would recommend you don't include it.

Best,

Cristian

Similar Questions
Consulting
Should I apply as an associate or as a consultant at Bain?
on Sep 22, 2024
Europe
9
3.0k
95
9 Answers
3.0k Views
Consulting
First full time job - Tips for a young professional
on Oct 20, 2024
DACH
4
1.2k
59
4 Answers
1.2k Views
Consulting
AlixPartners MBB Position Equivalent
on Nov 14, 2024
DACH
2
1.2k
30
2 Answers
1.2k Views
Consulting
How Long Does It Take Bain To Respond to Application
on Nov 17, 2024
USA
8
3.5k
55
8 Answers
3.5k Views
Show more