Should I Include a Photo on My CV for Strategy Consulting Roles?

Question

Hi everyone,

I’m currently reworking my CV using a tool provided by my university. I’m planning to apply for strategy consulting roles, both in Italy and abroad (particularly in Luxembourg and Dubai).

The tool showed me a few different CV templates—some include a photo, others don’t.

My question is:
Should I include a photo on my CV when applying to consulting firms? Is it standard practice, or could it actually be a distraction or even hurt my chances?

Would really appreciate any advice or insight on this—especially from those familiar with the expectations in Italy, Luxembourg, or the Middle East.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hey 😊

Great question — and super relevant when applying across different regions! Here’s a quick overview:

In Italy, including a photo on your CV is still relatively common and culturally accepted, especially for local applications. However, it’s not a must, and consulting firms won’t reject you just because it’s missing.

In Luxembourg and Dubai, especially for top consulting firms, the trend is toward clean, professional CVs without photos. MBB and Tier 2 firms focus entirely on content and achievements, and a photo can be seen as an unnecessary distraction or even raise concerns around unconscious bias. So if you're applying internationally, it’s generally safer to leave the photo out ✅

Stick to a clean, well-structured, one-page CV with sharp bullet points and results-focused content — and you'll be on the right track!

Happy to help review your CV if you want 🌟

Best,
Alessa 😊

Answer 2

Hi!

Generally, the rule is, your CV content counts more than your photograph.

So I wouldn't add it .

You can have a look at some good CV templates for Consulting:

https://www.preplounge.com/en/cv-templates

So long as your CV is neat, cearly states where you've worked, what role, what you did, achieved etc. you're good.

Happy to review your CV if you'd like.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hello there,

The standard, especially in the Middle East, is not to put a photo.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Photo is not needed, and generally I do not recommend to my students/candidates.

A well written and well formatted simple professional CV is more than enough.

What is most important is that your profile/skills/qualities clearly shine in the CV. The sentences should be simple and easily understood by a large variety of audience. The bold highlights can draw attention to key CV aspects. And eventually, your CV should tell a story instead of being a scattered 'dump' of everything you have done/been in your life.

Answer 5

Hi there,

The international standard is a clean CV without a resume. :-)

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 6

Hi there,

The most common strategy consulting CV is without a photo.

Best,

Emily

Answer 7

You can include. Having one will not penalize you. Not having one... will not penalize you.