Don’t Let a Resume Template Trip You Up

Last Friday, a job seeker stopped by my office to ask about a position. I told her she could apply online or upload a resume. A few days later, her resume came through my inbox.

I opened it and noticed something right away. In the corner was a photo, and it wasn’t hers. It was the stock photo from the template that she forgot to remove.

I’ll admit, I laughed. But then I realized there was a bigger takeaway.

Templates Can Be Helpful, But They Need a Final Check

Resume templates are everywhere. They can make your resume look sharp and save you time. But they are not “plug and play.” If you don’t review them carefully, you might end up sending in something that distracts from your skills.

And here’s the truth: your resume should never include a photo in the first place. Adding a random stock photo by accident makes the mistake even worse. It pulls the focus away from what matters, which is your qualifications.

Why Photos Don’t Belong on Resumes

Even if it was your own photo, it shouldn’t be there. A resume is about your skills, qualifications, and experience, not what you look like. Adding a photo can lead to:

• 🚫 Unconscious bias

• 🚫 Distracting from your actual experience

• 🚫 Mistakes that look unprofessional

What hiring managers want to see instead:

• ✅ Clean, easy-to-read formatting

• ✅ Proofread content

• ✅ Relevant work experience

Proofread Like Your Career Depends on It

Before you hit send, read through your resume carefully. Delete any stock content. Remove any photos. Double-check your contact info. Make sure the formatting is clean and professional. If you used a template, treat it as a starting point, not the finished product.

Need more help polishing your resume? We share tips often on our YouTube channel for job seekers across North Central Arkansas. Check out our YouTube channel for more practical advice before you apply:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@synergyhrllc

The Takeaway

Templates are tools, not a finished product. They only work when you make them your own. And when it comes to photos, leave them out completely. Especially if it is not even you.

Take the time to review your resume, remove photos, and present your experience in a way that makes employers excited to call you.

When your resume shows your best self, you give yourself the best chance of getting the job.