In the German-speaking region, an application photo is a traditional part of a job application. It is usually placed at the top right of the CV and shows the candidate in business-appropriate attire with a friendly, professional expression. The typical size is around 4×5 centimetres so it fits well within the CV layout.
Legally, application photos are not required in Germany. The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) forbids discrimination on the basis of gender, age, origin, religion or sexual orientation. A photo can reveal all these characteristics and trigger unconscious bias. In Anglo-Saxon countries and increasingly in Scandinavia, photos are uncommon or even discouraged in applications.
If a photo is used, candidates should invest in a professional shot. Selfies, holiday pictures or passport photos signal a lack of care. The image should be current, taken against a neutral background and suit the target industry – a classic suit for a law firm, a shirt or sweater for the social-services sector.
For anonymous application processes – piloted in some German public administrations – photos are removed entirely to support fairer selection decisions.