Short answer
Photo norms split sharply by country. In the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland a photo is discouraged and can raise discrimination concerns, so it's left off. In Japan and South Korea a passport-style photo is effectively required, and in Germany and France it's customary. When applying abroad, follow the convention of the country where the job is based.
CV Desk helps you apply this on your iPhone: it keeps the layout ATS-readable, exports a clean PDF with no watermark, and lets you tailor each version to the job. Always adapt to the specific role and country.
What to look for before choosing
- No photo for US/UK/CA/AU/IE resumes.
- Photo expected in JP/KR (and customary DE/FR).
- Follow the target country's norm.
- If used, a professional headshot only.
- Keep the rest of the header lean.
A practical decision process
- Check where the job is based.
- Apply that country's photo convention.
- Build the resume in CV Desk.
- Add or omit the photo accordingly.
- Export a clean PDF.
Quick comparison
| Need | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Check whether useful features require a subscription, a one-time unlock, or neither. | The cheapest app on day one may not be cheapest after a year. |
| Privacy model | Prefer on-device work when the content is sensitive. | Private documents, resumes, study data, and family content deserve careful handling. |
| Export / lock-in | Confirm file formats, sharing, backup, and deletion controls. | A good app should help you finish the task, not trap your work. |
Where CV Desk fits
CV Desk is a strong fit when you want a resume that follows best practice and still passes automated screening.
Pay onceNo watermarkPDF & Word
This page is an independent buying guide. App Store features and prices can change, so confirm details on the listing before purchase.