An innocuous photo like this could hurt your chances of getting a job

An innocuous photo like this could hurt your chances of getting a job

By Maddison Leach
Publication Date: 2026-02-24 21:52:00

Australians who use it AI to create more professional portrait photos, cover letters or CVs apply for a new job could shoot yourself in the foot.

They’re all over LinkedIn, but the sleek-looking AI-generated photos can raise red flags with hiring managers and recruiters.

Kris Viner, senior director of Robert Walters Sydney, advises Australians against using them, especially when applying for a new one Jobs.
The photo on the left is an archive image of a woman posing for a selfie. On the right is the professional portrait photo that Google Gemini created based on the selfie. (iStock/Nine)

“AI headshots are popping up more and more on LinkedIn, but they can actually hinder more than they help,” she told nine.com.au.

“Hiring managers value authenticity, and using a generated image risks being viewed as misleading.”

Shane Little, managing director of enterprise solutions APAC at Hays, agreed that AI headshots can be a concern if they don’t reflect a candidate’s real-life appearance.

“While she may…