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Original poster

Handwritten application - possibly stupid question.

23 replies

bumblefeline · 13/02/2022 11:30

I have seen a job that would be good for me and it says apply by handwritten application.

I assume I just hand write the cover letter and enclose my CV.

This seems quite old school to me. I have been out of work for a few years though, so not sure if it's common or not.

OP posts:

amusedbush · 13/02/2022 11:46

I thought my dad was the last person on earth to handwrite a cover letter when he applied for his last job ten years ago, so this is surprising!

I don't like the request, to be honest - it sounds like a weird test. I'm dyspraxic and everything I write looks like I held the pen with my feet, so I'd hate to be judged on that when the job is done on a computer.

Movingonup22 · 13/02/2022 11:49

How odd! Do they literally mean written in hand? That is bizarre!

Original poster

bumblefeline · 13/02/2022 11:52

I thought it was an odd request as well.

I don't think I have ever handwritten a job application.

It literally says this - Please apply by own hand written application.

I was thinking it was maybe some sore of test to see who listens to instructions.

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whywouldntyou · 13/02/2022 11:57

Does the job entail putting information on to forms that has to be done by hand (in a book or something) so your writing has to be legible?

TottersBlankly · 13/02/2022 12:00

How interestingly feudal!

Either:

They’re basic snobs and want to be able to judge the quality of your writing paper and pen-one-up-manship. So anything written in biro will probably go straight in the bin.

Or:

They are devotees of graphology and intend to analyse your actual personality via your handwriting.

They don’t sound like comfortable people to work for in the 21st century. They may have other worryingly outdated opinions …

Original poster

bumblefeline · 13/02/2022 12:02

@whywouldntyou

Does the job entail putting information on to forms that has to be done by hand (in a book or something) so your writing has to be legible?

Yes there are lots of forms to fill in by hand. Could make sense now then.

OP posts:

gogohm · 13/02/2022 12:02

Have they provided the application form as a pdf and they want you to print it and complete by hand perhaps? I wasn't asked about my handwriting (it's terrible) and I do need to complete legal documents by hand, I have a volunteer who does them for me (I'm that bad!)

TottersBlankly · 13/02/2022 12:03

Why didn’t you say that in your first post??

caranations · 13/02/2022 12:05

Some people have shocking handwriting, so presumably they need to look for people who can at least write legibly.

Original poster

bumblefeline · 13/02/2022 12:06

@TottersBlankly

Why didn’t you say that in your first post??

Been out of the loop for a while so it’s only just occurred to me. Told you it was possibly stupid

OP posts:

Original poster

bumblefeline · 13/02/2022 12:07

No application form. I will apply and if I am lucky enough to get an interview will size them up. Best get looking for my best paper.

OP posts:

SolasAnla · 13/02/2022 12:17

@bumblefeline

I have seen a job that would be good for me and it says apply by handwritten application.

I assume I just hand write the cover letter and enclose my CV.

This seems quite old school to me. I have been out of work for a few years though, so not sure if it's common or not.

Its looking for 100% handwriting application. So handwriting CV too.

If you are doing some type of job which needs to have great handwriting its so that it can be uploaded via a scanner and converted into text or quickly read to be input by a typist.

If not then it is a (personality) test to see who can follow instructions.

SolasAnla · 13/02/2022 12:18

@bumblefeline

No application form. I will apply and if I am lucky enough to get an interview will size them up. Best get looking for my best paper.

And a black (not blue) ink pen.

Original poster

bumblefeline · 13/02/2022 12:21

Thank you will look for a black pen.

OP posts:

Spud1130 · 13/02/2022 12:28

As someone who has just sifted through 1000+ applications online and found less than applicants who are suitable (in terms of these requested qualifications/experience etc), I think it's a good idea!

Magicmagician · 13/02/2022 12:42

Complete aside but the registrar when we got married said she had to do a hand writing test as part of the job application, for all the certificates. That has always stuck with me! Good luck with the application

Svara · 13/02/2022 12:48

I'd say they want to make sure you can write legibly and possibly spell too. Many people rely on spell check. Though someone who knows they can't spell like my DM would do a draft copy and have someone correct it or write it on the computer first (still often needs help if she's spelt a word too wrong).

MotherOfCrocodiles · 13/02/2022 12:51

Maybe they want to filter out non serious applicants. Usually when I have short listed candidates for a job, over 50% are randoms with no relevant experience and the cover letter is a copy paste job.

ErrolTheDragon · 13/02/2022 12:52

It may be also to weed out applications from people who print off and send out applications en masse.

HelloDulling · 13/02/2022 12:52

Jobs at my DS’s school always ask for the covering letter to be handwritten. I suppose it’s a good way of checking your spelling/grammar as well as your actual handwriting.

FinallyHere · 13/02/2022 12:56

@HelloDulling it really isn't you know.

If I really wanted the role, I'd write my draft on a computer, spell check then do a couple of hand written drafts to work out where the page breaks should fall.

They would at most be checking my problem solving skills.

Svara · 13/02/2022 14:50

I agree that it's easy to get around it if you can't spell. I've completed online screening tests for my DM for job applications and have read through drafts and corrected spelling and grammar for her too. Even if she had no help she could use the computer and then copy it out.

HelloDulling · 13/02/2022 17:54

[quote FinallyHere]@HelloDulling it really isn't you know.

If I really wanted the role, I'd write my draft on a computer, spell check then do a couple of hand written drafts to work out where the page breaks should fall.

They would at most be checking my problem solving skills. [/quote]
Well, with that level of tenacity and commitment, they’d be lucky to have you in any case!

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