Contrary to popular belief with how high-tech our working environments have become, there are instances where it is acceptable to submit a handwritten resume.
Not conventional, but still acceptable.
Below, we will discuss them, and the pros and cons of submitting a handwritten resume.
Should you submit a handwritten resume?
You should only submit a handwritten resume if the job application asks for one. Sometimes, small businesses will also accept handwritten resumes. You can also submit one if you are in the creative industry and want to try an unconventional method to stand out from competitors.
YES, if the job application is specifically asking for a handwritten resume
If the job application is asking for a handwritten resume you will have to follow their request.
Try to find out why they are asking for a handwritten one instead of the regular digital resume.
They could be testing your handwriting, so make sure to use proper stationery and write neatly.
Research the type of candidate the company is looking for and try to adapt your handwritten resume accordingly.
Small businesses that do not have job applications online will also accept handwritten resumes.
It all depends on the nature of the organization.
YES, if the job is in the creative art industry
A resume is more than just a document with your experiences. It is the first glimpse of who you are that the recruiter sees.
When applying to a creative art-focused industry, it is more appropriate to be out-of-the-box creative.
If you think your target company is looking for someone who is creative and is confident enough to not follow the norm, then by all means submit a handwritten resume.
Once deciding to do so, design it in a way where your personality and creative abilities shine through.
Keep in mind that this is risky so research the company’s policies well to understand if they would accept this kind of resume.
NO for most job industries (unless otherwise stated)
For any other industry, especially tech-focused and the ones overseas, applications are most likely online.
So, submitting a handwritten resume may paint you as someone unprofessional for not following the standard.
You might also come off as out-of-touch with the current work environment.
Every recruiter is looking for someone who is on top of the game and will follow company policies and standards.
NO, if ATS software is used
Most job applications are now online is because they are scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) first.
Most recruiters only look at resumes that have surpassed the ATS otherwise they are disregarded.
ATS rejects any handwritten documents and only accepts those in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
This is also why it is important to use relevant keywords and formats.
So, there is a high risk of losing the opportunity of having your resume considered from the start.
If you are still unsure about whether you want to submit a handwritten resume or not, let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros and cons of submitting a handwritten resume
Pros of submitting a handwritten resume
- A handwritten resume shows more personality
- A handwritten resume can demonstrate your writing skills
- A handwritten resume can show how much you want the job
1. A handwritten resume shows more personality
A lot can be said about someone’s personality through their handwriting.
Whether their letters are straight or slanting, the spaces between words and overall neatness indicate aspects of a person’s character.
Submitting a handwritten resume is more authentic than a digital one.
It also gives you more room to demonstrate your personality which can be hard to do in a usual online resume.
2. A handwritten resume can demonstrate your writing skills
For teachers or anyone applying to a job where they will have to handwrite material, a handwritten resume is perfect for showcasing your writing ability.
The spelling, handwriting, and sentence structure is more personal as it is done by hand without auto-correct or other countless apps that adjust writing.
3. A handwritten resume can show how much you want the job
If you are someone without access to a printer or a computer that can help you design a resume, a handwritten resume may be your only choice.
Do not let the digital world discourage you.
Submitting a handwritten resume and explaining to the hiring manager your reason for it, might work in your favor.
It shows great character and determination and goes to show how willing you to put in all your effort to get the job.
We’ve discussed the advantages and so sometimes, a handwritten resume can be perfectly acceptable.
Cons of submitting a handwritten resume
- A handwritten resume can be unreadable if you have an unclear handwriting
- You cannot customize a handwritten resume
- A handwritten resume can signal to the recruiter that you are not tech-savvy
- A handwritten resume can signal to the recruiter that you won’t fit in
1. A handwritten resume can be unreadable if you have an unclear handwriting
If your handwriting is not neat enough to be easily readable, do not submit a handwritten resume.
You do not want the recruiter struggling to figure out what you have written or misunderstanding your vital experiences.
2. You cannot customize a handwritten resume
Unlike a digital resume, a handwritten resume remains as customizable as your writing ability goes.
You cannot add different fonts, styles, or formats.
It will be hard to decorate and design a handwritten resume while remaining professional.
Most likely, it will end up very plain and not eye-catching.
3. A handwritten resume can signal to the recruiter that you are not tech-savvy
Handwritten resumes are a thing of the past.
Technology is essential to our current work environment and pretty much every aspect of our life.
If you are not submitting a handwritten resume, the recruiter might assume that you don’t have any fundamental or advanced IT skills.
They might also think that you are unwilling to adapt to the modern environment.
This may disqualify your application immediately.
4. A handwritten resume can signal to the recruiter that you won’t fit in
As mentioned previously, everyone’s lives have become very digitalized.
A majority of companies’ cultures are focused on being innovative technology-wise.
If you come off as someone who is not tech-savvy, you would not fit in the organization, or it would take a lot of resources to ensure that you adapt.
This is a huge dealbreaker to recruiters.
Now, that you have both pros and cons, you can make an informed decision regarding submitting a handwritten resume.
Just remember that your cover letter should follow the same format.
Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.