Having a good handwriting is an enviable attribute, especially as a student. However, with the birth of computers, not so many people make any effort to improve their handwriting skills anymore. But have you paused to ask yourself how something as simple as your handwriting could cost you that dream job? 

Vanessa Simbi, the proprietor of Archgrid Ltd Company, based in Kigali, says sometimes the number of applicants with the same qualification may be high, making it a challenge for an employer to settle on one.

"In such cases, the employer is forced to consider things that are normally disregarded such a good handwriting or a neatly crafted application,” she says.

Simbi adds that for her, a good handwriting speaks volumes about an individual’s organisational skills.

And like psychologist Scott Lilienfeld writes in 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology, "the contents of handwritten application letters are chock-full of biographical information, some of which (like previous job history or a criminal record) can predict job performance. Second, graphologists usually see the scripts of only short-listed applicants. Most people in this pool are already qualified for the job.”

Theophile Hakorimana, a teacher at Harvest School, says although nowadays the world has gone digital, there is still a need to emphasise good handwriting, especially among students.

"Students should be taught how to write well because being neat and having a good handwriting are a sign of a well-organised individual. Such simple skills help students to develop a sense of organisation in whatever they do,” he says.

What’s best approach?

According to many educators, emphasis should be put on the lower classes as this is where a poor handwriting develops.

Diana Nawatti, the head teacher at Mother Mary Complex School in Kibagabaga, says irrespective of one’s age, they can still improve their handwriting.

"One should begin with learning how to handle a pen, and then pick handwriting style they wish to adapt (cursive or manuscript handwriting). They can then practice with letter and numbers to master the art. Such simple steps can help one improve their handwriting irrespective of their age,” she explains.

Nawatti also notes that a careless handwriting is associated with a poor attitude.

As once said by graphologist Margret White, "When used correctly, graphology can give a good indication of a person’s personality structure, their abilities, ability to grow and develop, and perhaps most importantly, their integrity.”

On the other hand, Patrick Kwizera, a teacher at Umubano School, says a good handwriting should be of concern because it also determines how organised a person will be even in future, adding that it should be looked into when the child is in lower classes.

"Basic teaching is important; students should be exposed to reading as this also motivates them to start writing well.However,a bright child with a poor handwriting should be handled with care as she or he can become demoralised and frustrated, which may affect performance,” explains Kwizera.

Past research

According to research by the National Pen Company in the US, your handwriting can give away clues about 5,000 different personality traits based on the way you space your letters, how you sign your name, and even how you connect letters in a word.

It can even be used to identify potential health problems including schizophrenia, high blood pressure as well as how much energy you have.

According to graphologists, the size of someone’s handwriting can determine the type of personality they have.

"People with small handwriting tend to be shy, studious and meticulous, whereas outgoing people who love attention will have larger handwriting. If handwriting is an average size - in that the top of the letters sit just below the centre of line - the writer is well-adjusted and adaptable.

"People who leave large gaps between words enjoy their freedom and don’t like to be crowded, while people who write words close together can’t stand to be alone and might be intrusive,” the research says.