If you make hiring decisions, take a few notes. There’s a hiring tool not many people are aware exists. Written about as early as the 1600’s and in use all over the world today, this powerful pre-screening method is known as Graphology or handwriting analysis. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition defines Graphology as “The study of handwriting, especially when employed as a means of analyzing character.”
Some mistakenly assume it is related to palm reading, astrology, numerology, etc. Nothing is further from truth. The Library of Congress recognizes Graphology as a science, listing it under Psychology.
Traditional hiring techniques involve written application, interview, and references. People can become adept at interviewing. You are relying on subjective answers from applicants. Who lists references that discredit past performance? Handwriting analysis can really supplement existing hiring processes. This personality assessment tool is an “ace up your sleeve” before or after interviewing prospects.
Here’s how it works. Individual letter formations reveal personality traits when we write. Basic psychological principles are observed such as dark/light, left/right, narrow/wide, up/down, etc. What’s written isn’t important; how it’s written is. Handwriting is as unique as a fingerprint. An experienced analyst sees traits in all their combinations on paper. The handwriting should be analyzed as a whole.
One of my first clients wrote me a check. A few days later I noticed an unusual trait in his signature. I emailed asking had he ever had a severe injury of lower leg or foot. He had suffered a severe ankle injury and asked how I knew. Without divulging trade secrets, I gave a hint. I’m certainly not a doctor. Nor do I diagnose illness or recommend treatment, since I have no medical training or license. The above true account is simply meant to illustrate one of many things found in handwriting.
By no means inclusive, a list of personality traits handwriting can reveal:
Productivity / Goal Setting / Procrastination
Self-esteem / Determination / Persistence
Mental Processes / Emotional Expression
Positive aspects of Graphology:
· Objective / Non-discriminatory (analyst never meets applicant)
· Doesn’t rely on subjective input from applicant
· Your competition probably doesn’t know about handwriting analysis
Graphology isn’t 100% accurate. No screening method is. People are too diverse in their behavior and actions. But a sharp analyst can give you a very good idea whom you’re dealing with before you hire. You can screen existing staff for promotion, team building, or conflict resolution. You might save time, hassle, and money while you’re at it. I say throw convention to the wind and give handwriting analysis a try. Order a quick profile analysis of yourself or a current staffer. This is to test the analyst’s accuracy. If you’re impressed and want to explore further, a more in-depth analysis can be requested.
Age, gender, and race can’t be determined by handwriting analysis. Graphology should never be used as the sole criteria for hiring decisions, but should supplement existing screening methods.
