Handwriting analysis is the scientific
investigation of handwriting to determine
personality characteristics.
Although handwriting analysis is gaining
in popularity, many misconceptions exist
about this complex form of personality
analysis.
Below we address six common concerns about
handwriting analysis:
Concern:
"If behavioral scientists had found it to be a
valid tool, then they would have done so by now
and it would be commonly used."
Answer:
Human behavioral studies involving handwriting
analysis exist and it has been found to be a valid
tool. More than 200 scientific papers have been
published in non-graphological peer-reviewed
publications in the last 58 years:
http://tinyurl.com/4cx3nf
Also, handwriting analysis is already commonly
used in the workplace (and elsewhere) at this
time, although it is more popular in Europe than
it is in America.
Concern:
"As a candidate for a job, I want to be
considered due to my experience and talent,
not the results of some examination of my
signature."
Answer:
Your signature (and how it relates to the rest
of your script) is only part of what is analyzed.
At least a half page handwriting sample is best
to properly analyze handwriting.
We and other respected professionals advise
employers to hire based on a person's experience,
talent, and the results of personality testing
methods, which indicate whether someone has
the mindset for a particular job. We recommend
the use of a range of evaluations (e.g.,
graphology in conjunction with other
psychological testing methods), in addition to
the interview to determine a person's fit for
the demands of any particular job.
As we say on our handwriting sample forms,
"Decisions will not be made based only on the
results of the graphological analysis, but in
conjunction with the interview process,
decision-maker observations, and other
information."
Concern:
"What if 10 different handwriting analysts
interpret a person's script 10 different ways?
Isn't there a problem with interpretation?"
Answer:
We recommend employers hire well-trained
graphologists, such as those who have earned
certification from a respected handwriting
analysis school. In doing so, the problem of
varying interpretations is eliminated.
Concern:
"How does a person's handwriting tell you
‘this person can or can't do the job?' This
does not seem like a reasonable tool to help
make hiring decisions."
Answer:
First, through the complex coordination of
physical body, the nervous system, and mind
function, you express yourself in your writing
like no one else. Handwriting is called an
expression of your true self because it has
been shown to directly link to subconscious
character, the real personality behind the
public persona. It's really mind-writing and
it's as unique as your fingerprints. Even twins
have different fingerprints and they also have
different handwriting, sometimes drastically
different, if you delve into the hundreds of
indicators used for a comprehensive analysis.
Handwriting analysis doesn't directly predict
the success of a job applicant. However, it
does provide information about whether or not
the applicant is a match for the job based on
the job description. Motivations (e.g., social
involvement, recognition, m.oney, etc.),
intellect, work habits, communication skills,
and emotional foundation are some common areas
of assessment.
There are many personality traits that aren't
easy to measure by talking to an applicant,
reviewing their resume, and having them take
standard personality evaluations. Handwriting
analysis is so valuable because it assesses
subconscious character, the actual personality,
aside from the one presented or witnessed
when an individual is at their best. It goes
beyond evaluating an applicant just for
the job tasks.
Handwriting analysis is particularly useful in
determining specific personality traits needed
for a job, such as consistency, flexibility,
sincerity, emotional maturity, ability to make
distinctions, decision-making ability, analytical
ability, problem solving ability, ability to
cope with stress, objectivity, and much more.
Concern:
"What if handwriting analysis exposes a
questionable personality dynamic that you
wouldn't see demonstrated on the job, that
is totally unrelated to the position? I'd be
concerned that this is an invasion of my
privacy."
Answer:
Established legal precedents exist in relation
to handwriting analysis. One U.S. court ruled
that your script is "behavior in public" and that
using it as the foundation of personality
evaluation can't be viewed as an invasion of
privacy. U.S. vs. Hazelwood School District 534
F 2nd 805 states that graphology is "not
precluded in hiring if it is related to the job."
Invasion of privacy hinges on the expectation of
privacy, which vanishes when you fill out a job
application in your handwriting and acknowledge
that the employer will read it. Also, employers
understand (e.g., through performance agreements,
such as the one we use) that only the employer's
decision-makers (i.e., your interviewer, etc.),
those supervisory personnel who have a "need to
know," are entitled to see the results of the
analysis. The contents of each profile is kept
confidential, as per the client-analyst agreement.
Besides, no ethical handwriting analyst would
tell your prospective employer about your possible
early-life s.exual abuse, for example, because
it's not directly related to the job. It's the
responsibility of the graphologist to focus
exclusively on personality traits required for
optimum job performance, i.e., identify
personality strengths and challenges related
to the job position.
Concern:
"The majority of adults entering the workforce
today can't even write. It's becoming an obsolete
skill due to computers."
Answer:
Although people aren't writing as much as they
used to due to computers, we believe almost
everyone can still write, even those who just
graduated from high school. Even if they use
only printing and not cursive, their script can
still be analyzed. It's very doubtful the ability
to write will become totally obsolete.
We recommend handwriting analysis as one of the
most effective forms of personality analysis
in existence.
Scott Petullo
http://www.scottpetullo.com/
Stephen Petullo
http://www.holisticmakeover.com/
Copyright © Scott Petullo, Stephen Petullo
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