Navigating the Request for Handwritten Proofs in Job Interviews: A Guide for Published Authors

When a potential employer asks you to bring a handwritten letter to showcase good penmanship and grammar, while your resume clearly states that you are a published author, itrsquo;s important to approach the situation thoughtfully. While it may seem counterintuitive, especially for a published author, responding with defensiveness or reluctance can harm your hiring prospects.

The Job Context Matters

Whether or not you should comply with this request depends on the nature of the job you are applying for. If the role involves situations that require excellent penmanship and grammar, such as legal, administrative, or certain creative professions, itrsquo;s reasonable for the employer to ask for a handwritten sample to assess your skills.

For instance, in a law firm or a publishing house, where precision and detail are crucial, having good penmanship and grammar might be essential. However, if the job primarily involves digital communication or where most tasks are carried out through a computer, a request for a handwritten letter may seem unnecessary. In these cases, your published work and professional experience should speak for themselves.

Interview Scenarios and Writing Exercises

Such requests are not as uncommon as you might think. Many hiring managers will provide a scenario to a candidate and ask them to write a letter of response. This is often part of a thorough evaluation process. During my interview experiences, such tasks were frequently included, and my grammar, punctuation, and spelling were carefully scrutinized. Similarly, as an interviewer, I would often have candidates complete similar exercises to gauge their ability to communicate effectively in writing.

For candidates who are expected to write directly for the job, providing a handwritten sample is indeed necessary. However, if the job doesnrsquo;t require manual writing, asking for a handwritten sample is less relevant. In todayrsquo;s digital age, most people keyboard everything, making it less common to face this specific request.

Addressing Concerns and Bias

Sometimes, the request for a handwritten letter might come from a place of discrimination against individuals with manual disabilities, left-handers, or those with dyslexia. In such cases, it is important to address these concerns.

Early on, you might say, ldquo;While I understand the employerrsquo;s request, it is highly unlikely that any part of the job requires the use of handwriting to the exclusion of computer keyboards. Therefore, there is no vocational reason for this requirement.rdquo;

You can further cite the limitations of handwriting due to technological advancements, such as the widespread use of keyboards and digital communication. Additionally, you can highlight that legitimate hiring practices should not rely on outdated or pseudoscientific assessments like graphology, which lacks scientific validity.

Compromise and Communication

Instead of arguing or dismissing the request outright, consider bringing a sample of your handwritten work. If you are a published author but do not have strong penmanship, you might also ask the employer, ldquo;Could you please clarify the reason for this request? In todayrsquo;s digital age, most of my work is computer-generated. Is there a specific reason for your interest in my handwriting?rdquo;

Sending them what they asked for, in a courteous manner, is often the best approach. Barbra Streisand once said, ldquo;Donrsquo;t make any assumptions; it leads to mistakes.rdquo; By complying with the request, you show your ability to follow instructions and maintain a professional demeanor, which are valuable traits in any workplace environment.

Conclusion:

While you may be a published author, possessing strong writing skills, and your resume speaks for itself, it is still necessary to provide the requested handwritten sample if the job specifically requires penmanship. Addressing the reasons behind the request and explaining your situation can help facilitate a positive response. Your value as a candidate lies in your professional competencies and written communication skills, which are demonstrated through your published work and acceptable handwriting.