Handwritten or Typed Resume: Which Is Better?
Key points
- There is no rule; follow the employer's instructions
- Typed is easy to fix and easy to read
- If unspecified, either is fine
Some people say a handwritten resume conveys more sincerity, but typed resumes are now widely accepted too.
Features of each
Handwritten
- Careful writing may convey personality.
- A mistake means starting over.
- It can be a burden if you are not confident in your handwriting.
Typed (PDF)
- You can fix it as many times as you like.
- The text is clean and readable.
- You can submit by email right away.
- It is easy to change the text for each employer.
How to choose
- If the employer specifies, follow it. Some say "handwritten" or "PDF".
- If not specified, either is fine. Many companies accept typed resumes.
- If you mail it, you can print it and add only your signature by hand.
When printing
A PDF made with Create a Resume PDF prints on A4. If you attach a photo by hand, you can make it without a photo and stick it on after printing.
If unsure
You can ask the employer, "May I submit a typed resume?" Keep the question short and polite.
Use "Create a Resume PDF (Japanese Rirekisho)" (free)Tools that go well with this
- Crop & Rotate Image: Crop an image to any area or ratio, and rotate it.
- Compress PDF: Shrink a PDF to fit under a size you choose, for upload limits.
- Merge PDFs: Combine several PDF files into one, in the order you choose.
More guides for this tool
- How to Make a Resume PDF for Free (Works on a Phone)
- How to Write Education and Work History on a Japanese Resume
- Resume ID Photos: Size, How to Take One, and Using a Phone Photo
- Writing the Motivation and Self-Introduction: A 3-Step Approach
- Etiquette for Emailing a Resume PDF
- Protecting Personal Data When Making a Resume Online