is it ok to use all capitalization on a job application??

Question

if i use lowercase its not that neat

Answer 1

It's probably better to us all caps for a handwritten application if it will be illegible otherwise. I'd never do that for a type written application. All caps has the effect of shouting and it would be overwhelming.

Answer 2

When I review an application I'm looking for a few things:

1) Is it handwritten? If not, don't bother turning it in to me. If so, neatness is exponentially more important than script style.

2) Does the applicant demonstrate a competence with business English?

3) Did the applicant leave any blank spaces? My application features an entire page on special skills and qualifications. If I give you a page to tell me a few reasons I should hire you, DON'T LEAVE IT BLANK.

4) Does the applicant have a felony conviction? If so it isn't an automatic deal breaker for some of my positions but everything else had better be top notch.

5) Does the applicant's education and experience background have something in common with the vacancy I am trying to staff.


Notice that I seldom get to your education and qualifications until I am satisfied with the other details of your content. I have given interviews where I was just almost begging applicants not to say something stupid because the first four things I was looking for were met and the last was marginal. One of my best staff members today was hired because the first four were solid and he didn't talk himself out of a job at interview time (his lack of related education and experience was borderline irrelevant).

These are kind of my personal tastes but most employers have a lot in common. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 3

If you're printing it yourself? I would think it's ok, if your handwriting is better using capitals. Just be sure not to make the letters gigantic, so you have enough room to answer the question completely.
If you're typing out the application, all caps would be too difficult on the eyes.
Making sure the application is neat, clean, with good spelling and grammar is most important.

Answer 4

While it can be a bit 'neater' in your perception, I'd advise against it. A few years ago I sent an email in all caps and was accused of 'shouting' at the person. Nah. I was just lazy. What did it get me? Sent to a friggin 'Effective Communication' class. Gotta love big orgs. What did I learn?

- capital letters seem overbearing in print, sometimes as 'shouting'
- official documents in caps may be seen as being aggressive (sometimes overly) and pushy
- it could also lend badly to your case. Many people with partial literacy only write in all caps because of its ease to scribe.
- sometimes men who write in all caps are seen as bossy, women can be seen as overly forceful

So, best best? Do lowercase. Wanna really impress them? Dust off the typewriter and type it. Shows dedication and a desire for neatness.

Answer 5

IS this job application online? well I think it would be better just to write normal because your manager or boss would think that you don't take time to fix mistakes. What do you mean if you use lowercase it isn't that neat? Maybe use a different font. I am not really sure how to answer that one. Sorry!

Answer 6

This is a job you're talking about. Your resume and/or application is a direct reflection of your intelligence, education and abilities. Handwritten caps are okay, typed, most definitely not. Perfect spelling, perfect grammar. It also depends on the type of job it is. For instance, I'm an interior designer. All we and architects do is write in caps. We're expected to. But, that's just this one field of work. Do what you want, but just remember the impression you will be leaving with those who read it.

Answer 7

THIS DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A GOOD IDEA. AS THE PERSON ABOVE SAID, IT MAY SOUND LIKE YOU'RE YELLING. ALTERNATIVELY, IT MAY SEEM LIKE YOU DON'T NOW CONVENTIONS. IT IS ALSO HARDER TO READ, WHICH MAY PRECONDITION THE READER TO BE IN ANNOYED STATED WHEN READING YOUR APPLICATION.

I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN AN APPLICATION WITH ALL CAPS SO I CAN'T KNOW FOR SURE HOW I WOULD REACT, BUT I DOUBT I WOULD APPRECIATE AND IT WOULD CERTAINLY MAKE ME WONDER ABOUT THE APPLICANT.

How did it feel reading this note in all caps? That should give you some idea of how someone might feel when receiving your application in all caps.

Answer 8

Only for rudimentary info -
Birth date, address, name of last employer etc.
But for any statements regarding for instance, your duties on your previous job, the rules follow -
Caps for start of sentences, names and acronyms.
If handwriting is an issue, take in a typed resume with the job history / duties already listed then just say "see attached resume".

Answer 9

No don't do that. Just use Capitols at the start of each word in your headings. Using capitols is not the subliminal approach you need. Some find it intimidating. Put together a good resume but first have a look at other templates and paragraphs for your ideas.

Answer 10

Hay Brandon! I have used all capital letters for all of my job applications and have been hired. I don't think that using capital letters would deny you a job. Just make sure you use BLACK ink and leave NO BLANK SPACES. I am sure that everything else will fall into place. Good-luck!!