Should a Recommendation Letter Be Typed or Handwritten?

A recommendation letter should primarily be typed for professionalism and clarity, though a handwritten signature can be a valuable addition, especially when submitting a physical copy.

The Professional Standard: Why Typed Letters Are Preferred

In most professional and academic contexts, a typed recommendation letter is the universally accepted standard. This preference stems from several key advantages that enhance the letter's impact and usability:

• Clarity and Legibility: Typed text is consistently clear and easy to read, eliminating any ambiguity that might arise from varying handwriting styles. This ensures the recipient can quickly and accurately understand the letter's content without effort.
• Professional Appearance: A neatly typed letter conveys a sense of professionalism, attention to detail, and seriousness on the part of the recommender. It presents a polished image, reflecting well on both the recommender and the candidate.
• Ease of Scanning and Digital Processing: In today's digital world, most recommendation letters are submitted electronically or scanned into digital systems. Typed letters are effortlessly processed, searchable, and stored, making them highly efficient for admissions committees or hiring managers who handle numerous applications.
• Uniformity: Typing ensures a consistent format and presentation, regardless of who writes the letter, which can be beneficial for institutions reviewing many applications.

Adding a Personal Touch: The Role of a Handwritten Signature

While the body of the letter should be typed, a handwritten signature can still play an important role, particularly under specific circumstances.

• Authenticity and Veracity: A wet-ink signature on a printed letter adds a layer of authenticity, verifying that the recommender has personally reviewed and approved the content. This can provide a sense of trustworthiness and personal endorsement that a purely digital signature might not fully convey.
• Traditional Mail Submissions: If the recommendation letter is being sent through traditional postal mail, a handwritten signature adds a personal touch and reinforces the letter's genuine nature.
• Scanned Signatures for Digital Submissions: For electronically submitted letters, a scanned image of a handwritten signature is often preferred over a generic typed signature. This combines the professionalism of a typed letter with the personal authentication of a signature.

Best Practices for Submitting Your Recommendation Letter

To ensure your recommendation letter is effective and professionally presented, consider these best practices:

• Always Type the Main Content: The entire body of the letter, including the date, salutation, paragraphs, and closing, should be typed.
• Use Professional Formatting: Opt for a standard, readable font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri) in a legible size (10-12 point). Ensure proper spacing, margins, and alignment for a clean look.
• Proofread Meticulously: Before finalization, thoroughly proofread the letter for any grammatical errors, typos, or factual inaccuracies. A polished letter reflects well on the recommender and the candidate.
• For Digital Submissions:
  • PDF Format: Convert the letter to a PDF to preserve formatting and prevent unauthorized edits.
  • Scanned Signature: Print the typed letter, sign it with a pen, and then scan it back into a PDF document. This provides the best of both worlds: a professional typed letter with an authentic signature.
• For Physical Mail Submissions:
  • Wet Ink Signature: Print the typed letter and sign it with a pen using wet ink.
  • High-Quality Paper: Use good quality paper to enhance the professional feel.
• Include Contact Information: Ensure the letter includes the recommender's contact information (email, phone number) for any follow-up questions.

In summary, while the core content of a recommendation letter should always be typed for clarity and professionalism, a handwritten signature adds an important personal and authentic element, especially for traditional mail or scanned digital versions.