Handwritten covering letter

Lollypop75

I've never done one of these. Obviously I should make my handwriting neat, so that it's easily readable. But I was just wondering what paper to use? I guess I have to use good quality plain paper (and somehow magically ensure that my lines stay straight).

If someone knows for definite, that'd be great.

Horace

I always handwrite my letters - I have always used Basildon Bond notepaper and to help you get your lines straight they have a handy guide that you put behind the paper that you're writing on.

A handwritten letter looks so much better than a typed one as it shows that you have taken care..a typewritten one can be a bit too formal.

Lollypop75

That's a good idea - although I think I'll have to just try really hard to keep the lines straight for this one. Then another time I'll pick up some guidelines.

Ooh, and I thought of some other things. Do you format this as a normal letter, so with your address at the top, and then theirs? Should I avoid joined-up writing at all costs? Is it ok to write in blue?

So many questions!

wontfallforit

Lollypop75 wrote: »

That's a good idea - although I think I'll have to just try really hard to keep the lines straight for this one. Then another time I'll pick up some guidelines.

Ooh, and I thought of some other things. Do you format this as a normal letter, so with your address at the top, and then theirs? Should I avoid joined-up writing at all costs? Is it ok to write in blue?

So many questions!

Draw some really faint guidelines with a pencil and a ruler, write your letter, and then carefully erase the pencil lines (long after the pen ink has dried!).

Horace

Lollypop75 wrote: »

That's a good idea - although I think I'll have to just try really hard to keep the lines straight for this one. Then another time I'll pick up some guidelines.

Ooh, and I thought of some other things. Do you format this as a normal letter, so with your address at the top, and then theirs? Should I avoid joined-up writing at all costs? Is it ok to write in blue?

So many questions!

You can buy Basildon Bond in any decent newsagent and stationers (its relatively inexpensive). Write the letter with your address on the top right and address it Dear Sirs, and end it yours faithfully. Use joined up writing if that's the normal way that you write and yes it is ok to use blue. You can also handwrite the envelope too if they haven't sent an envelope for you to use..just clip your letter to the front of the application form.

You could rule lines on the paper with a fine pencil and erase them afterwards...if that helps?

Lollypop75

Thanks so much, both of you. This is fantastic help!

flutterbyuk25

You could put the plain paper over a sheet on lined so that you can see the lines through it to write on?

HTH

x

inmypocketnottheirs

Use a sheet of A4 paper with a ruled behind for guidance.

jdturk

handwritten looks rubbish, IMO should be typed and if I get any handwritten they automatically get put to the bottom of the pile

Unless its dictated they hand write them

DCFC79

Ive nt hand written a letter for god knows how long, maybe since school, i type mine now and its not done any harm. Handwritten ltters wouldnt look too bad i guess if the hand writting was neat etc, mines not terribly neat so i prefer to type instead

brightonman123

wouldnt want to work at a firm that hasnt embraced email, or even typewriters yet..

Now imagining scene from Scrooge, bent over a desk (steady!), with an old quill pen!