The most important recruitment decisions you'll ever make could be based on qualities revealed in a letter of application.

It's no accident that all the best companies ask for a handwritten application letter. Of course it shows the obvious attributes - such as ability to write and to spell. But it also reveals aspects of the applicant's character that you never discover during an interview.

In fact many companies use the letter of application to weed out the most promising candidates for the job before the interview stage. Some employ a graphologist to do these preliminary checks for them. But if you want to do a quick evaluation yourself, here are some the general things to look for:

First look at the pressure of the writing. Heavy pressure implies the person is physically fit and energetic - usually strong willed and confident. Very light pressure could indicate someone who is very timid with low energy levels or who is ill.

Look at the baseline of the letters. A straight line shows an emotionally stable person - but they could be a little dull and staid. Slanting upward denotes ambition and enthusiasm. But watch out for the downward slopers - they could by physically unfit, emotionally volatile or pessimistic in outlook.

Find a capital letter I - this is very revealing. A single downward stroke shows a writer who is intelligent, straightforward and genuine. A crossbar added top and bottom is someone with a high opinion of themselves. A capital written as a lower case letter shows a very immature ego and one with a loop at the top could represent repression, inhibition and avoidance of responsibility.

Study the loops on the bottom of letters like g and y. Medium sized loops indicate a writer who is self assured and realistic in their outlook. While very large loops indicate a very imaginative and egotistical character

Consider the colour of the ink - blue means they are calm, dependable - have no desire to be exceptional. Black is the sign of a leader - someone who wants to make an impression and is decisive. The ones using brown ink can be trusted to keep a secret at all costs. But never consider those who change colours part way through - this shows egocentricity and you could be asking for trouble.