There are hundreds of features in handwriting, all "discovered" in different ways.
Sometimes a cluster of features was seen frequently in writings produced by particular people and a deduction was made that the features (or sign) relates to that type of person. Other times an idea has been developed and handwritings were inspected to see whether it is true. The most fascinating discoveries are made with no obvious knowledge. The word Intuition is used. "Intuitive graphologists" see the writer's personality without understanding how. There is no magic involved, they just have put together many different observations and they are unable to explain the thinking processes.I estimate that there are only 1000 full time graphologists in the world. Perhaps 2000 part timers and 7000 supporters of the subject. There are other people who may have followed courses but are not active. Very few people make a living out of it. You could have different ambitions.
The French Society (formed by the man who coined the term graphology) doesn't allow people to study with them unless they have qualifications that would allow them to enter University. Then you need three years of study to have an appreciation of the subject. More training is required before asking people to pay for your services.
Many are by distance learning, which means that your location is unimportant. Don't underestimate the power of personal tuition. In the USA these associations may help you to find a local tutor AHAF AAHA IGAS . In the UK there are these associations BAoG BIG IGA and in France the SFDG
My Factbook lists over 60 courses. If you want the listing click HERE and fill in my request. That gives you an email with the Training chapter from GRAPHOLOGY DIGEST FACTBOOK free!
Take your pick from a list of texts recommended by European Associations click HERE to see it. You should also be aware of "The Write Stuff" by Beyerstein & Beyerstein. It is very critical of graphology and graphologists. I find the book to be annoying, it is sarcastic, but essential reading.
Any company you name has probably looked into it but few will admit to using it. There are various reasons for hesitation, these include: fear that it is out of fashion, embarrassment of ridicule, fear that it is a potential area for union dispute, and of course some people have said they use it as a secret tool.
This is a difficult question since you can discuss the meaning of "use" - do you mean regularly, ever, sometimes, have used once etc. Here are some indicators with the sources:
The European Union (1998) describes the use of graphology for recruitment in member countries. France: used in up to 50% of companies and by 80% of consultants. Belgium: common in pre-selection or to back up impressions. Portugal: sometimes used. Italy: may be used. Denmark: rarely used.
A 1995 survey by the University of Berne (Personnel Studies Dept.) and the Swiss Personnel Management Society gave results from 843 Swiss company human resources managers (3000 members). 68% of these specialists in Switzerland claim to use graphology as a selection tool. (Thom N & Zaugg R - Recrutement et Sélection...etc. cited in SFDG Revue No.224)
An article shows selection methods in six countries. The percentages for graphology are France = 52, NL = 24, UK=3, Israel=2, Norway=2. (Robertson and Makin 1993 - Selection Methods and their usage. Recruitment & Retention Vol 2 No 1)
A 1991 study shows selection methods used in the UK. The data are from a survey of 173 organisations of different sizes in both public and private sectors. Graphology was used by one per cent of these employers. (IRS - Industrial Relations Survey. The state of Selection - Recruitment & Development Report 16, April 1991)
A survey of 1419 undergraduates in the UK asked what was required in job searches. 18% underwent psycwwwtric/personality assessments, 11% attended an assessment centre, 4% provided handwriting for analysis. This was a representative sample of final year students at 49 British Universities in July 1994. (The Guardian Newpaper Graduate Facts 2 pg.22) This suggests that over 3500 analyses are made a year on graduates in the UK.
The Employment Agency H W Group says that graphology is used by 6pc of large and medium-sized companies in the UK. (Daily Telegraph Appointments 29/4/99 Pg. A1).
Last updated 3 September 2001. Please report any corrections to me at this email address bradlen@graphology.ws
3 September 2001