What to put in your signature

What to put in your signature! Is it best to write your full name? First and last names, plus middle initial? First initial and last name? Does which you do mean anything?

The less you write the less you are giving away in the way of information. When you write your first initial and last name only, you are giving away the bare minimum of information you can give in your signature, and for that reason it usually denotes a more formal approach.

Of course, if you write you signature 100 times a day, you probably want it to be as short as possible, so here we are considering what you would write if you only write your signature a few times a day, or less.

The first name written out in full followed by the last name shows someone who is more friendly and open. First name, middle initial and last name can be an indication of a bit more "show". It creates some importance the more names and initials you can put down.

However if you're name is John Smith, you might want to include your middle initial for purely practical reasons of identification, since there are probably few more John Smiths out there.

Women who use their maiden surname plus their husbands are showing independence in that they didn't give up their own name. Women who retain their maiden name alone are showing even more independence.

So, yes, what you put in your signature is significant. Consider how you want to come across as you sign your name next time.

Find out more about signatures.