Why have I called this blog ‘why people with good accents tend to get better jobs?’
I found a very interesting article about this written by a top recruiting firm in the U.S. and would like to share it with you.
I keep hearing the same story over and over again in different forms, from customers regarding job and social opportunities. It’s clear that having clear speech in English, or a good accent, makes a big difference to job prospects and career advancement.
As I listen to the audio assessments customers have sent me, customers tell me why it’s important to them to speak English clearly. Have a look at what they have said.
People with good accents tend to get better jobs. What our customers have said:
It is important for me to speak more clearly because:
-being in a management role, being able to speak English clearly is important so don’t feel hesitant to speak up or ask questions
-anxious when have to present to others because of a heavy accent
-feel like a bit of a ‘second class citizen’ if I don’t have a good accent
–will help in my career advancement
-I have to manage international meetings, and need to be understood by a lot of different nationalities in the meetings
-misunderstood by people around me, and it’s frustrating to have to repeat myself again and again
-is a coach so it’s important to present self well to get clients
-my accent is a barrier between me and the person I’m speaking to ( don’t want this to be the case)
-want better communication skills to perform best in roles such as sales, as a doctor, dentist, I.T. etc
-want to sound smart and show I have the skills for the job
–make me look more professional
-I want to be clear to boost confidence
-sick of being asked 50 times if is Indian/ German/ French etc
-as goes up corporate ladder need to speak clearly to influence people,lead with clarity and vision , speak with impact
-will boost my career tremendously
-I want to move to Australia/England/ the U.S.
– want to blend in with the locals – sound more natural, and be taken seriously in my job
– starting a new senior position in a company and very uncomfortable when not understood on the phone, or when I give presentations or workshops
-want to speak clearly to give me more authority
– want to be more socially accepted– communicate better with others
-unclear speech is in the way of reaching my full career potential
-embarrassed and ashamed of English accent and so I don’t speak up especially in a group
Maybe some of these are true for you?
The very interesting article I mentioned at the beginning is written about America, but it is definitely relevant to Australia as well as Britain.
It is possible to speak more clearly and acquire a good accent to advance your career and work opportunities!
Best wishes, Esther
