If you are a foreign candidate who is applying for a job in the UK, you may be concerned about how your accent will affect your chances of getting hired. There is a growing body of research that suggests that having a strong foreign accent can negatively affect your chances of getting hired. For example, a study by Schmaus and Kristen (2022) found that job applicants with strong foreign accents were less likely to be invited to a second interview than applicants with native accents. The study also found that the negative impact of having a foreign accent was more pronounced for applicants from ethnic minority groups.
Another study by Hosoda and Stone-Romero (2010) found that job applicants with strong foreign accents were rated lower on competence and likability than applicants with native accents. The study also found that the negative impact of having a strong foreign accent was more pronounced for jobs that were perceived as requiring high levels of communication skills.
These studies suggest that having a strong foreign accent can be a significant barrier to employment. However, it is important to note that not all employers are biased against foreign accents. There are many employers who are open-minded and willing to hire qualified candidates regardless of their accent as long as they can be understood.
When a candidate is rejected, the feedback we most often receive from interviews is that the candidate could not be understood because of a strong accent.
If you are a foreign candidate who is concerned about the impact of your accent on your job search, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success.
One of the most important things you can do is to take elocution lessons. Elocution lessons will help you to improve your pronunciation, fluency, and overall clarity of speech. This will make it easier for interviewers to understand you, and it will also help you to project a more confident and professional image.
In today's world, many interviews are conducted over video conference. This can be a challenge for candidates with strong accents, as the interviewer may have difficulty understanding them even if they are speaking clearly. If you are planning to interview over video conference, it is important to make sure that you have a good internet connection and that you are speaking in a quiet environment. You may also want to consider using a headset or microphone to improve the quality of your audio.
We recommend that you include a link in your CV to a video where you introduce yourself and demonstrate your proficiency in English.
Here are some additional tips for foreign candidates with heavy accents:
Practice speaking English in front of a mirror or with a friend.
Watch English-language movies and TV shows to improve your listening comprehension.
Read English newspapers and magazines to improve your vocabulary.
Be confident and positive during your interview.
One way to highlight your English proficiency is to include a link in your CV to a video or audio introducing yourself . This is a great way to show potential employers that you can speak English fluently and clearly. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile, which will show your English language skills and experience.
Remember, your accent does not define you. You are still a valuable and qualified candidate, and you deserve to be given a fair chance. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and land the job you deserve.
References:
Hosoda, M., & Stone-Romero, E. F. (2010). The impact of foreign accents on perceived competence and likability in employment interviews: A field study. Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(3), 593-603.
Schmaus, J., & Kristen, A. (2022). The impact of foreign accents on interview outcomes: A meta-analysis of experimental studies. Journal of Business and Psychology, 37(1), 3-20.
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