Jobseekers mask regional accents

One third of jobseekers tone down their accent in interviews, believing it is a hindrance rather than a help. However, this is in complete contrast to employers, many of which are crying out for staff with regional accents.

According to new research from totaljobs.com, one of the UK’s leading jobs boards, Scousers and Cockneys are most likely to try and hide their accents, along with those that live in London. Stereotypically, jobseekers with BBC tones are the happiest with the way they sound.

Yet almost one in ten employers are more likely to recruit someone because of a pleasant regional accent. A Scottish brogue tops the list for sounding the most trustworthy, whilst employers believe that the Irish have the friendliest accent -ideal for those in sales and any roles
dealing with clients and the public.

Says Keith Robinson, commercial director for totaljobs.com: Britain is becoming an increasingly mobile country, with people moving to new areas for work and to study. As a result, a variety of English dialects can be
heard in every area of the UK. Whilst it is refreshing to see that an increasing number of employers are recruiting a workforce with a range of accents, jobseekers should wise up to this way of thinking and celebrate rather than suppress their accents.