FollowI love it when people pick me up on something I have written – as often nothing is black and white in careerville here, and sometimes I talk off on a thought bubble. Yesterday I received this question on my blog – which I thought was an excellent question on how to manage an accent in an interview.
Hi, Karalyn
You are writing that “any incorrect choice of words will fuel any negative stereotypes a recruiter may have about communication skills” and then you advise to ask somebody to review the resume to ensure it is written in a “correct Australian fluent” style. However, what about an interview? Say, the resume is written and sounds “local”, but then when the interview follows, the recruiter will immediately understand that the candidate in real life is not so “local” – what to do then? I mean how important is to sound local on the phone or face-to-face interview? Can accent and “not so perfect” communication skills ruin the interview or be a major turn off for an interviewer?
A few times I have been interviewed on the phone and I realised that the incorrect using of some English vocabulary ruined my chances to be selected for further the face-to face interview.
Another question, is it important to be bubbly during the interview? However, it is very difficult for me to be bubbly, because English (as you found it out already) is not my first language. And the last question, if my personality is more introverted and I don’t speak a lot and prefer listening to speaking, can it have a negative impact on the interview’s decision to hire me.
Thank you, Karalyn
Where to start? Where to start? There are some big questions here.
One of the things I have noticed that people who have English as a second language stress about in interview, is this. They think that their language needs to be text book perfect, and they worry about not sounding like they have read the text book guide to words in their particular profession.
If that’s you, the thing to remember is don’t. Nobody ever sounds like they write or the text book they read. When recruiters assess your communication skills – sure they will hear your accent, but if you are genuinely listening, clarifying what they ask, and genuinely responding to what they say, they will think you are a good communicator.
Phone interviews if you have an accent and are really nervous are difficult. I would suggest practice. Tape yourself. Slow yourself down. Don’t panic, and focus on understanding what the other person has said, and whether you are answering their questions, rather than what you sound like. When you make communication about the other person, you take your energy away from you – and you will find that you are less nervous.
As for being bubbly – not all interviewers require bubbles. Be yourself. If you are naturally introverted – that’s what you are. Some places want introverts. Some people like extroverts, and a whole host of other personalities in between.
If you think you may run out of things to say, particularly if the interview is less formal, and chat-like – take a long list of questions. If you worry that you won’t have enough to say in answering questions, then read this post on interview preparation.
Lastly don’t ever say that you are a poor communicator as English is your second language. They can hear your accent. They will know that English is not your first language. Don’t give anyone reason to doubt your ability.
I actually spoke to the person who asked me this question on the phone today. The only reason I knew that she was worried about her communication skills and that she didn’t understand me, was when she told me she was worried about her English – after we had spoken.
Otherwise I would have had no idea!
Karalyn is the Founder of InterviewIQ and chief champion for all her clients. Get personal coaching to make 2023 your most successful year yet. Check out our job search booster services here>>Give me smarter ways to find a job .
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Karalyn,
Thank you for an excellent article and suggestions. I will be following them!
My father is an immigrant. His accent isn’t bad because he married a Canadian and had to speak English only at home. His relatives didn’t marry Canadians and they mostly sound like Dracula.
And this seems to be the general rule about accents. No one works to change his or her accent. But if you have to speak English at home it will, to some extent fade. But, then, nobody speaks English at home unless they have to.
I have friends from India who only speak English at home when they speak to me. My friend’s wife is smart and energetic but although she came here when she was 17, she sounds like a new immigrant speaking broken English and this has certainly limited her job potential. She’s a data entry clerk in the back office of a bank.
I have recruited many accountants from other countries who complain about requirements for Canadian experience but I have met very few people who recognize that if you sound like a Canadian people will automatically assume that you do have Canadian experience or at least understand the environment.
I used to get lots of emails that addressed me as “My dear”. Does that tell me that this person is going to be easy to communicate with or that he might not understand me?
Look at what the writer said above: “I realised that the incorrect using of some English vocabulary ruined my chances…” “Incorrect using” is itself incorrect.
However, in my experience, no one ever gets ruled out because of a mere accent. Skills always come first. They are the deciding factor. I believe that accent does make an impression and could enhance rapport but I do not believe that it is a major factor in a hiring decision.
Oddly enough, people with strong accents and imperfect comprehension even get hired for jobs that require constant communication like reception. Perhaps because the office requires people who are bilingual.
As for sounding bubbly. I’m more impressed by people who sound energetic than dull. I dislike forced cheer but I want to get the feeling that they are alert and awake.
Another interesting article for international jobseekers – "How to handle your accent in interviews" – http://t.co/07QygJo via @interviewiq
Excellent advice. Be yourself. “@InterviewIQ: How to handle your accent in interview http://t.co/grUFQwTv #jobinterviewâ€
How to handle your accent in interview http://t.co/g9pmac0P
How to handle your accent in interview http://t.co/SaFUpq0lLR