The right accent can win the job
Apr 16th 2003, 12:51 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
The right accent can win the job
http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/print/0,1...8a6479,00.html
www.dompost.co.nz
The right accent can win the job
WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2003
By GORDON JON THOMPSON
Immigrants are struggling to find work because employers are placing a
high value on workers having the right accent.
A Massey University study suggests employers and employment agencies are
as concerned with immigrants' accents as their qualifications, work
experience and ability to speak English.
British and American accents appear to be acceptable but immigrants with
Asian or non-Western accents struggle to get past the first hurdle with
many agencies using telephone and face-to-face interviews to screen
applicants' suitability for jobs, the study says.
"Sometimes being able to speak English but not in our accent is keeping
people out," said Anne Henderson, who led the survey of 76 employment
agencies.
English proficiency was consistently rated the most important factor in
determining whether immigrants were hired. Part of this was a focus on
accents, Dr Henderson said.
Her preliminary survey found 26.5 per cent of agencies said a New Zealand
accent was essential for getting a senior job in the health sector. The
figures were 20 per cent for engineering and 22.5 per cent for computing
jobs. But accents became less important in lower level jobs.
Dr Henderson said the findings proved employers were discriminating on the
basis of accents, even "Western accents" such as South African. "Its scary
because many talented people are missing out before they even get a chance
to show what they can do. They will never get past the first hurdle of not
having a New Zealand accent despite having the qualifications and being
able to speak English fluently."
One job recruiter who responded to the survey said: "It is often the
accent that is more of a problem than the proficiency. Is there any way
that immigrants can be helped to make themselves more understood by
decreasing the effect of an accent?"
Dr Henderson found agencies placed unrealistic expectations on immigrants'
ability to speak English despite them having to pass language tests to
gain work permits.
Only three of the 76 agencies relied on certified English tests to judge
whether applicants had a good enough command of English, while most relied
on interviews.
The report, which was presented to an immigration seminar in Wellington
this week, is part of a wider study into the experiences of immigrants. Dr
Henderson said the survey helped explain why there was a high level of
unemployment among 36 Chinese immigrants studied since 1998.
www.dompost.co.nz
The right accent can win the job
WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2003
By GORDON JON THOMPSON
Immigrants are struggling to find work because employers are placing a
high value on workers having the right accent.
A Massey University study suggests employers and employment agencies are
as concerned with immigrants' accents as their qualifications, work
experience and ability to speak English.
British and American accents appear to be acceptable but immigrants with
Asian or non-Western accents struggle to get past the first hurdle with
many agencies using telephone and face-to-face interviews to screen
applicants' suitability for jobs, the study says.
"Sometimes being able to speak English but not in our accent is keeping
people out," said Anne Henderson, who led the survey of 76 employment
agencies.
English proficiency was consistently rated the most important factor in
determining whether immigrants were hired. Part of this was a focus on
accents, Dr Henderson said.
Her preliminary survey found 26.5 per cent of agencies said a New Zealand
accent was essential for getting a senior job in the health sector. The
figures were 20 per cent for engineering and 22.5 per cent for computing
jobs. But accents became less important in lower level jobs.
Dr Henderson said the findings proved employers were discriminating on the
basis of accents, even "Western accents" such as South African. "Its scary
because many talented people are missing out before they even get a chance
to show what they can do. They will never get past the first hurdle of not
having a New Zealand accent despite having the qualifications and being
able to speak English fluently."
One job recruiter who responded to the survey said: "It is often the
accent that is more of a problem than the proficiency. Is there any way
that immigrants can be helped to make themselves more understood by
decreasing the effect of an accent?"
Dr Henderson found agencies placed unrealistic expectations on immigrants'
ability to speak English despite them having to pass language tests to
gain work permits.
Only three of the 76 agencies relied on certified English tests to judge
whether applicants had a good enough command of English, while most relied
on interviews.
The report, which was presented to an immigration seminar in Wellington
this week, is part of a wider study into the experiences of immigrants. Dr
Henderson said the survey helped explain why there was a high level of
unemployment among 36 Chinese immigrants studied since 1998.
Apr 16th 2003, 8:08 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Mona Vale, Sydney
Posts: 261
Re: The right accent can win the job
As somebody who has spent 20 years in recruitment, I believe the face to face interview is flawed for a number of reasons. Whilst an applicant's in depth understanding of English does play a part, cultural background is far more important -
If an inexperienced recruiter doesn't understand or allow for the cultural background of the candidate the interview is generally a very stilted process. The wrong questions are asked and the wrong interpretation is put on answers. Candidates need to be aware of this - and if possible prepare/give answers in such a way as the interviewer is looking for.
This is particularly pronounced when an interviewer from a Western culture (and I include Australia/New Zealand in that category) is interviewing a candidate from an Eastern culture. Employment values differ significantly. For example much greater emphasis is placed on 'personal achievements' and less on loyalty and team working. Even 'standard' questions can seem intrusive to the candidate, particulaly if the answer could result in a loss of face.
From the sound of the report, there is a need for diversity training for interviewers/employers.
Kev
If an inexperienced recruiter doesn't understand or allow for the cultural background of the candidate the interview is generally a very stilted process. The wrong questions are asked and the wrong interpretation is put on answers. Candidates need to be aware of this - and if possible prepare/give answers in such a way as the interviewer is looking for.
This is particularly pronounced when an interviewer from a Western culture (and I include Australia/New Zealand in that category) is interviewing a candidate from an Eastern culture. Employment values differ significantly. For example much greater emphasis is placed on 'personal achievements' and less on loyalty and team working. Even 'standard' questions can seem intrusive to the candidate, particulaly if the answer could result in a loss of face.
From the sound of the report, there is a need for diversity training for interviewers/employers.
Kev
Apr 16th 2003, 9:16 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
oh dear
my hubby doesn't stand a chance of getting work with his bristol accent!!!! lol
xx
my hubby doesn't stand a chance of getting work with his bristol accent!!!! lol
xx
Apr 16th 2003, 9:51 am
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Mornington, Melbourne
Posts: 419
It could be worse, you could have a Brummie accent line mine. If I cant get a job maybe I could sit on a street corner busking. I could always do Jasper Carrot's "Funky Moped"?.
"BUSTIN!"
"BUSTIN!"
Apr 16th 2003, 11:24 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: The right accent can win the job
"Max Power" wrote in message
news:Pine.A41.4.44.0304151749230.889...washington.edu...
> http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/print/0,1...8a6479,00.html
> www.dompost.co.nz
> The right accent can win the job
> WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2003
> By GORDON JON THOMPSON
> Immigrants are struggling to find work because employers are placing a
> high value on workers having the right accent.
> A Massey University study suggests employers and employment agencies are
> as concerned with immigrants' accents as their qualifications, work
> experience and ability to speak English.
This is just a smokescreen. They won't employ third world immigrants except in
menial jobs. Of course there are exceptions to this but 90% of the time it's
accurate.
> British and American accents appear to be acceptable but immigrants with
> Asian or non-Western accents struggle to get past the first hurdle with
> many agencies using telephone and face-to-face interviews to screen
> applicants' suitability for jobs, the study says.
> "Sometimes being able to speak English but not in our accent is keeping
> people out," said Anne Henderson, who led the survey of 76 employment
> agencies.
> English proficiency was consistently rated the most important factor in
> determining whether immigrants were hired. Part of this was a focus on
> accents, Dr Henderson said.
> Her preliminary survey found 26.5 per cent of agencies said a New Zealand
> accent was essential for getting a senior job in the health sector. The
> figures were 20 per cent for engineering and 22.5 per cent for computing
> jobs. But accents became less important in lower level jobs.
You don't honestly think they're going to put wogs into senior positions. Get
real. Taxi drivers and fruit shops are there proper place.
> Dr Henderson said the findings proved employers were discriminating on the
> basis of accents, even "Western accents" such as South African. "Its scary
> because many talented people are missing out before they even get a chance
> to show what they can do. They will never get past the first hurdle of not
> having a New Zealand accent despite having the qualifications and being
> able to speak English fluently."
> One job recruiter who responded to the survey said: "It is often the
> accent that is more of a problem than the proficiency. Is there any way
> that immigrants can be helped to make themselves more understood by
> decreasing the effect of an accent?"
> Dr Henderson found agencies placed unrealistic expectations on immigrants'
> ability to speak English despite them having to pass language tests to
> gain work permits.
> Only three of the 76 agencies relied on certified English tests to judge
> whether applicants had a good enough command of English, while most relied
> on interviews.
> The report, which was presented to an immigration seminar in Wellington
> this week, is part of a wider study into the experiences of immigrants. Dr
> Henderson said the survey helped explain why there was a high level of
> unemployment among 36 Chinese immigrants studied since 1998.
news:Pine.A41.4.44.0304151749230.889...washington.edu...
> http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/print/0,1...8a6479,00.html
> www.dompost.co.nz
> The right accent can win the job
> WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2003
> By GORDON JON THOMPSON
> Immigrants are struggling to find work because employers are placing a
> high value on workers having the right accent.
> A Massey University study suggests employers and employment agencies are
> as concerned with immigrants' accents as their qualifications, work
> experience and ability to speak English.
This is just a smokescreen. They won't employ third world immigrants except in
menial jobs. Of course there are exceptions to this but 90% of the time it's
accurate.
> British and American accents appear to be acceptable but immigrants with
> Asian or non-Western accents struggle to get past the first hurdle with
> many agencies using telephone and face-to-face interviews to screen
> applicants' suitability for jobs, the study says.
> "Sometimes being able to speak English but not in our accent is keeping
> people out," said Anne Henderson, who led the survey of 76 employment
> agencies.
> English proficiency was consistently rated the most important factor in
> determining whether immigrants were hired. Part of this was a focus on
> accents, Dr Henderson said.
> Her preliminary survey found 26.5 per cent of agencies said a New Zealand
> accent was essential for getting a senior job in the health sector. The
> figures were 20 per cent for engineering and 22.5 per cent for computing
> jobs. But accents became less important in lower level jobs.
You don't honestly think they're going to put wogs into senior positions. Get
real. Taxi drivers and fruit shops are there proper place.
> Dr Henderson said the findings proved employers were discriminating on the
> basis of accents, even "Western accents" such as South African. "Its scary
> because many talented people are missing out before they even get a chance
> to show what they can do. They will never get past the first hurdle of not
> having a New Zealand accent despite having the qualifications and being
> able to speak English fluently."
> One job recruiter who responded to the survey said: "It is often the
> accent that is more of a problem than the proficiency. Is there any way
> that immigrants can be helped to make themselves more understood by
> decreasing the effect of an accent?"
> Dr Henderson found agencies placed unrealistic expectations on immigrants'
> ability to speak English despite them having to pass language tests to
> gain work permits.
> Only three of the 76 agencies relied on certified English tests to judge
> whether applicants had a good enough command of English, while most relied
> on interviews.
> The report, which was presented to an immigration seminar in Wellington
> this week, is part of a wider study into the experiences of immigrants. Dr
> Henderson said the survey helped explain why there was a high level of
> unemployment among 36 Chinese immigrants studied since 1998.
Apr 17th 2003, 8:33 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: The right accent can win the job
abc wrote:
> You don't honestly think they're going to put wogs into senior positions. Get
> real. Taxi drivers and fruit shops are there proper place.
I believe you mean "their"?
--kosio
> You don't honestly think they're going to put wogs into senior positions. Get
> real. Taxi drivers and fruit shops are there proper place.
I believe you mean "their"?
--kosio
Apr 17th 2003, 12:45 pm
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 96
Re: The right accent can win the job
Yes, It is true that accent always a winning point in achieing a role in community. Even Cab drivers and Fruit shoppers have their own accent and lingo. Isn't It?
Apr 17th 2003, 2:20 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: The right accent can win the job
"65 million" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> It could be worse, you could have a Brummie accent line mine. If I cant
> get a job maybe I could sit on a street corner busking. I could always
> do Jasper Carrot's "Funky Moped"?.
> "BUSTIN!"
Maybe you should have a Scottish accent like mine
Kev.
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news:[email protected]...
> It could be worse, you could have a Brummie accent line mine. If I cant
> get a job maybe I could sit on a street corner busking. I could always
> do Jasper Carrot's "Funky Moped"?.
> "BUSTIN!"
Maybe you should have a Scottish accent like mine
Kev.
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.465 / Virus Database: 263 - Release Date: 25/03/2003
Apr 17th 2003, 5:25 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2002
Location: Brazil
Posts: 251
Does anyone know of a good voice coach? Since American accents are only "acceptable", I gotta learn to speak Australian once I get there.
Apr 18th 2003, 6:36 pm
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: The right accent can win the job
Max Power wrote in
news:Pine.A41.4.44.0304151749230.889...ashington.edu:
>
> http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/print/0,1...8a6479,00.html
>
> www.dompost.co.nz
>
> The right accent can win the job
>
> WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2003
>
> By GORDON JON THOMPSON
> Immigrants are struggling to find work because employers are placing a
> high value on workers having the right accent.
>
> A Massey University study suggests employers and employment agencies
> are as concerned with immigrants' accents as their qualifications,
> work experience and ability to speak English.
>
> British and American accents appear to be acceptable but immigrants
> with Asian or non-Western accents struggle to get past the first
> hurdle with many agencies using telephone and face-to-face interviews
> to screen applicants' suitability for jobs, the study says.
*boggle* And every day I run into people from India or China who speak
better English than most Americans (heck *I* speak better English - or
"American" than most Americans and I'm from Germany, originally).
Does it help to wear a big cowboy hat to the interview, as well?
Mike
news:Pine.A41.4.44.0304151749230.889...ashington.edu:
>
> http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/print/0,1...8a6479,00.html
>
> www.dompost.co.nz
>
> The right accent can win the job
>
> WEDNESDAY, 16 APRIL 2003
>
> By GORDON JON THOMPSON
> Immigrants are struggling to find work because employers are placing a
> high value on workers having the right accent.
>
> A Massey University study suggests employers and employment agencies
> are as concerned with immigrants' accents as their qualifications,
> work experience and ability to speak English.
>
> British and American accents appear to be acceptable but immigrants
> with Asian or non-Western accents struggle to get past the first
> hurdle with many agencies using telephone and face-to-face interviews
> to screen applicants' suitability for jobs, the study says.
*boggle* And every day I run into people from India or China who speak
better English than most Americans (heck *I* speak better English - or
"American" than most Americans and I'm from Germany, originally).
Does it help to wear a big cowboy hat to the interview, as well?
Mike
Apr 18th 2003, 6:38 pm
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: The right accent can win the job
"abc" wrote in news
[email protected]:
> You don't honestly think they're going to put wogs into senior
> positions. Get real. Taxi drivers and fruit shops are there proper
> place.
Rhetorical question: do you think you are helping or hurting your argument
by getting "there" and "their" wrong?
Mike
[email protected]:> You don't honestly think they're going to put wogs into senior
> positions. Get real. Taxi drivers and fruit shops are there proper
> place.
Rhetorical question: do you think you are helping or hurting your argument
by getting "there" and "their" wrong?
Mike
Apr 18th 2003, 11:08 pm
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: The right accent can win the job
"Michael Hoffman" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "abc" wrote in news[email protected]:
> > You don't honestly think they're going to put wogs into senior
> > positions. Get real. Taxi drivers and fruit shops are there proper
> > place.
> Rhetorical question: do you think you are helping or hurting your argument
> by getting "there" and "their" wrong?
> Mike
"abc" sounds very much like the former "ppp", who I gather was formerly
someone else. His post shows the same virulent racism, coupled with an
inability to write reasonable English. He is probably concerned that he can
no longer get a job as a taxi-driver, or in a fruit shop, since his English
is not good enough.
Jim Purdie
news:[email protected]...
> "abc" wrote in news
[email protected]:> > You don't honestly think they're going to put wogs into senior
> > positions. Get real. Taxi drivers and fruit shops are there proper
> > place.
> Rhetorical question: do you think you are helping or hurting your argument
> by getting "there" and "their" wrong?
> Mike
"abc" sounds very much like the former "ppp", who I gather was formerly
someone else. His post shows the same virulent racism, coupled with an
inability to write reasonable English. He is probably concerned that he can
no longer get a job as a taxi-driver, or in a fruit shop, since his English
is not good enough.
Jim Purdie
