Is your accent a problem here?
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Location: Boro boy in Woodstock, GA
Posts: 39
Is your accent a problem here?
Hi Y'all
Been in Atlanta since March. In a job since August but not my trade (PR/Comms) and looking around now.
Had five interviews in the past month, didn't land any of them and while my qualifications and experience seem to fit, something isn't quite landing.
My wife suggests it might be my strong-ish North Eastern accent, which whilst charming in the UK, is a different kettle of fish in the US, particularly the South.
Has anybody else ran into trouble with their accent here? (unusual I know because you'd think we spoke the same language but all the same).
Been in Atlanta since March. In a job since August but not my trade (PR/Comms) and looking around now.
Had five interviews in the past month, didn't land any of them and while my qualifications and experience seem to fit, something isn't quite landing.
My wife suggests it might be my strong-ish North Eastern accent, which whilst charming in the UK, is a different kettle of fish in the US, particularly the South.
Has anybody else ran into trouble with their accent here? (unusual I know because you'd think we spoke the same language but all the same).
#2
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
Funny you should post this!!
Today I was calling a client and this old biddy answered the phone, I had to explain over and over who I was. where I was from and she said to me "I am sorry I don't understand anything you are saying" "you need to learn a better phone technique"................not the best quote to make to a woman who has taught and trained folk on phone etiquette in sales and marketing and won awards for outstanding customer service training.............if I had not been on a sales call I would of told the old goat to turn her F..IN hearing aid up and not be so bloody rude.
Today I was calling a client and this old biddy answered the phone, I had to explain over and over who I was. where I was from and she said to me "I am sorry I don't understand anything you are saying" "you need to learn a better phone technique"................not the best quote to make to a woman who has taught and trained folk on phone etiquette in sales and marketing and won awards for outstanding customer service training.............if I had not been on a sales call I would of told the old goat to turn her F..IN hearing aid up and not be so bloody rude.
#3
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
Funny you should post this!!
Today I was calling a client and this old biddy answered the phone, I had to explain over and over who I was. where I was from and she said to me "I am sorry I don't understand anything you are saying" "you need to learn a better phone technique"................not the best quote to make to a woman who has taught and trained folk on phone etiquette in sales and marketing and won awards for outstanding customer service training.............if I had not been on a sales call I would of told the old goat to turn her F..IN hearing aid up and not be so bloody rude.
Today I was calling a client and this old biddy answered the phone, I had to explain over and over who I was. where I was from and she said to me "I am sorry I don't understand anything you are saying" "you need to learn a better phone technique"................not the best quote to make to a woman who has taught and trained folk on phone etiquette in sales and marketing and won awards for outstanding customer service training.............if I had not been on a sales call I would of told the old goat to turn her F..IN hearing aid up and not be so bloody rude.
#4
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: North Charleston,SC. born in Stockport,UK.
Posts: 10,109
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
Hi Y'all
Been in Atlanta since March. In a job since August but not my trade (PR/Comms) and looking around now.
Had five interviews in the past month, didn't land any of them and while my qualifications and experience seem to fit, something isn't quite landing.
My wife suggests it might be my strong-ish North Eastern accent, which whilst charming in the UK, is a different kettle of fish in the US, particularly the South.
Has anybody else ran into trouble with their accent here? (unusual I know because you'd think we spoke the same language but all the same).
Been in Atlanta since March. In a job since August but not my trade (PR/Comms) and looking around now.
Had five interviews in the past month, didn't land any of them and while my qualifications and experience seem to fit, something isn't quite landing.
My wife suggests it might be my strong-ish North Eastern accent, which whilst charming in the UK, is a different kettle of fish in the US, particularly the South.
Has anybody else ran into trouble with their accent here? (unusual I know because you'd think we spoke the same language but all the same).
No offense meant, and this is just my humble opinion, it could be something completely different...Good luck with your job hunt
#5
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
Im also in ATL and worryingly get told most days that my accent makes me sound intelligent..........
However I am having no luck finding a new job!! I also think its more to do with the complete lack of employment opportunitys here in ATL and us being foreigners more than we just talk funny!!
How are you liking it here apart from the lack of interviews??
However I am having no luck finding a new job!! I also think its more to do with the complete lack of employment opportunitys here in ATL and us being foreigners more than we just talk funny!!
How are you liking it here apart from the lack of interviews??
#6
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
GA has over a 10 percent unemployment rate, one of the higher ones in the country.
#7
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
It's probably the market and there's just better contenders local so I'd not worry about it...and you can mock people who can't understand you...
#8
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
Hi Y'all
Been in Atlanta since March. In a job since August but not my trade (PR/Comms) and looking around now.
Had five interviews in the past month, didn't land any of them and while my qualifications and experience seem to fit, something isn't quite landing.
My wife suggests it might be my strong-ish North Eastern accent, which whilst charming in the UK, is a different kettle of fish in the US, particularly the South.
Has anybody else ran into trouble with their accent here? (unusual I know because you'd think we spoke the same language but all the same).
Been in Atlanta since March. In a job since August but not my trade (PR/Comms) and looking around now.
Had five interviews in the past month, didn't land any of them and while my qualifications and experience seem to fit, something isn't quite landing.
My wife suggests it might be my strong-ish North Eastern accent, which whilst charming in the UK, is a different kettle of fish in the US, particularly the South.
Has anybody else ran into trouble with their accent here? (unusual I know because you'd think we spoke the same language but all the same).
#11
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: York, PA, USA
Posts: 856
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
I don't tink it's so much your accent, but more that you're accent is foreign. The Southerners are people that tend to look out for their own first especially. At least that's my experience as a "goddamn Yankee" visiting the South but no I would say it's because you don't sound like any sort of American, and you are competing with USCs for the jobs
#12
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
It may well be your accent, normally I don't have a problem but occasionaly I come accross someone who, when I open my mouth, I can just see the shutters come down and I may as well be talking Swahilli.
Then I have to repeat myself, substitute words, draw pictures etc.
If you have one of these as an interviewer good luck!
Then I have to repeat myself, substitute words, draw pictures etc.
If you have one of these as an interviewer good luck!
#15
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
My accent is pretty mild by Scottish standards, and I live in cosmopolitan California, so I have to say I have no problems at all.
Significantly, I think the Californian ladies approve, which is absolutely fine by me.
Significantly, I think the Californian ladies approve, which is absolutely fine by me.