The British trait of having a stiff upper lip prevents many from moving up the career ladder, according to research from Hudson Cooper.

It found that Briton’s shy away from self-promotion, therefore harming our chances of promotion or getting a pay rise, and fail to highlight strengths to potential new employers.

The research found that people were concerned about coming across as arrogant.

Lee Cooper, managing director of Hudson Cooper, said: “My advice in an interview situation is err on the side of arrogance, and be very confident.

"Candidates have a short window of opportunity to impress an interviewer, and you can’t afford to be shy,” he added.