Jobseekers are prepared to change their accents to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors.

A survey, from hands-free innovation company Bury Technologies, shows that 16% changed their accent in an interview to help clinch the position, while 83% made their accent less pronounced or more neutral.

Top 10 accents for getting ahead in business

1st  Queens Eng
2nd =  Scottish/Home Counties
3rd =  Yorkshire/Hampshire
4th  South West
5th   Welsh
6th  Geordie
7th   Irish
8th  Mancunian/Midlands
9th   London
10th  Liverpool

Julie Morrison, a consultant at multi-sector recruiter Search with a Scottish accent, describes her Scottish accent as friendly.

“It is appealing because it is non-obtrusive or aggressive. From a sales or customer services aspect, I think the accent is appealing. I am quite happy with my accent.”

Kathy Marshall, director at Liverpudlian recruiter, Marshall Moore, adds: “We only recruit in the Merseyside and North-West area but it doesn’t matter if our candidates have a Liverpool accent because most of the clients do as well.

“In the end, if you are a really good quality candidate, it would not matter. It all comes down to how good you are.”