We all know that it is important to make a good first impression, especially in a job interview. Still, it is slightly disturbing to see scientific proof that (a) that impression is formed by the time we have spoken just seven words and (b) we are doomed unless those words come out in an accent like Jacob Rees-Mogg’s. Not that I imagine the arch-Brexiter has been to many job interviews (though who knows what December might hold).
According to new research from Yale University, when we hear someone speak we form near-instantaneous conclusions about their social class. Michael Kraus, assistant professor of organisational behaviour at the Yale School of Management, reported that, even during brief interactions, speech patterns shape our perceptions of competence. And people are able to judge social class with reliable accuracy merely from hearing seven random words.
“While most hiring managers would deny that a job candidate’s social class matters, in reality, the socio-economic position of an applicant or their parents is being assessed within the first seconds they speak,” he explained.