Many people believe that there is no easy way to get a good job. While it is true that you need good preparation and an extraordinary resume to get a job, a study has shown that there is a simple trick that can boost your chances.
The research conducted by the Booth School of Business in Chicago found something that you might find interesting: Our voice has power.
Experiments found that how a candidate speaks can improve their chances of getting a job, not just the tone of their voice, but also how they express themselves.
Writing Versus Recording Applications
The test involved having a group of interviewers review many job applications. The job was nothing out of the ordinary, nothing they didn’t do every day. However, there was a catch.
All candidates were required to write a speech to apply to a company. However, some would submit their applications in writing, while others would do so via a recording.
The recruiters were divided into two groups to evaluate these applications, and the result was incredibly surprising.
Higher Chance of Getting The Job
When employers and professional recruiters listened to or read job candidates’ qualifications, they perceived them as more competent, thoughtful, and intelligent when they heard the pitch, even if the words used were identical.
Consequently, their affinity for the candidate increased, and they expressed a heightened interest in hiring them.
In contrast, the written applications received a much lower evaluation, and the recruiters could not highlight any extraordinary or interesting qualities in their applicants.
Why did this happen?
When the researchers looked at the data, they found that written applications were less interesting to recruiters. Most of the written applications didn’t give the recruiters any sense of the applicant’s personality, so they couldn’t get a feel for their intelligence, energy, or skills.
On the other hand, recorded applications did a much better job of showing the candidate’s personality, qualities, and reasoning.
The Deciding Factor
The study found watching the applicants on video didn’t affect the recruiters’ decision at all. The voice was the deciding factor.
All of the interviewers agreed that the tone and rhythm of the applicant’s speech were important factors in their decision-making process. Each applicant’s voice conveyed confidence, approachability, intelligence, and a number of other qualities that made them seem like a good fit for the job.
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Pros Of Speaking
According to researcher Nicholas Epley, the study’s findings show that people can think and articulate their ideas more freely when they speak. This information can be helpful when evaluating a candidate’s skills and personality and how they fit the company culture.
“When conveying intelligence, it’s important for one’s voice to be heard — literally,” assures the investigator.
Therefore, it is unsurprising that the study found that recruiters were likelier to hire candidates they had heard speak instead of just reading their resumes.
The Final Say
The research published in The Journal of Psychological Science and its final conclusion leaves no doubt.
“Although text-based communication media such as email may be a quick and easy way to connect with potential employers, our experiments suggest that voiceless communication comes with an unexpected inferential cost. A person’s voice, it seems, carries the sound of intellect,” concluded the investigation.
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This article was produced by TPR Teaching. Source.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.