“This Is Valid”: Self-Proclaimed Non-Native English Speaker’s Video Message to Recruiters Moves SA
- A woman shared a powerful video making a heartfelt plea to recruiters to exercise patience and look beyond accents when interviewing non-native English speakers
- The highly relevant clip was shared on TikTok, attracting massive views and comments from a deeply moved online audience
- Social media users overwhelmingly thanked her for the wise information, with some HR professionals promising to share the message with their own teams
Source: TikTok
A woman’s emotional video addressing the hiring biases faced by non-native English speakers resonated across social media.
The clip, shared on TikTok by @nonnativenglishspeaker, sparked conversation about language and competence in the professional world.
The video starts with @nonnativenglishspeaker speaking passionately to the camera, humbly asking recruiters to have patience when interviewing non-native English speakers. She noted instances of pausing to find the right word or speak with a strong accent. She urged them not to mistakenly confuse an accent or the slight pause with a lack of intelligence, competence, or leadership potential.
The accent is not a weakness
She explained that language is never a measure of capability. The woman argued that some of the brightest minds often speak with hesitation, not because they lack knowledge. She attributed the hesitation to simultaneously juggling grammar, pronunciation, and tone, all while trying to impress recruiters.
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Concluding her heartfelt plea, she asked hiring managers to remember that an accent is not a weakness. She added that slower speech is not a sign of uncertainty, and perfect English is not the only sign of professionalism. She encouraged them to look deeper and listen differently, suggesting they might just find their next great hire.
Source: TikTok
SA praises the outspoken woman
The video gained massive attention, with social media users flooding the comments section to express their gratitude for the wisdom shared. Many who work in human resources stated they would share the video with their team members, agreeing that the woman shared profound information.
Some voiced their frustration, saying it was unfair to conduct interviews solely in English, as that immediately puts non-native English speakers at a significant disadvantage compared to native speakers. The response was overwhelmingly positive and affirmed her message, calling for a more inclusive and fair interviewing process that prioritises genuine skills over linguistic fluency.
User @uNowele added:
"As an HR manager, I do tell my recruiters. I will forward this to my team 🙏🏼."
User @dunkedwings asked:
"English should never have been the only language you can get interviewed in. If there are so many official languages. Why can't I pick the language I wanna be interviewed in?
User @User @Thandi|Career Wellness Coach shared:
"This is so valid, Queen ❤️."
User @dee.nkhoesa commented:
"My English is not Englishing 😭. But my confidence is on another level. I'm not scared to mix my English and Xhosa in the interview room. I even ask questions with my broken English. I am intelligent and I know that. I have never failed an interview; this is my 6th job."
User @Jacky added:
"Amen! 🥰 We need people like you."
User @Manelo Maseko@life said:
"You made it clear. I hope they will know it."
Watch the TikTok video here.
3 Briefly News articles about unemployment
- A young woman shared a series of rejection emails documenting her lengthy 10-month struggle to find a job after applying to major companies and airlines.
- A woman shared her disappointment over struggling to find a job, despite to fte holding six educational qualifications, and viewers advised her to start a small business.
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Source: Briefly News
