That sounds more likely, especially given the stats later in the article: > Another recent study found that 38% of job seekers admitted to "softening" their re

That sounds more likely, especially given the stats later in the article: > Another recent study found that 38% of job seekers admitted to "softening" their regional accents during interviews because of negative stereotypes. > This study by the Writing Tips Institute found that applicants with a Southern accent were the fourth most likely to change their voice. People from Western New England, South Midland and New Jersey were the most likely to alter their accents. It just sounds like people with Southern accents and their guidance counselors haven't figured it out yet.