Vocal fry—a low, creaky sound that some people apply to their speech—is not something females should strive for. In fact, according to a study published in PLOS ONE, it may make women seem less attractive, less competent, less educated, and even less hirable. Researchers made the discovery after 800 participants listened to recordings of females speaking in a normal tone and with vocal fry. When asked which of the females they would hire for a job, participants chose those with a normal voice 80% of the time. The study suggests that humans prefer voices with natural characteristics.