commentr/StutterJanuary 14, 2022

Content

Contact HR, preferably whoever you’ve been dealing with. Let them know you have a stutter and you’d like to make members on your interview panel aware of it. Tell them it doesn’t hold you back but it can flare up when you’re under more stress or in interviews. You want to make the panel aware of this beforehand. Don’t be afraid to say you may need to take moments throughout your interview to get your breath back or to focus on your answer. And be sure to actually do this within your interview! I’ve did this before (for my current job) - I can’t stress enough how much this demonstrates eagerness, openness, and a willingness to push yourself for every opportunity. Confirm with HR before your interview that the panels been made aware and give them enough time to respond. At the beginning of your interviews there’s generally some light hearted chit chat. I sometimes mention my stutter again. I usually say I mentioned my stutter to HR “excuse me if I need to take a moment throughout to get my breath back” - I’ll use this opportunity throughout to think about my answers and compose myself. Sometimes just people knowing is enough to reduce the stress and anxiety you feel about it. Again I can’t stress enough how much this demonstrates your character and fitness. You’re showing traits as someone who’s not afraid to speak up or take lead on an issue as well as my previously mentioned points. Remember interviews are as much a screening session for you to evaluate if this company if the right company for you. If they are I considerate towards your needs at the interview process, the chances are they’ll be the same when you start. If so then it’s not the right company for you. And know it’s normal to be nervous in interviews. I’d find you weird if you weren’t! Remember too you are just a graduate. You’ll not be expected to be coming in with a book load of knowledge. Most of what you’ll do will be on the job learning. If there’s an answer you’re struggling on, don’t feel the need to push for a bullshit answer because they see right through that. Try and think of a few responses you can say before hand for questions you’re struggling on. Answer to the best of your ability, and explain you haven’t had much experience in that regard but you’re looking forward to opportunities to learn from the best in the industry in the future. Coming up with as many answers before also relieves stress. Good luck!

Themes

Social & RelationshipsSchool & WorkEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Disclosure & Telling OthersEmployment & CareerAnxiety & Social Judgment