commentr/StutterFebruary 24, 2021

Content

I had a job interview on Monday. It was for an internal position so I have already worked with all the members of the panel in my current role. in my daily life I definitely don't stutter as much as I did in the interview, so maybe they were surprised. I don't know. As stutterers it's so hard to hide when you feel nervous or out of your depth. I sometimes envy people who can speak well under pressure and make it seem as if they are not nervous. I think they are at an advantage in an interview situation to be honest. For us, we not only have to think about what we want to say in the interview but also how we can articulate it or phrase it so it comes out in the most fluent way. So we're almost fighting a battle on two fronts rather than just one. I didn't declare it before hand. I thought about putting it on the application form but chose not to in the end. Also, part of my thinking around it is that people's reaction to my stutter is not really my problem. All I can do is conduct myself in the only way I know how, and how they choose to react to that is up to them. I definitely wouldn't want to work for people who would mark me down in an interview for something that is outside my control. I do think stuttering puts us at a disadvantage in an interview situation, or any situation that involves nerves. I think it's great that you told them before hand and that helped you. I might do that next time.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceCauses & VariabilityEmotional ExperienceSchool & Work

Subthemes

Overthinking & MonitoringStress & Fight/FlightAnxiety & Social JudgmentEmployment & CareerPublic Speaking