Stuttering and your job

[chrish15]

I haven't posted in a while, but I have some issues with my job. I am well underpaid for what I do, accounting, barely able to meet ends meet for my wife and I. I have a bachelors degree and am eligible to sit for the CPA Exam, so I have decided to go back into the job market, but just can't seem to get the interview down. I am looking for a new job as I can't continue on with the pay I am getting currently. I have had several contacts regarding my resume, and several interview offers. I have gone through interviews once before right after getting out of college about a year ago. This gives me a little help as I have some experience.

It seems I have the talent firms are looking for, but first impression is huge and when I go into a interview I just blow it. I practice, do everything I can to get ready. I don't know if any of you have any tips.

My wife and I are expecting a baby, and are very excited, but I want to be able to provide for my family. Its making things very difficult, all the pressure. If you have any tips/suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.

[jak]

well first of all tell them you stutter because if your trying to hide it the stress is worse ,get a good resume done that points out your strong points ,pick larger companys that have room to move up ,agree to start off lower then try to move up ,ask your doctor for a drug like paxil to help you relax during interveiws ,alot of what holds us back is our own fear :(

[spanglishfly]

I have always had physical odd type of jobs throughout my whole life cause of my speech, but have never stop dreaming of a degree and not having to rely on my strength all the time. Interviews were always very tough and nerve racking for me, they say that image and first impressions are like 80 percent of your resume....so that means you could have a degree and a lot of experience for the field in which you are applying for, but in the end what I have learned and noticed is that "image and first impressions become the ultimate decision in hiring you, even though it's illegal and unlawful to do that, in my personal opinion employers do it all the time, they'll make up a professional nice excuse like....well I'm sorry but we found somebody that had just a little bit more experience than you......Bullshit! you didn't hire me cause I stuttered like crazy and scared you cause I was different, and people don't like different. Employers want the all professional clean cut person with good looks and one that won't give them too much trouble for a raise in the future, I've seen it happen time and time again. I really do think that employers discriminate badly against people who aren't "normal"! and we unfortunately fall under that category. I remember it took me so long to find a stable job, but now I'm having problems at work and have no choice but to weather the storm cause I'd rather do that than spend 6 months looking for another job and dealing with all those dirty looks that the interviewer gives you, like "what the hell is the matter what that guy"...."Why is he bobbing his head back and forth to get the words out???? We can't hire him...." what will people think of him"....and sadly to say I've already been eliminated from the job once I started stuttering, they just let you finish to not be "supposedly rude. :mad:

[Mullen]

Isn't the financial sector laying off a lot of people due to all the losses from bad mortgage loans? It may be a very difficult time to be looking for a new accounting job, even without a stutter.

I suggest that you focus on getting your CPA accreditation for now, and then when the credit crisis blows over you'll be in an even better position to find the sort of job you're looking for. But try to remember that there's a downside to getting sucked up into the rat race: a little reflection can save you a lot of time and money...and a whole lot of stress.

[clem08]

I am actually in the same boat as you are. I just finished my bachelors in accounting and Im taking a year off to work and gain experience before starting grad school. I am going to grad school to learn more about accounting but mostly to make myself more hireable once I finish. I know I am at a disadvantage when compared to the rest of my classmates so I am trying to do everything I can to gain experience and level the playing field.

The only tips I can give you for interviews is just be totally honest with them. I know its asking the impossible but remember all techniques to help you and stay as relaxed as possible, draw your words out and slow down if that helps you.

Good luck!