Job Interview advice

[ak47oooo]

As mentioned by me before, I've graduated from College not too long ago and am seeking a job.

Because obviously people on this forum are stutterers/stammerers and have had jobs, I'm wondering what advice you guys/gals would have to offer toward the entire process. For instance, after sending out a resume, some sources say to call the place up afterward to make sure they got it, or to call ahead first to know who's name to put on the cover letter. Obviously, the phone is a problem area, and stuttering may show weakness, etc. So I was wondering if anyone found other ways around these issues

Also, seemingly every job demands good "communication". Saying that I have good communication, while stuttering, ...... well I think you see where I'm going with this.

And I also think I read that before an interview that it helps to first let the person know that you stutter up front so it gets out of the way. Somehow, focusing on a weakness first thing sounds like the crappiest idea I've ever heard. I'm wondering if anyone has actually tried this strategy with any success.

[ak47oooo]

Thank you, that response was very helpful!

In college I majored in Computer Art (bachelors) and before that Graphic Design (associates).

While studying computer art, I realized from asking around that the field everyone who took the same major was trying to get into was with video games. From talking with instructors, people with a computer art degree also try to get into animation, "finding nemo" kind of stuff. Both fields are difficult to get into, but I think I may have a better shot of getting into working with games, which is a bigger field right now than the film industry, than with animation. I would also consider a job with graphic design, but I'm considering this last, because why would I have gone to school for 4 years when I could have gone for only 2 for my associates in graphic design then?

Also: does mailing out resumes really work? I mean, researching a company, and then mailing them a resume and cover letter. From my end, this seems ineffective. I know employers supposedly file your resume for consideration later. But the total lack of response seems discouraging and impersonal. Either way, what is the alternative approach?

[ak47oooo]

Thanks a bunch ;)

Does anyone want to mention in general how they were able to land their permanent job?

[nate]

www.indeed.com
www.craigslist.org
Connections and friends who knew some one who new someone (this worked for me best).

Also dont wait for them to call u, u might want to call them and push things a bit. even in africa theres a serious down turn in the economy. u r competing for jobs with people who have experience, and mortgages (this is motivation of the highest order).
You might want to get into contract jobs, for the experience at least. and alot of times they'll keep u on or at least give u a gleaming reference.
Thats how i did it. Got into a contract job in Sudan as a chef, then my boss wanted to sell, I got together with the manager and he gave us the best deal ever, and now I co-own my own bar and restaurant. I meet business people from all over the world...I connect peter to paul and make a cut...4 years ago i was making the equivalent of $400 a month in the city...Now I make ten times as much in half that time, in the middle of the desert. And to think I was afraid to come here, thats why I hate CNN!

And volunteer, try the UN, or the red cross, or Oxfam etc, you'll travel and get exposure, and they'll pay for you to do that.
One more thing, visit the http://pg.com/jobs/sectionmain.shtmlits a global career network for new graduates, P&G. And they pay well...
Good luck man:)

[troutbum]

stuttering is not a sign of weakness, just a problem area. and all problems need to be worked out. being open and honest with my stuttering has helped me tremendously. trying to hide it just seems to make things worse. when you don't need to stutter you will.
i was just promoted to a management position, and told all "bosses" and co-workers i stuttered, my stress level has decreased 50%. try it you'll be surprised how it works for you.

[ak47oooo]

Thanks again guys. hmmmm, volunteering. I'll think about that nate. cool story too

[DKoz]

Thanks a bunch ;)

Does anyone want to mention in general how they were able to land their permanent job?

Mine was pretty easy, it's a family business hehe

[nate]

I saw a recruiter on February 10th, 1984 . . . The rest is history!!! ;)

E

i was three grampa...