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Anon685606 · 10 Sep 2025
Senior Project Officer
A childhood accident left me with a stutter, impairing my ability to speak fluently. This has alwsys made job interviews hell and very difficult. Despite advice to declare my disability for accommodations, it hasn't helped. Accommodations are often inadequate, interviewers seem to ignore my stutter, and the feedback criticises me for being "not detailed or coherent" (what a surprise). The stutter always negates my 3 degrees and international experience in interviews. Need advice navigating this
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Flightless Bird · 18 Sep 2025
I don't know why interviewers can't just focus on what you're saying and not get so hung up on how you're saying it. Sorry I don't have a better answer but do you think you could get a written reference from one of your old employers? Popping this in with your applications could maybe help them see their closed-mindedness is costing them a really great team member?
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Natu · 25 Sep 2025
Merchandiser
Don’t give up better days are coming on your way
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Airlangga · 25 Sep 2025
Regional Community Manager
Hey, I can only imagine how discouraging that must feel. Your stutter doesn’t take away from your degrees or international experience, and you deserve to be seen for your abilities. Maybe trying interview formats that play to your strengths or seeking out truly supportive employers could make the process less exhausting :)
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Rachel · 28 Sep 2025
Entrepreneurship Facilitator - Workforce Australia
I'm sorry to hear of your experiences. It must feel incredibly discouraging.
It would be worthwhile engaging with a govt employment services provider under Inclusive Employment Australia. They have recruitment specialists who market to and educate employers looking to create a more diverse workforce. Just Google Find An Inclusive Employment Australia Provider near me
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Luan · 27 Sep 2025
Packaging Development Manager
That's discrimination. I suggest you try two changes:
1. Declare upfront in the interview that you have speech impediment and so you will speak slowly.
2. Practice speaking clearly, deliberately and/or engage a speech therapist.
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Anon519062 · 25 Sep 2025
Administration Officer
Just spoke to a guy in the Air Force with a stutter in every second word if you’re physically and mentally fit DFR will take your application I’m fairly sure?
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Lindsay · 30 Sep 2025
Clinical Nurse / Diabetes Educator
You’re amazing - a true warrior for everything you’ve achieved and continue to pursue despite the barriers. If it were me, I I’d start an interview by acknowledging my stutter right up front - not for the interviewer’s sake, but for my own. It might make me feel more at ease and take away some of the power and anxiety around the stutter.
Own your stutter; it’s part of your story and strength, not a weakness. Your 3 degrees and international experience speak volumes and nothing can negate that.
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Anon057184 · 29 Sep 2025
Adviser
I’m 43 and I’ve had a stutter problem my entire life. It’s so frustrating because people either think one of two things: you’re either stuttering because you don’t know what you’re talking about…
Or you’re lying.
I’ve had this my whole life and I know exactly what you mean.
I know it doesn’t help in the short term, but ANYONE who questions your integrity because of a stutter isn’t someone you want to be working for anyway.
Trust me, I know.
Just keep going.
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Billy · 26 Sep 2025
Retail Staff
I have the same issue. I had a brain injury in my teens and now over 15 years later still suffer with shirt term memory problems. Despite explaining my injury with every employer and that I may take a little longer to remember things. I have been struggling to find stable employment after leaving a long term telemarketing job.
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Apple · 25 Sep 2025
Digital Marketing Consultant
With your three degrees and international experience, you may know people familiar with your work ethic who can recommend you for openings in their companies. This could even allow you to skip the interview or have it only as a formality. Good luck!
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