OVERQUALIFIED? What Do You Do?

by Robin Ryan

Seems I continually hear this complaint - "They aren't hiring me because I'm overqualified". One man wrote this e-mail to me concerned about just this problem. He typed:

"I have a lot of incredible extracurricular professional activities, publishing experience, project management experience, board leadership, etc. I just finished an MBA, and am a CPA. All of this information is on my resume because it sets me apart. However, I am concerned that people are viewing me as overqualified for lower level jobs and are eliminating me. Yet the jobs I am truly qualified for are fairly high up because of all of the varied experience, I'm not being considered due to lack of specific industry experience. Help!"

So what should you do if you are credentialed with good experience, advanced education, and are looking to get re-employed, and are even willing to take a lower level position? Here are a few tips:

• Don't be tempted to "dumb down!" This strategy moves your career backwards. You typically end up frustrated, not hired, or worse, find a new job you can't wait to move out of. Most employers today want you working at your ability level since productivity is key.
• Do some soul searching and savvy preparation. Acknowledge that employers are reluctant to hire a person who is overqualified because they think the person is unlikely to be happy, won't stay long, might want the interviewer's job, or expect fast promotion and aren't seriously interested just in doing the job for which they are being hired. Nor do employers want someone who is burnt out and sees their job as an easy paycheck. Sometimes you can be threatening to the interviewer, especially if you are truly suited for the interviewer's job. Examine why you want the position. "I need a job" is not a response that will endear you to them. You must use your communication skills to convince them why a demotion is a good option. You must create a reasonable explanation.

• Don't show desperation. You may feel it, but it will work against your getting hired if you show it. Too often a worker says, "I'll start at any job just to get my foot in the door." That won't work - it's an outdated strategy. Being willing to take any job often makes the interviewer disqualify you. They need a person to perform and get done the specific job they are hiring for. You must show you can do it, but also that you want to do it. You can offer some advantages, gained from your experience, such as: "My ability to solve problems and train others would be a major plus in the position".
• Look harder for positions for which you are qualified. Employers want good fits. Many are slow to hire and yet they do still pay well when they select someone for the position. Spend time researching the company, postion open. Then, customize your resume and target your cover letter to meet that employer's needs. Be specific about your past accomplishments and the type of results you can bring to their job.
• Networking is key to hearing about and landing a new job. Ask friends and contacts for referrals to new people who can help you uncover unadvertised positions.