Ask the Experts: Too Much Experience so Overly Qualified
Question:
I have a BA in English and over a year of experience in the publishing industry through an internship. I have been unsuccessful in finding a position in the field. The jobs always seem to go to “someone better suited to meet the company’s needs.” I’ve applied for jobs at which I feel I could perform well–jobs that interest me with companies I would like to be a part of. Several have been entry level, and I assumed that my experience and job performance in my current position would be seen as a strong asset–I know what I enjoy, what I’m capable of and what I want to do. While I know I should not take these rejections personally, I’m at a loss for what qualities I lack which companies value. One interviewer told me I was overqualified and completely belittled the position I wanted. I’ve been enthusiastic, upbeat, inquisitive, and interested in learning more about all the positions I’ve applied for. Could it be that they’re picking people who have less experience but attended better schools? Are there any key qualities those in the publishing industry look for?
First Answer:
Stop applying for jobs. Funny as that might sound, there’s good reason
for it. The jobs you are applying for don’t fit for some reason and you’ve
got to find out why. The best way to find out why is to contact the hiring
companies that have these jobs and approach them for information instead of
a job.
Think of your past interviews as a date gone bad. Instead of asking your
date ‘Why won’t you go out with me?” ask them “What do I have to do to get
someone to go out with me?”. Do you see the difference? As a jobseeker, an
employer is really letting you down easy by saying that you’re
overqualified. But when you sit in front of them under a different pretext,
then the chances of getting an honest reply improve.
This happens through what is called a connecting meeting. If you can
identify a hiring manager or an expert in your chosen field you can contact
them to ask for 30 minutes to discuss your career path in publishing.
Explain that you only want information and that you are not seeking a job.
This places you at a distinct advantage over other jobseekers. First of all,
this removes any burden of responsibility from the hiring manager. They
don’t have to tell you something that you won’t want to hear and that makes
their day. The best part of a hiring manager’s job is telling a job
candidate that they got the job. The worst is telling all the others they
didn’t. By seeking only information, you let them off the hook and stand a
better chance at getting the real story when it comes to getting a
particular job.
In this setting they are free to tell you what the job market for your field
is like, what the competition is like, what kinds of candidates are
attractive to employers and even what hoops you will need to jump through to
even get an entry level position. Be sure to ask them of their own
experience and listen attentively to their story. People love to talk about
themselves and will reveal telling details that will serve your job search.
The most productive thing that comes of these meetings are the names of
other professionals the hiring manager or expert knows in the industry. If
they ask for information about your background and experience, be prepared
to present that information from the perspective of getting information from
them and not a job. This mindset will pay genuine rewards through the candid
information you receive and the contacts you will be able to make.
As for the publishing industry itself, two requisite qualities are
persistence and thick skin!
— Kelly Stone, myjobsearch.com
Second Answer:
What you are experiencing sounds pretty typical to me, though that makes it
no less painful. There is no way to tell why you were not the one selected
for each post. It does sound like you have been getting some feedback
though.
First take a look at your response rate. How many interviews have you
gotten in relation to resumes sent out? If you are getting interviews, then
you are probably doing the first part right. That means that you are
applying to jobs you are qualified for (on paper) and composing/arranging
your resume and cover letter appropriately.
Second, how are you interviewing? Are you prepared when you begin? Have
you researched the company? Are you confident without being arrogant? Do
you have appropriate questions to ask? Are you arriving on time? Sending
“thank you” notes? Dressing in interview attire?
Stop focusing on the jobs that others have gotten. Start focusing on you.
It is not unusual to send out 30-50 resumes, get 7-12 interviews and then be
the 2nd or 3rd choice for all of them. Remember, only ONE person gets the
job.
Now start doing things to build your confidence. Go to your college career
center and schedule a mock interview. Talk with former employers and ask
them what they feel you have to offer. Also ask them what you can improve
on. Surround yourself with positive energy just before interviews.
There is not a quick and easy answer. Just keep looking, have realistic
goals, and do not give up on yourself. One of those places just might call
back today!
— Holly Lentz, Lentz Productions
Third Answer:
There could be many reasons for your lack of success to date in finding a position in publishing. As a BA in English who broke into trade book publishing three years out of college in an “entry-level” position as an editorial assistant many years ago, and from the vantage point of a career management professional now, I’ll try to give you some avenues to explore.
First, are you analyzing how you meet the publisher’s requirements as specified in their advertisement for a position? Strong writing skills are critical, and the level of writing required exceeds the competency of many college graduates, even English majors. I don’t know if the response you cite, “someone better suited to meet the company’s needs,” is coming out of rejection letters in response to your cover letters (which would mean you are not presenting yourself as able to fill their requirements on paper), or rejections after an interview (which would indicate that you look good on paper, but may not interview as a good “fit” for that organization or that particular job). Depending on the job, a book or magazine publisher may want someone exceptionally well read or previously published herself in a genre or field of expertise, or with HTML skills, or a track record in customer service or e-marketing. For editorial work, excellent people skills, negotiating skills, and a love of language and ideas are required.
Second, are you aiming for the right level job? Sometimes, being told you’re overqualified means you aimed too low; perhaps you are ready for an assistant editor slot, but are applying for editorial assistant jobs.
Third, if you are just applying for posted positions, you are missing most of the hiring. Publishing runs on networking and “who you know” at least as much, if not more, than other endeavors. Yes, there are many Ivy League graduates competing for low-paying but high glamour jobs in print and online publishing. Demonstrate your competency and don’t be cowed, just persevere.
You are right not to take rejection personally. You will find an opportunity when you connect with someone who sees your value and preparation. As an intern already in the business, you have contacts, and should expand your networking within the industry. Talk to your peers, find out how they got their jobs, what “clicked” in the interview or selection process that worked for them. Ask for advice and feedback.
— Carol Anderson, Career Development and Placement Office, Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy at New School University in New York City
Fourth Answer:
You seem pretty sure of what you want to do and that’s a great start.
The internet has opened so many career doors, especially for those who are
interested in providing content. Have you thought about freelancing as a writer?
Here are some resources for you:
- http://www.nwu.org
- http://www.writers.net
- http://www.inkspot.com
- http://www.iuniverse.com
- http://www.steck-vaughn.com/c/@r286EO1tWHVw6/Pages/jobs.html
New2USA.com is currently looking for writers. Check them out at http://www.New2USA.com
Good luck with your search. I’m sure you will find something in the near future.
— Anita Moses, Careers & Education Department, New2USA.com
