Five tips for overcoming being “overqualified”
Remember the days when it was comforting to sit in your bathrobe and slippers on a Sunday morning, scan the classifieds over a hot steamy cup, and click off the jobs that were “beneath” you?
Those were the days.
But just as scanning the classifieds is old-school today, so is being quite so choosy. Finding the job is the point of the process, not stroking the ego. Being labeled “overqualified” won’t make the house payment or feed the 401k.
In fact, being “overqualified” can be a roadblock to winning the job you want — unless you know how to overcome your prospective employer’s objections.
Here are five tips for overcoming the “overqualified” label –
1. Communicate your desire.
If you have concerns that the employer may think you’re a bit too experienced for the job you’re seeking, come prepared. Bring a list of the reasons why you believe you’re the right fit for this particular job. You need to show that you have the skills and the desire to do the job. The interviewer wants to be sure you won’t burn out too fast or immediately be looking to your next career move.
2. Downplay the resume.
It’s normal in an interview and on a resume to point out your qualifications and accomplishments . . . and you still need to do that. But, pull back on the titles and awards a bit and talk about the teamwork and the cooperative efforts that made it all possible. Highlight your broader skills, like being able to focus, dependability, commitment, clarity. Point out what you think you will gain from the position. What will it add to your skills and professional standing?
3. Project yourself as a role player.
Don’t come across as someone who wants to come in and rethink the game. That can be a real turnoff. In fact, Kris Dunn, the HR Capitalist, says so-called “stars” often fade in management roles:
Stars are often thought to have the best skills to become effective managers, so they usually get first dibs on the promotion. It rarely works out – stars have special skills, and tend to get frustrated when the masses can’t do what they did – whether it’s make more widgets, close more sales and yes – hit the jumper off the double baseline screen with amazing consistency. Role players, on the other hand, often make terrific coaches – and managers.
4. Be flexible on salary.
Face it, one of the fears in hiring someone who seems “overqualified” is the concern you may cost too much. Don’t totally abandon your salary target goal, but prepare to be flexible . . . and know going in to the interview what your bottom line is. If you’re as good as you think you are, your salary will catch up to your qualifications.
5. Be appreciative.
Too many potential employers intentionally overlook candidates perceived as overqualified. You made it past a major hurdle when you got in the door for the interview. Repay the courtesy with expressed admiration for the company and respect for the interviewer for his or her discernment and openness to consider you.
If your interviewer believes by the end of your discussion that you really do want to work there and genuinely intend to make a contribution, then you may very well have just the qualifications he was seeking. You can overcome the “over.”
Article by, Thom and courtesy of RiseSmart.com – RiseSmart: Search Smarter. Rise Faster.
