Here's how to prepare for and avoid the negative perception of being "overqualified" for a job.
Have you ever gone through the interview process, felt confident that
you'd performed extremely well, and then heard these dreadful words:
"I'm sorry, but we feel you're overqualified for this position."
"Arrggh!!"
When I was told that after an interview, several thoughts went through
my frustration-fogged mind... What kind of crazy excuse is that for not
hiring me? So what if I'm 'overqualified' -- don't employers always
want to hire the person with the best qualifications? If I'm willing to
take this job, overqualified or not, why is that a problem? This isn't
fair! What's the real reason they don't want to hire me?
When interviewers say you are "overqualified," here's what they are concerned about:
(1) You'll be bored in this position;
(2) You won't be satisfied with the salary they're offering;
(3) You'll leave as soon as you get a better opportunity;
(4) They'll have to go through the time-consuming and expensive process of hiring and training someone all over again.
They may or may not make you feel better about being "overqualified," but you must admit those are legitimate concerns.
If you get the "overqualified" excuse once, you'll be wary about
getting it again. So if you apply for other jobs that may be at a lower
level than warranted by your background, skills, education and
experience, you may be tempted to "dumb down" your resume and omit
things like college degrees. But lying about your background is not the
way to go.
Here's a better strategy: address it head-on. Be the first one to raise
the "overqualified" issue with a potential employer. If you bring it up
yourself, you can discuss it openly and convince the interviewer that it
won't be a problem.
They key -- as with every job interview issue -- is to anticipate and
prepare. Before you go to the interview,think about what you'll say and
how you will convince them that they should hire you, even if you are
"overqualified."
After explaining how you will be a great asset for their company, tell
them why you are applying for a lower-level position. Do not say, "I
can't find anything else and I really need a job." Though that may be
the case, this approach is a little too honest and will reinforce their
fear that you will leave
at the first opportunity.
Say something like, "You can tell that I've worked at a higher level
before, but this position is exactly what I'm looking for." Then,
depending on the job and your circumstances, explain why. For example:
* "I've always wanted to work for your company [or in this
industry], and I'm willing to take a lower-level position to get that
opportunity."
* "It will allow me to use my skills and expand my experience in a new field."
* "I'm looking for something a little less stressful, with fewer responsibilities, so I can spend more time with my family."
* "This position provides the stability and long-term growth potential I'm looking for."
* "The salary is not my top priority. I'd have no problem with earning less than I've earned in the past."
Be very enthusiastic about the job. Explain how you can meet their
needs now and in the future as the company grows. And most important of
all, convince them that you will not quit as soon as something better
comes along.
If you are convinced that this job would be worth it, you might even
try this: offer to sign an agreement stating that you will stay on the
job for a minimum of 12 months. Whether the hiring manager actually
takes you up on that offer or not, it will definitely make a very
positive impression!
If you anticipate the "overqualified" issue and address it up front, it will not be a drawback to your success!
