Blog Post: I'm Overqualified, Now What? How to Overcome Being "Overqualified"

Lately, I have been running into a lot of people that are sharing their frustrations of being told they are overqualified after what they felt was a successful interview.  So what if your overqualified' -- don't employers always want to hire the person with the best qualifications?

If your willing to take the job, overqualified or not, why is that a problem? Well below, you will find what interviewers mean when they say you are "overqualified," and 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.

This may or may not make you feel better about being "overqualified," but you must admit those are legitimate concerns.

If you are applying  for  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 remove  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.

The 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."

“There are two reasons I am here today. First,money is important. The second and more
important reason is opportunity. I see a lot of opportunity at ABC company, and I do not want to price myself out of it. Is that fair? My compensation is/was $XXX with a bonus
program of $XXX”

"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."

Show enthusiasm for 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  address the "overqualified" issue  up front, it will not be a drawback to your success!