Blog Post: How to Get the Job When You are Overqualified

It is not uncommon for job seekers to expand their job search past positions they would normally consider. This could mean you're looking into a new field or considering taking a position a little lower on the totem pole to get on board with a desired company. While these may seem like logical moves to you, employers may be concerned. For example, you're in a job interview and you think it’s going pretty well. Then you hear it....the dreaded, “I think you may be overqualified for this position”.

Let's take a look at what this really means and the best way to handle that situation. The top two reasons recruiter are concerned with an overqualified candidate are:

 

   1. The recruiter may feel you'll become bored with the position because you already have extensive experience in this area; which could affect your longevity with the company.
   2. Your expereince warrants a salary that is higher than the recruiter is prepared to offer.

So, if you have been labeled as overqualified, the first thing you should do is simply ask the recruiter why he or she feels that way. If it is a salary issue and you’re not prepared to come down on your salary request, this may not be the job for you. However, if your salary is negotiable let the recruiter know and open a discussion about other options; such as bonuses or perks that would be attractive to you.

If you learn that the recruiter is worried about the your extensive experience, you can address this a few ways:

 

   1. Inquire about other positions within the organization, putting emphasis on how you feel you are a great fit for their company culture and mission and really believe you can do great things there.
   2. Explain how you are excited about the opportunity to turn this position into something bigger and better than it’s ever been. Many employers are concerned that overqualified candidates will not stay with the organization very long. Explain your investment in their organization and how you are viewing this role as a stepping stone in your career there.
   3. If you are interested in a position that is held by multiple people in the organization, focus on how you’d be a great person to set the standard for excellence. Your previous experience can be very valuable to others.
   4. Explain how you are looking forward to learning how their company works within that department/area of expertise. While you have a hefty amount of experience; you will be learning so much from the new people and practices this organization has in place.

It is important to avoid "dumbing down" your resume or removing a lot of your experience to appear less qualified. Having said that, you should only include relevant experience on your resume as you do not want to overwhelm the recruiter. It may be tempting to customize your resume so much so that you do not appear overqualified. This can be damaging because a position that better suits you within the same organization may come up at a later time, and you will not be taken as serious candidate. Remember, there are many systems available to employers for tracking applicants for open positions.

It is up to you to show an employer why you are a valuable asset to their company. Turn being overqualified into a positive.