Tag Archives: attitude

How to Respond to Being Labeled Overqualified (When Applying For a Job or Interviewing)

Applying For Jobs, Interviewing, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
How to Handle Being Labelled Overqualified
Photo: 16Tigers

It happens to the best of us…you’ve applied for a great job or finally gotten the interview for it and hear, “We feel you’re overqualified for this position.” Talk about feeling like a deflating balloon! But don’t lose hope or give up. In this post, I’ll show you how can you salvage an opportunity in this situation.

Reasons

First, let’s talk about some reasons why you might apply for something you’re knowingly overqualified for…

  • You truly love the job, and it currently fits where you want to be in your life or career—OR
  • You’re at a point where you need to take something—a stop gap job—in an interim fashion to pay the bills.

I’m going to focus on the first situation.

Why Hiring Managers are Concerned

So why would a hiring manager be concerned about a candidate being overqualified?

  • They’re wondering why you’d consider the position for which you’re applying—maybe there’s a negative there about why you are not at your last position, etc.
  • Hiring managers don’t like turnover. They’re worried you may continue job searching and that you’ll leave if you come across a better job somewhere else.
  • Last, maybe they’re concerned whether the position can meet your expectations and how long you’ll be happy doing it.

Your Resume

If you’re ever going to have a shot at a job for which you feel you could be branded overqualified, you’ll need to tailor your resume so you get the interview. If applying for the job requires inclusion of a resume, tailor your resume and cover letter to support the fact that you’re the right candidate for the job—play up the strength of the match between you and this position in your accomplishments listed for each of your former jobs, the Summary section, and your Core Competencies.

Omit higher level skills that don’t pertain to the position for which you’re applying or interviewing. Some of you may need to switch from a chronological resume format to a functional (see bit.ly/ressamp and bit.ly/1p1tQUz for more info about resume formats) in order to emphasize your experience and accomplishments that match the job description. See the links on this slide for more information about resume formats.

Responses

If the thought that you’re overqualified comes up in an interview, does it mean you’ll be disqualified? Not always—if you prepare ahead of time and handle it correctly. Make sure you practice addressing the tough concerns I’ll cover in this section.

First, don’t be proactive and bring up the idea that you might be overqualified. And don’t come in with a bad attitude about “having” to apply for this job due to your current circumstances. Interviewers can pick up on negative vibes. Impress him or her with well thought out questions about the job duties, the company, and maybe the industry.

If the hiring manager alludes to the fact that the economy or industry is currently down and that there’s a low chance of a promotion for a while, say something like, “I’m looking forward to learning about the company and this role on a day to day basis. And when the economy picks back up, I’m sure there will be new opportunities.”

The hiring manager may ask how you will explain to your next employer why you took this position. This is a sensitive question since you need to portray yourself as realistic yet ambitious. Stress that you aim to make the most of any career opportunity and are confident that you’ll have some noteworthy achievements while working with the company.

If the interviewer is worried about your getting bored, talk about examples of how you found opportunities for professional growth in previous positions you held for more than 3 years. If you have a tenured work history, point out how long you held your previous jobs to highlight your loyalty.

A lower salary than that of your previous position can set off a red flag. If this concern comes up, say something like, “I’m sensing you’re concerned that money is my main motivator and that I’ll take a higher paying position elsewhere as soon as I find one. Is that it?” After the inevitable affirmative response, follow up with, “I do have some rich work experience, but if I can illustrate that salary is not my primary motivator, would that influence your consideration of me as a candidate?” Then state that _____ [the company at which you are interviewing] is of particular interest to you because of _____ [your reasons]. Then, round out the discussion with some examples of how things like teamwork, recognition, work environment, the type of work, and/or career advancement are also valuable to you, reassuring him or her that money isn’t all that’s important in the job you’re seeking. Or your response could be as simple as, “I feel that being satisfied in a job and having a good fit and a fair salary with room for growth (monetarily and positionally) are more important than whether a position initially seems to completely mirror my education and work history.”

You may have a hiring manager who is more subtle about your overqualification. Career and interviewing coach Alex Freund advises this strategy: When you get a sense that a hiring manager is pigeonholing you as overqualified, quickly try to discern the root of what she’s getting at—concern that the salary for the job is too low, that you’ll quit for another job in the near future, etc. If need be ask, “What do you need to hear from me that would make you feel more like I’m the best fit for this position? What else do you have concerns about that you’d like to discuss?” Then (reference the responses I covered earlier in this section and) address her concerns. Explain why the job is a good fit for you at this point in your career. And if it’s an issue of passion for the work this job involves, mention that as well.

There’s something to be said for the honest approach. Here’s an example from my work history: In my interview for a job at a security guard and custodial company, the GM straight out asked me, “So how do I know you won’t leave and go back to the music industry?” I was honest and explained my situation and career plans and answered his question sincerely, trying to build his confidence that I was not wanting this job as a short-term holdover. I got the job. Most interviewers can gauge your sincerity. Being able to talk honestly about a legitimate concern (and potential disadvantage) without getting your feathers ruffled can show your true interest in the position and also build rapport with the interviewer. He may even respect you more, and at the very least, you’ve cast a positive light on yourself as a viable candidate.

If there’s still doubt lingering on the interviewer’s part, you can point out that the company would be getting someone experienced and with the potential to move up—and if you have volunteer experience or community commitments that are relevant to the job, bring those up to help show you’re a good fit.

In Closing

Being ready for the possibility of being pigeonholed as overqualified can help you handle this element of your job search confidently, which increases your chances of staying in the running. If you have any inkling that this concern will come up—based on your previous duties, title, salary, etc.—prepare, then feel out the situation, and use your judgment. Please share this post if it’s been helpful to you.

Watch my video on this topic:

Sources:
• Here Today, Hired Tomorrow by Kurt Kirton
• monster.com/career-advice/article/answer-interview-questions-when-overqualified
• monster.com/career-advice/article/resume-dilemma-im-overqualified
• monster.com/career-advice/article/overqualified-6-tips-to-shed-the-label-hot-jobs 

 

Looking for a new job? Want to get what you want fast? Check out my book, Here Today, Hired Tomorrow (kurtkirton.com/hthtbook), and subscribe to my blog (kurtkirton.com) for free advice on your job search.

 

9 Ways to Dispel Thoughts of Suicide During a Job Search

Hope & Encouragement, In Transition, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Photo courtesy of Flikr Creative Commons
Photo courtesy of Flikr Creative Commons

The holiday season can be so lonely for many or amplify stresses for others—especially those in career transition. Although a sensitive subject, I felt it important to share this section of my book to encourage anyone who’s ever had the thought of suicide skitter across their mind.

As private and ugly a thought as suicide is, I think everyone entertains the option—especially during an extended job search or times when they are not experiencing positive results from their efforts or are receiving a lot of rejections. Here are some ways that have helped me fend off these negative thoughts.

1) Make a list of what you’re thankful for—what you do have and the things that are going right for you currently. Think about what you’ve accomplished today, who you helped or plan to help, what made you happy today, and anything you’re looking forward to next (e.g., dinner with friends, that vacation or holiday party, buying something from your wish list). This should help get you into a more positive frame of mind.

2) Hang in there. Sometimes getting that right job takes longer than we’d all like because it’s a matter of timing. Perhaps the job is not quite open yet because, for example, the person in it now hasn’t been promoted or left to be a full-time mom.

3) Take comfort in the fact that God may need you somewhere new now, to encourage or help others or to bless your new employer with your skills, knowledge, and experience. Maybe you’re a high-level (C-suite) manager who’ll be brought in to completely change a location’s culture for the better.

4) Remember, regardless of your work situation or anything else that’s a burden on your mind during this time, your friends and your family still need you. Say it out loud: “People… need… me.”

5) Fact, faith, and feelings—I remember years ago as a youth seeing The Four Spiritual Laws tract. Simple as it may seem, the analogy is a train. Fact is the engine, so regardless of your feelings, remember the facts and what your actual situation is without a lens of drama or worry. Your feelings are a section of the train, the caboose. But a train can run without a caboose. So although your feelings are a part of the equation, remember Fact is out front, Faith knits it together, and Feelings are last. Put your faith in what God has promised in Scripture and in His trustworthiness.

6) Journal—whether it’s a paper journal or just making a new document for each day you write, journaling is a healthy and effective way to pour out your sadness, frustration, thoughts, disappointments, joys, etc. This is not only cathartic, but it can be a means of sorting out your feelings and thoughts. Further, most times you can figure out a solution to what’s bothering you. As much as I can, I try to end the journal entry with what is going right or well, stating the key thoughts I’ve distilled out of that journal entry, and/or the things I’m thankful for.

7) List the good things about yourself. As stated earlier, most people derive self-worth and identity from their job. And that’s to be expected. Heck, it’s one of the first things someone you’ve just met asks you about, not to mention where you spend a majority of your time! So in seasons when you’re not working, it’s easy to forget your value outside of a job. Shoot for 5 good things about yourself…I bet you can come up with 10! These can be personal traits and/or about yourself as an employee. Consider your strengths, things for which others have complimented you, etc. You can even ask a close friend or 2 for their take on what your strengths are.

8) You never know what awesome thing is to come, personally or in your work situation! For example, I never thought I’d be able to travel internationally until one of the music dot-coms I worked for closed down. We got 3 full months of pay and some other great things in our severance packages. Then, in just a few weeks, I got a new job under my former supervisor at the next company he moved to, so I didn’t really spend much of the severance package and was later able to use those funds for a trip to London, Paris, and Amsterdam. I’ve gotten to do several other amazing international trips, songwrite with some of my favorite artists, buy a house without debt or a mortgage, write this book, and on and on. Think back over your life to some things you’d have never believed would happen if someone told you 20 years ago.

9) Seeing your pastor or a Stephen Minister can definitely be a no-cost way of having a shoulder to lean on and discuss thoughts, etc. that are too weighty to express to a friend. Search the web, or call a large local church to see if they can help connect you. Again, hang in there. This is a season, and better days are soon to come.

More on this topic. Betterhelp.com/nyt for affordable access to licensed therapists via phone, video, chat, or text.

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Looking for a new job? Want to get the one you want faster? Check out my book, Here Today, Hired Tomorrow.

Recently Laid Off? Getting the Chip Off Your Shoulder & Finding One to Lean On

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unemployed, unemployment, layoff, anger, grudge, hurt, resentment, attitude, Stephen Minister, Stephen Ministry, negativity, support, listening ear, counseling, resources, pastor, confusion
Photo by kosnonand at flickr

Being laid off is one of the most challenging things that can happen in life. It may make you feel disposable, shafted, slighted, angry, and depressed. After my fifth layoff I remember the stages for me were shock, questioning, anger, and finally acceptance. Before you begin to look for your next position, if there’s any hint of negativity, resentment, anger, etc. about your situation, you’ll want to “get the chip off your shoulder.”

For most, employers/interviewers may pick up on the fact that you are negative, bitter, or holding a grudge against your former employer. Don’t come across like a wounded animal. HR professionals and hiring managers will most likely sense this. Don’t succumb to the thought that unemployment is going to be forever or that you’re blacklisted by all companies in your industry.

I think the weight of what we bear as a result of a layoff is too much of a burden for a friend to hear over and over. It’s also embarrassing–even to talk with your closest friends–about how you feel. You need to be honest about your feelings in order to work through them and come out the other side stronger and ready to pound the pavement. I recommend talking to a psychiatrist, your pastor, or a Stephen Minister (an unbiased confidential lay person who’s trained to listen and provide care and support at no cost to those in crisis or difficult life situations.)

Google “Stephen Ministers” + your city to find churches that can get you in touch with one. It was such a support and encouragement to have Wynn, my Stephen Minister, to listen and give advice. He was actually a supervisor at his job and had great perspective. Don’t be ashamed to seek out support or apprehensive to talk to someone new (Stephen Minister or other) about your feelings and situation. Having a shoulder to lean on and someone to listen will help you get back on your feet faster than going it alone.

If you know someone who has recently lost their job, please share this blog with them.