Are You Overqualified For The Job?

Most people have probably been turned down for a job or two because they did not have the right amount of experience or high enough qualification for the job. But have you ever been passed over because the company thought you were too qualified? For some job seekers, this situation can be just as frustrating as not having enough experience.

From a company's standpoint, hiring someone whose experience and qualifications are way above the particular job could turn out to be a problem. Hiring managers worry about new employees becoming bored and restless and leaving the job quickly. Or, says Robin Ryan, career coach and author, the interviewer worries that the candidate will eventually be out for his or her job.

If you are finding that you have been labeled "overqualified" in your job search, Ryan offers the following four tips to help you sell yourself the right way for the right job.

Don't dumb down yourself or your materials.
You might be tempted to cut down your résumé to make yourself look like someone who has less experience, but Ryan says to avoid this tactic. "In an interview, it will come out that you have higher qualifications," she says. Once the company realizes you misrepresented your experience, they will be turned off. If you do happen to get a job by using a résumé that makes you seem less qualified or by acting less qualified in the interview, you will end up frustrated and unhappy. "Going way below what you are able to do is not a smart career move," says Ryan.

Prepare yourself to answer questions about your qualifications.
There are reasons that professionals make lateral career moves or even make steps down. Ryan points out that someone who has traveled extensively in the past and now wants to spend more time with family has a good reason to look for a different job. She says that, if asked, it is acceptable to bring up these factors. The important thing is to think about and practice telling why you are a good choice. Know how you want to respond when you hear the word "overqualified." While you can mention that you are interested in a position with less travel, you also need to show that you are excited about the opportunity and know that your skills will be a good match.

Don't let yourself seem desperate.
If you have been unemployed for a while, you might feel like you just want any job in order to get a regular paycheck. But Ryan cautions against using this reason for taking a job, and says that employers will be wary of hiring someone who seems desperate. "The worst thing you can do is appear like a deadbeat and like you will take anything," she says.

Look for a job that fits your experience.
Ryan points out that the higher up you move on the corporate ladder, the fewer positions you will find. Competition is usually fierce for top jobs, so you might need to take some more drastic steps to find a position that suits you. "You have to be willing to move where the jobs are or take salary cuts," she says. While there may be hundreds of entry- or mid-level jobs right in your region, professionals looking for high-paying, high-responsibility jobs often need to extend their search. You will be happier if you find a job that suits you, so don't be afraid to look around for one that is a good fit.

Remember that you will spend a lot of time at work, no matter where you end up. And, as anyone who is in the wrong job will tell you, being unhappy with your career can have a major impact on your overall happiness. This is just another reason why you should use all of your resources and contacts to find the job that suits your skills and leaves you feeling fulfilled and content at the end of the day.