Everyone - -

I hope all is well with you, your families and most of all that your job search is going well and progressing.

Overqualified ? ? ?

Today’s job search is tough enough without running into an employer’s decision that you are overqualified.  Why is an employer afraid to take a chance on you?  The reasoning is quite old but is still accepted in many circles that you are “looking for any port in the storm” or “as soon as things pick up he/she will abandon us for a higher paying job.”  Then again there is a hidden reason that the hiring manager views you as a threat to their domain.

But there are situations that you need to be creative in your approach.  If you send in a resume that is high powered or in the interview, you come across as “been there, done that,” you will probably be rejected as overqualified.

First you need to realize you maybe overqualified for the opportunity you are considering.  This is a very important realization as you can take steps to possibly mitigate your overqualification.  But make sure you are ready to take a slight step backward in your career and possibly less money.  In addition, make sure (honestly) that you want to work for this company and for the hiring manager.

If all of that makes sense and you come to an affirmative answer, proceed ahead.

First, there is you resume.  We have always talked about tailoring the resume and the cover letter to the job, hiring manager and company.  This is where things begin.  Subtract your “too impressive” job history and education.  In other words tone it down.  You do not have to list all of your educational credentials such as a Master’s degree or a Ph. D.

Pump up those items on your resume that would make you a “good fit” for the job.

As Jessica Holbrook Hernandez pointed out in her article, “Overqualified,” posted on CareeRealism.Com, “The goal of writing you resume is to make sure you get called for the interview.”

Maribeth Kuzmeski, founder and owner of RedZoneMarketing.Com, noted in an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that:

1. Get Rid of the Elephant in the Room.  She means you need to recognize you maybe or are overqualified, well tackle that issue up front in your interview.  Be tactful but you should bring up the issue.  You can add “bench strength” to the unit you wish to join.

2. Spell out the benefits of your experience.  The common expression is “what can you bring to the table?” Show the potential employee that you can “hit the ground running,” be more productive sooner and need less training time.

3. Be honest about why you want the job.  Explain why you are applying for the job.

4. Tell the interviewer what motivates you.  Tell them what will keep you coming into work each day and making a contribution?

5. Ask them about their concerns about you and your candidacy.  Assure them that you are not looking at this opportunity to be that “port in the storm.”

6. Show your passion for the job and why it is a good fit for you.

In essence, your objective in this situation is to connect with the hiring manager that you will be an asset to them. Your interview goal is to develop a relationship with the hiring manager.

There is no guarantee that after you do all of these things that you will get the job.  But if you are really interested in the job, working for the manager and being associated with the company, you need to make the effort.

Keep in mind the job must be close to your level.  I stated earlier that you make take a step backwards in your career but don’t try and sell them on the fact you would be a good fit for an entry level position.

As always, I wish you all well and Always Remember: a job search always takes Prayer, Patience, Perseverance and Persistence. . .

P.S.: Please visit my WEB site: www.hrstarconsulting.com for more information on Job Search Tips and Tools.   And you can read other Job Search Blogs that I have written on the subjects of improving your job search techniques.