Tag Archives: interviewing

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

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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.

 

4 Important Things You Should Do to Land Your First Job (Guest Post)

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4 Tips for New Grads
Photo: pexels.com

Graduation is a time to celebrate, but also a time of uncertainty for new graduates  anticipating their future and looking for their first job. For your average employee, landing a job is already no walk in the park. Consider how much more challenging it is for fresh-out graduates who have little to no experience on their resumes? In their case, it’s easy to be left behind, dwarfed by the competition from experienced job seekers.

Fortunately, there are still ways for new grads to increase the chances of landing a first job they’d prefer. Follow the tips below, and ready yourself to enter the workplace.

 Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) or Resume

Here’s how you can write an effective CV:

  • Make sure to include the basics – Personal and contact information, education and qualifications, work history and experience (if you already have some), relevant interests and hobbies, and references.
  • Be clear and concise – As much as you can, always keep your CV short yet relevant. Research shows that “a short and concise CV that is no longer than one page is the preferred format for the majority of employers (42.5%).”
  • Customize your CV for a specific job – Generalized CVs typically won’t get you the interview. Upon identifying a great job that you feel confident and qualified to apply for, construct a CV specifically for that position playing up how you can meet the requirements.
  • Ensure that your CV is free of errors – A survey shows that 59% of recruiters will reject a candidate because of poor grammar or a spelling error. Furthermore, before sending it, check your CV over a few times to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.

Research

Being a new graduate, the research skills you developed in college will be vital to your job search. Researching the industry you want to go into is something that will greatly benefit you. Reflect on your motivation for seeking a specific career path and your long-term view of the industry and your goals. Modify your cover letter to incorporate relevant research you’ve done to show that you’re the ideal candidate. Never arrive at an interview without looking first into the company’s history, what it is they actually do, and the image they are trying to project.

Networking

Often it’s about who you know and leveraging your connections to an advantage. Make use of Twitter and LinkedIn to demonstrate your interests and begin discussions about them. An ever-increasing number of recruiters and/or hiring managers are turning in to social media to find prospective employees. You never know who you may meet and what you may get into. Also, you might meet someone via social media in your industry that may offer some priceless tips on how to land a first job in that field.

Use social media to stay up on the latest industry news, and don’t post anything that may be off-putting to a future employer since they may well look you up online before offering an interview for a job. Keep your abilities and experiences up to date on your LinkedIn profile.

Internships

Many of us have been there, working our hearts out at an unpaid internship, long days and small jobs that no one else wants to do (all in the hopes the company will offer us something more secure at the end of it). But take advantage of your university’s link to valuable internships in your city relevant to your industry of choice. Even if the company at which you intern cannot offer you a full time position upon completion of the internship, you can make some valuable connections during this time—especially if you show initiative and do outstanding work during your time at the company.

As long as you keep your head in the game, you will be fine in your first job search. Know that a lot of the best roles may mean moving from where you to a different city or state, but keep in mind that the first job you’ll have doesn’t mean it’s for life. Many things can still happen and can lead you somewhere else, so don’t be afraid to face change. Like your post-graduation transition, use change as an opportunity to accomplish further achievements.

Once you land your first job, stick with the experience. Go into your new role willing to listen and learn, even if you find yourself doing tasks that don’t seem to utilize your degree. You never know the positive outcomes that any one role will lead to. Learning continues even after schooling.

About the Author: Michelle Dutcher is a social media manager with four years of related experience based in Quebec City, Canada. She furnishes quality content for her clients’ social media platforms to better engage their consumers. Michelle loves challenges and setbacks, using them to further fuel her drive. During her down time, she serves as an essayist for paperchoice.org.

What is your opinion of internships? Share about one that was valuable to jump starting your career. Comment in the “Start the Discussion” blank below.

 

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.

5 Gutsy Things You Should Flesh Out When Interviewing (Guest Post)

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5 Gutsy things to check when interviewing
Photo: Petri Damstén

Everyone has jitters when they go for a job interview, whether it’s the first interview or several into the process. It’s really hard to tell much about the culture of a company in the first interview, especially since their #1 job is to sell the company to you as a great place to work.

Luckily, you—the applicant—are in control and have chosen the company that you’re interviewing with; so do a little extra research. If there are major glaring issues present immediately, run for the hills! Here are 5 great ways or places to take the pulse of day to day life at the company:

  • Visit the bathroom the employees (and you) would use if you took the job. This will tell you about the environment around you and the type people who you’ll work with. If the bathroom is disgusting, out of paper products, or non-functional, this is a bad sign.
  • Check out the place where everyone eats lunch or takes a break. Notice I didn’t specifically say visit the break room because some people might not ever make it in there for lunch because they only have time to eat a snack at their desk as they keep plugging away. If you are looking for a hard grinding investment firm where the only time people stop working the phones is to swill coffee, then that might not a problem. However, if you’re looking for something more relaxed, you might move on.
  • Learn about why the position is open. Did the previous person quit, and if so, why? Or better yet, is it a new role that was recently created?
  • If the person who interviewed you is not who you would directly report to, ask to speak with them as well. Many people state that they do not leave a job, they leave a boss. If the person that you’d work directly for is the reason the position is open, then consider that as well!
  • Speak with as many people who are in your prospective role—or have been in that role—that you can. Ask about the upward mobility of the position. This will be a good indicator of what your future at the company would be like.

There are always going to be bad days, but not all days will be bad. Learning about how the culture of the company really is and more about the role you’re considering can help you make the decision between 2 similar job offers. And the people that you’d work with can make the job miserable or truly exceptional. These are some gutsy moves, but make the effort, and you’ll most likely end up making better decisions and land a role at a company where you’ll be satisfied enough to stay for a while.

More info along these lines: Ten Unmistakable Signs of a Bad Workplace

About the Author: Michael McCoy is the Community Engagement Specialist for Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN).  He has served in the Tennessee Army National Guard for 6 years; currently holding the rank of First Lieutenant and Executive Officer of Bravo Troop 1/278th ACR. At OSDTN Michael works with community groups, companies and individuals to provide opportunities to serve Veterans. Michael’s other leadership experience includes time working in small businesses and professional development, and serving on the board for the Nashville Area Junior Chamber of Commerce.

What other gutsy things should someone research when interviewing? Comment in the “Start the Discussion” blank below.

 

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.