Beat the ‘overqualified’ label when looking for new job

The economic downturn has forced many people to rethink their career path and to consider jobs that they may be overqualified for. To stay in the game, it's important to let prospective employers know you're interested in what they're offering.

J.T. Breslin, area operating manager for Remedy Intelligent Staffing in Cedar Rapids, says it helps to be clear about your interest in the company, job or career path being presented, and give specific examples of how you'll bring value to the company.

“If I could buy a luxury car for the price of a compact, I would want to know that there's nothing wrong with the luxury car. And I'd wonder why it was such a great deal,” says Breslin. The same applies in these situations, he explains. When employers are “buying” a service or skill, they need to be sold on the fact that an applicant can truly deliver.

Trim your resume and tailor it to show how you can help the employer. In your cover letter or application, address the areas that a prospective employer is probably most worried about:

• that you may quickly become bored or unmotivated,

• that you'll be disappointed in the salary or perks,

• that you'll quickly jump, leaving for a higher-paying, higher-level position.

In an interview, go into more detail about why you're interested in a job you're seemingly overqualified for.

“Explain that you're aware of the differences, but that you're looking for an opportunity to work for a smaller organization or develop a new skill set,” explains Jeff Taylor, director at Skywalk Group in Cedar Rapids.

For example, one of Taylor's clients had been in the banking industry for years, serving as a senior staff member at one of the biggest banks in the country. After 30 years, however, the client was ready to work for a smaller financial institution. He explained this to a potential new employer, as well as why he thought this move to a smaller bank would be good for both parties, and he ultimately landed the job.

Hiring managers will take a candidate more seriously if they have valid reasons for wanting to step into a more junior-level job.

“It's also important that the candidate speak to the pay cut that comes with a job with less responsibility,” says Cindy Lyness, managing partner of Management Recruiters of Cedar Rapids.

“It isn't an easy sell, because employers know how costly turnover is, and they take extra caution during the selection process to hire the person they see as a good fit,” she says.

Finally, remind an employer that hiring someone with your qualifications may mean less time needed for training or coaching. Because you'll need less time to get up to speed, you could be the perfect person for the job.