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When dealing with the fact that you are an often overqualified candidate you should always think of these tips.

Anytime you do not get the job you are seeking it can be a difficult pill to swallow, but perhaps nothing is more agitating then hearing those two horrific words, "You're overqualified." In this situation you are actually too good for the job. How can this be? There are a number of reasons that you will be labeled as overqualified. A company may be reluctant to hire you if they deem you as overqualified because they may feel you will not be happy with the job, not stay long, expect fast promotion, or you may even have the interviewer thinking you are gunning for his or her job. So what the heck can you do?

First you have to do some soul searching and figure out exactly what it is you are trying to accomplish: Find a job. When dealing with the fact that you are an often overqualified candidate you should always think of the following:

Step 1:

Don't dumb it down. This is always a temptation. Just leave off some skills or even better yet, some education. This may land you the job, but it will not land you a respectable salary or a chance of rapid advancement. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a job that will go nowhere.

Step 2:

Don't be desperate. Too many individuals will look into the eyes of an interviewer and say, "I need this job!" While that may be true, if you come off too desperate this can actually disqualify you on the basis of being overqualified. Why? The interviewer will know, or at least think, that you will probably not be with the company long term as you are likely to jump ship should another opportunity come your way. Any company wants long term employees, not high turnover.

Step 3:

Use your brain. Think, "What makes you overqualified?" Often it is the fact that the job you are applying for is less compensation then you would otherwise get. Instead of saying, "I'll do anything just to get my foot in the door," try a more subtle approach. If you are seeking a position with less pay, you have to convey the reasons why you are willing to take the cut.

Try turning the tables. For example, maybe your previous job required a lot of travel on your part and this kept you from your family. While the extra pay is good, your family time is more important. Convey that to the interviewer. Let them know that though the pay may be less the hours are more suited to your family needs. If that approach won't work, think of another angle. Either way, use that great big overqualified brain of yours.

Step 4:

Network. Yes being proactive and looking for any job you can find is always the noble thing to do, but don't forget about your network. If you spent a number of years with your former employer, then chances are you formed a rather large network of colleagues that may know of a job opening more suited to your abilities. A simple e-mail out to your network letting them know that you are looking for a new opportunity could yield you amazing results. At the very least, you will have an entire network of individuals keeping their eyes and ears open for you if something pops up.

While it may be frustrating, being overqualified is sometimes a way of life in the job search world. Look on the bright side though; at least you are not under qualified. Just do some soul searching, don't be desperate, use some innovation, and above all else stay positive and before you know it the right opportunity will be made available to you.
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Jason Kay recommends that you learn more career advice and job search information at JobGoRound.com. Get interviewing tips, cover letter advice, and find the best professional resume writing services.
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