Many people have been told they are ‘overqualified’ for a position during the job interview process.
This
term - ‘overqualified - throws up a couple of ideas immediately.
Perhaps it is that they are going for jobs that they are genuinely
overqualified for - seems pretty obvious.
It may indeed be that
there just aren’t enough data points to say that there is a pattern to
be concerned about. If they’ve only been told a couple of times, on one
or two specific occasions, then it may be just that.
If however there is a pattern, then it needs to be addressed.
What being ‘overqualified’ can really mean
Often, interviewers will use the term ‘overqualified’ as code for something else.
They
may be thinking that you are too old for the organisation - too old,
which means that you lack a cultural fit with a young team.
It may be that you are too old, meaning that you are tired, burnt-out and lacking in enthusiasm.
There are other things that ‘overqualified’ can mean: the interviewer might have worries and concerns.
For
one, they may be concerned that you are just going to be too expensive
for this particular position. They may also be worried that whilst you
are interviewing for a position at this level, you in fact want the
manager’s - or indeed, their - job.
The interviewer might also
be concerned that they are just being used a safe port in the storm and
that you are only going to move on when market conditions improve.
It’s
also possible that there are a couple of errors in your job search
strategy. These errors might be that you aren’t effectively
communicating what value you can add to a business in a clear and
compelling manner.
It might also be that you are just targeting the wrong jobs.
What to do if you’re told you’re overqualified
Conduct a skills and attributes audit
Be
brutally honest with yourself and get input from others where possible.
You’ll probably find that there’s a great deal more than you initially
thought. Then take these ideas and concepts and hone them into clear
messages that you can communicate both at interview and in your CV /
cover letter.
Personal values
Once you’ve done
that, review your personal values in the context of your job, career and
mission. Bear in mind that your values may shift depending on the stage
of life that you’re at; for example, the values that you had in your
20s are probably different to the ones you have in your 50s.
Find companies which have values aligned to yours
Find
companies that have aspirational values which are aligned with yours;
find companies with a mission that you believe in and can wholeheartedly
sign up to. If you do this, then you’ll barely be able to disguise your
enthusiasm and passion for working for such an organisation. This
enthusiasm will be very attractive to any potential future employer.
Indeed, this will also counter any concerns that you are “tired,
burnt-out and lacking in enthusiasm”.
Look for jobs that fit with what it is you have to offer - pretty basic and straightforward.
Keep your message tight and relevant
For
example, if you are communicating in a CV or at interview that you are a
business analyst / program writer / project manager, then you’re
diluting the impact of your message. Keep it tight and relevant to the
job you are applying for.
Be honest
Both with
yourself and those you are interviewing with. Going into any position
with the intention of moving on as soon as something better comes along
is probably dishonest, might well be picked up during the interview
process and won’t serve your reputation in the long-term.