Resilient Recareering: Are You Overqualified?

by Cynthia Dailey-Hewkin

In my experience, the people who are attracted to the Life by Design NW program are talented, skilled, educated, and have great work histories.

Why then, are so many of those who are job searching having such a difficult time finding work? One issue in particular that I have heard about is that people sense they are "overqualified" and are getting passed over when it is time for an employer to hire.

One answer has to do with the current economy. There are many competent people applying for the same, few job openings. This gives the employers large pools of applicants to choose from and they are being careful to do all they can to make the best choices.

However, in general, employers may wonder several things about the "mature, accomplished" applicant, especially when the job opening seems to be for work doing something that requires less responsibility or pays less than what they were earning previously. The employer's concerns may be that the employee:

Will be humiliated by having to take a job that is beneath the employee's skill level
Will get bored in this position
Is more likely to jump to another better paying job when the offer comes
Won't be a good team player or fit in with other employees
Will be a "know it all" who intimidates staff
Will cost them more, either in initial pay, raises, or sick leave
Is set in his/her ways, has bad habits, or won't take direction well
Has a wealth of experience, but doesn't have specific skills needed for today's market
Won't accept supervision by someone younger
Will be harder to get rid of due to fear of discrimination ("age") issues if things don't work out

If you find yourself job searching and in a position where you think you might be considered "overqualified," what can you do?

Begin by learning what a prospective employer needs. Check the company website to learn about its business strategy and products. Try to find out how it treats employees and if it honors older workers.

On your resume, highlight your accomplishments and mention the positive results that you have helped create for previous employers. (Always include a cover letter and show the relevance between your previous experience and how this might apply to the advertised job.)

If you are scheduled for an interview you can prepare answers for questions you might imagine potential employers are taking into account (even though you might not be formally asked):

Let them know you have worked for supervisors older, younger, of different cultures
You can say you want to get back to your grass roots ("I have been a manager, but really loved teaching workshops. I want to teach. This job allows me to do what I have wanted to do for a long time.")
Make a list of all the reasons you want the job and stress that you would be unlikely to quit if something else came along
Remind them that they are getting a good employee with great skills at a discount. Agree to sign a contract that you will stay at least a year (or whatever time frame works)
Say you can save them money because you know what you are doing
Mention that with younger staff, you can be an "anchor", a point of reference for young adults who do not have your problem solving experience
Stress how you are a perfect match for the opening
Remind them that you are not set in your ways, you can take direction, are up to date on technology
Show humility and enthusiasm, stress that you are a team player
Let them know you are responsible, reliable, punctual, and dependable
Ask them to describe their "ideal" candidate - then stress the qualifications you have that are a match

If an employer asks: "What are your career plans (or where do you see yourself in five years?" you can answer: "This job meets my immediate career plan. It allows me to be a solid producer, yet build on my already strong skills. I plan to work hard at this job to prove myself and accept greater responsibility if it is offered."

And if he or she asks: "How long do you plan to stay with us?" You can say: "As long as I continue to grow, continue to learn, and contribute in ways you feel are valuable."

If you are changing career fields you can offer:

This job is in a career field where you have wanted to be for a long time
In a career change you know you might have to start at a lower level than you might be qualified for
The new position is much more challenging and interesting than your previous one
You love learning new things and are a quick learner

In conclusion, you might adopt the attitude expressed by one of my favorite quotes from Charles Fillmore, who at the age of 93 said:

"I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forth with a faith to do the things that ought to be done by me."

About Cynthia

Cynthia is an Oregon resident whose personal experience being laid off led to a mid-life career helping others look for work. She has held more than 20 jobs in her lifetime, including coordinating student employment on campus at Rogue Community College in Southern Oregon. Cynthia recently retired from Portland Community College where she worked through the Workforce Investment Act as a Career Specialist guiding unemployed people through the job search process. She is one of Life by Design's valued volunteers and is a contributing writer for our website.