How do you overcome the "over qualified" tag when applying for a job?
I have been looking for a job, and very honestly I need to pay my bills and feed my children.
However, when I apply for a job, or I don't match 100% or I have more qualifications that is required, and the "unfortunately email" is 99% guaranteed.
What are your thoughts of overcome this?
Replies6
- This is a bit risky, because you're second-guessing - but can you anticipate what a recruiter's concerns might be?egI'm aware you might be looking for a more junior person to fill this role. I'm applying because XYZ (the hours suit me/ I love your company/ I built my experience in a different direction but want to return to my passion etc etc)Some things that might be on your (the recruiter's) mind:- Enthusiasm. I know this field really well but I'm still as enthusiastic about it as I was when I first started etc- Curiousity. I love this field and keep myself up to speed with new developments and interesting campaigns eg XYZ- Flexible thinking. I've worked across a lot of campaigns and have wide experience in what has worked and what hasn't. But I'm always up for looking at things with fresh eyes and trying new approaches.etc etcand talk up the stuff they presumably value - results-driven, collaboration, team work etc etc.Basically sell them on why you'll fit in.Good luckCx
- @Matt Percival Agree with Matt, tailor your CV. Also if you can ask questions from the HR person as to what did they mean specifically by being overqualified. I find it odd that ppl would bother to not hire because of a higher education, perhaps you might be able to find a good HR person who can give some better feedback. Hopefully the market picks up a bit more by Feb, good luck.
- Hi Ana, connected issues here: You shouldn't really be underselling yourself deliberately, to get a job you're over-qualified for – under less pressure to find something, stick to your guns and keep looking for the right job. However, I absolutely understand the need to put food in mouths, so going for that 'interim' job, make sure a) you can do it and b) tailor your CV so that it is laser-focused on that job-role and nothing else.It's extremely difficult to remove qualifications and skills, especially the softer ones that speak of usefulness and experience beyond a role and you're proud of your achievements and it's taken forever to craft the CV, but if it's not being sought, it must go. Also remember that these days, for more generic or lower skilled roles via recruiters, many CVs are being read by computers first, to filter them before a human ever sees it. Do a little research on how to set a CV up that ticks all the boxes for this.
- Hi Ana,First thing first why you think being overqualified is the problem? Do they point that out? Even if yes you can take off parts from your CV. As an example when I was junior older men (somehow, always men) bosses were picking on my education, it was obvious that it's something they are just not cool with. I have a BA and MA degree from Central Saint Martins. I didn't do anything with it but peers with same experience took off the MA from their CV...I would also recommend to try to talk with some recruiter and get their view on your CV, it might just missing the right kind of buzzwords etc..
- Hi AnaThe best way is to avoid applying for too many things and retain your focus and energy on the roles you really want.The best strategies involve the things you won’t do more than those you will do.Therefore, work out what you don’t want. What roles won’t you take and what work won’t you do.Then that leaves you space to focus on what you really want.Then go after those 100%. Research, look for job alerts, seek out connections in those businesses and market yourself.You’ll feel more positive about the experience by staying true to the hard work you’ve committed to already in getting your qualifications.Good luck and Stay Boom!S
- Hi Ana,Cathy from The Dots here, thanks for your post. Here’s some of my top tips for getting the most out of The Dots:If you’re looking for work, I’d recommend following your favourite companies for job alerts:https://the-dots.com/follow-pagesTo come higher in search results and to increase your chances of being headhunted, add your work experience here:https://the-dots.com/users/ana-angmor-1166493/editYou can also connect with recruiters and talent managers:https://the-dots.com/account/connectionsOh, and keep an eye out for opportunities here:https://the-dots.com/asks/search?filters=ask-type:People%20to%20hire.peopleI hope that helps!Cathy x
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