Human resource professionals reach for the "overqualified" excuse in many different situations. It may be because the experience listed is too varied for the vacancy, or because management is not convinced that the skills listed are the right fit for the company.
To Get Hired Tailor the Application to the Job
One of the best ways to allay fears of being labeled as "overqualified" is to tailor the application to the job. Forget about running out a cookie-cutter resume for all vacancies and really focus on what the company is looking for in the person they hire. All job advertisements give away big clues to what interests them. It is up to the job applicant to pick up on them and find ways to bring personal strengths to match those needed for the vacancy.
Of course, it is not a good idea to copy the adjectives straight off of the vacancy ad and into the application. Job applicants need to find subtle ways of highlighting the skills and personality traits that make them perfect for the post.
Build a Skill-Focused Resume to Battle the "Overqualified" Excuse
A job applicant is usually branded as "over-qualified" when their resume is a long list of qualifications and experience. This can be overwhelming for human resources staff to process.
It is easier, especially when faced with a huge pile of unopened applications, to toss some of them aside. To have the best chance of landing the job, applicants should highlight some skill sets and previous job posts that speak directly to the vacancy using a skill-based resume. The rest can be listed below to avoid being thrown into the discard pile.
Face the "Overqualified" Issue Head-On
Another way to approach the "overqualified" issue is to acknowledge it outright. Job applicants should use the cover letter to explain the special interest in the vacancy, despite having experience in posts that may have been superior. This calls the elephant out of the corner and makes it more difficult for the company to overlook the application based on this fact alone.
Terryn Barill in an article for TechRepublic says. "The best way to avert the concern, is to be the first one to broach the over-qualification issue with a potential employer."
State the Reason for Interest in the Job to Increase Chances of Being Hired
Emphasizing special interest in the vacancy with honesty can cast a different light on the application, but this is especially potent if the job seeker makes it to the interview stage. This gives the applicant a chance to win the interviewers over in person so it is important to be prepared to deal with questions of this nature as they are sure to arise.
The term "overqualified" can lock many job-seekers into a dead-end. The key to coming out on top despite the initial charge of too much experience or qualifications is to learn to highlight only the areas that are necessary for the job and to be upfront and honest with the potential employers. Applying these tips can significantly increase the chances of side-stepping this trap and landing the job.
Natalia Jones - Natalia Jones is a full time freelance writer. She has an Advanced Diploma in Financial Management (ACCA) and she has previously worked in ...
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