Renee Hartsook ⋅ Thousand Oaks, CA Amgen ⋅ 23 years experience

Dear Peter, Thank you for your service.

As I hiring manager, I will offer what is maybe a different perspective. If your resume is getting you interviews, the resume is not the problem. Nor is your cover letter.

Perhaps use this network to find someone local who can help you with interview skills. Because to be honest, the "you're overqualified" statement is likely an excuse--they saw your qualifications before calling you for the interview.

I hope that helps and I wish you all the best.

Respectfully,
Renee

Paul Trejo ⋅ Austin, TX University of Texas at Austin ⋅ 40 years experience

Peter, first, thanks for your years of service.

Secondly, it seems to me that if you're getting a "lot" of "overqualified" responses, then something ELSE may be going on.

It COULD mean that your resume is honorable and impressive (or overwhelming) but doesn't accurately reflect the needs of the job opening.

Gone are the days when one could just hand an employer an impressive military discharge document and expect a foreman's job. Today's job applications are tailored to the specific Job Description in the specific want ad.

Here's what I do -- I remove everything in my work history that is unrelated to this want hand (even hobbies). I tweak the items that remain to make them seem more related to the job at hand.

I always have a few anecdotes in mind for the interview, that briefly describe me succeeding with tasks such as those in the want ad Job Description.

Finally, don't just ask for a job -- instead, offer to help your new employer become rich. That's how I cinch the interview.

Best wishes,
--Paul

Bob Abrams ⋅ Buffalo Grove, IL Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

There really isn't such a thing as a correct cover letter or resume. I would say that it is easier to list the items that would be considered incorrect. The purpose of the cover letter and resume is to get an interview with the person that is hiring staff. Typically you should pay close attention to matching your letter and resume with specific job requirements. Common mistakes that people make include: typos, poor grammar, choppy flow to your letter, and a resume that does not emphasize accomplishments.

Kimberly Smith ⋅ Chicago, IL AT&T ⋅ 30 years experience

People hire people they like and connect with before all else. Of course you need to be qualified to get in the door. The new trend in resume writing is to keep it to ONE page, two max if you have a great many roles to list (no one has an attention span anymore) and the first part should be all about you and what you bring to the table before you get into experience and education. FOUR sections. Executive Summary, Expertise, Formal Education and honors, and a second page listing Professional Experience. Start by Giving a statement about your goals. Then list your key attributes in 1-2 words each. 3 lines, 3 columns so 9 words total. This way someone gets an idea of who you are as a person and what all your experience has culminated in over the years. Things like Strategic leader, team builder, innovator, problem solver, powerful Communicator, etc. Under that you can list 6-8 bullets with a key word and 1-2 sentences to sum up that word. For example:
* Team Leadership: Capacity to recognize, retain and promote a team of high performance professionals, both within and outside own organization. Consistently recognized as a strong mentor for future leaders.
* Tactical Delivery: A strategy is worthless without the proper execution of the tactics and initiatives leading to the final deliverable. This is an area of excellence where I lead my team covering the breath of the portfolio and an expansive list of programs delivered daily.
Then bullet point out your education, specialized training that could relate to the role you want, any honors give (in and out of the military), etc. This first page gives everyone a solid sense of who you are as a person and contributor. The last page can list end to end your career, more recent can have a couple bullets otherwise identify and give a sentence statement about what you did then move on. This is the part interviewers would rather talk to you about to get specifics if you can get their attention on the first page.

Good luck and thank you for your service.

Jose Eronides da Silva Martins ⋅ Stamford, CT Engelhart CTP ⋅ 10 years experience

Dear Peter,

I believe so many helpers already said that. But again, make sure that you resume is tailored to the position that you are applying for. I suggest visit the company's website before you go in a interview, it will help you to know better about the company objectives and goals.

Good luck!

Becky Kelly ⋅ Staunton, VA Fiduciary Education Center ⋅ 38 years experience

One thing I would add.....if you are overqualified, you will be frustrated before long with a job that doesn't fit your skills.

As these employers are in an area where you see yourself, always ask them if they can make a referral to another company/individual that could possibly use your services and allow you to expand your network to others that could use you or know someone that can. Ask them to keep your resume on hand if something comes up that you are qualified for. Most people know lots of others in their industry. Be direct about wanting an opportunity to get in the door. Keep a list of all those individuals--for future use.......... and to thank once you are placed.

Thom Ferguson ⋅ Bellevue, WA ⋅ 37 years experience

You are getting some good advice on your inquiry and your resume seems to be working to open doors. I would not necessarily change your resume unless you can target something specific to modify.

As to the “You are overqualified” comments received in your interview it would depend on what juncture in the interview it is stated. If it is said at the end it is in essence a closer, but if brought out earlier in the meeting, and you still feel you are a good fit for the position/firm I would press back a little (I am siding with Bob here, you really have nothing to lose). Being overqualified is not really such a bad thing. Indicate to them your experiences although more than they anticipated will bring more to the table for their firm and also that you are looking at this as a career opener and your skillset will allow you to pursue growth within their organization more successfully.

I too wish to thank you for your service.

Bob Molluro ⋅ Wilmington, DE Benchmark Consulting Services ltd. ⋅ 30 years experience

If you are consistently being told that you are over qualified maybe you are applying for the wrong positions. Or maybe they are just BS ing you. Ask what do you feel I am qualified for? How can I gain access for those interviews? If they are impressed with your credentials then some people will be inclined to help you. People in general want to help other qualified people. If they won't refer you ask " can you please tell me what you feel is standing between me and getting an opportunity to compete for a position? You have nothing to lose since they have already told you they are not interested. So go for it and have a candid conversation so you can find out what is the behind the scene issue.

Tim Keefe ⋅ Washington, DC U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 6 years served

I'm siding with Jerome here. The fact that you're getting interviews means that your resume is working to some degree. (Remember that the purpose of a resume is to get someone's attention and motivate them to bring you in for an interview.) You can tweak it, but not too much.

In interviews, you have to go in with the mindset of a consultant, armed with knowledge of the company and what problems they're facing, and then sell yourself as the best shiny widget to solve those problems. Not only that, but you're sensitive to their constraints like how much they're willing to pay, lack of trust because they don't know you, and what someone in leadership is likely to say if they bring you in on board. You would find these things out in the "Do you have any questions for us?" part of the interview. Or, you could bring this up in the beginning of the interview.

Doing this is a good practice. You still might not get the job, but you put yourself in the mindset of having some control over the process, and walking away with some satisfaction that you contributed to it, instead of sitting there passively and wondering why nothing is working.

Dave Weldon ⋅ Novato, CA Weldon Exhibits ⋅ 25 years experience

Peter;

I agree with the majority of responses. Check your sights. You maybe aiming your career too low, You need to be looking for job titles with Director or VP titles.

As for the cover letter, is it addressed to a specific person or does it start off with "To Whom It May Concern"? Use LinkedIn to find a specific person to send your cover letter to in the department that has your job waiting for you. Please do not address your cover letter to someone in Human Resources.

Does your cover letter convey that you know about the firm, the challenges it faces, and their culture? Remember, magic only happens when the prospective employer can see you have a lot in common with them. Do your research. What does LinkedIn, Glassdoor, internet financial sites, their competitors, and past and current employee say about the firm. Then combine all that knowledge with specific accomplishments from your career that they can relate to and appreciate. This is the reason that cover letters are customized for specific employers. No two of your cover letters should be exactly the same.

You have excelled in serving your country. You will excel in the business world too.

Susan Federico ⋅ Cranston, RI Citizens Financial ⋅ 20 years experience

Hello! I'm happy to help you with your resume and cover letter, mentor you with your career path and job search. Let's connect!

Mitchell Lee ⋅ San Antonio, TX Installation Manager Command ⋅ 32 years experience

Paul Trejo ⋅ University of Texas at Austin ⋅ 35 years experience

I think if you follow his instructions you will be on the right path. Great answer.

Anthony A Clifton ⋅ Philadelphia, PA AAC Holdings LLP ⋅ 48 years experience

Sounds like either you have the wrong target focus or are simply being blown off with a weak excuse. Try answering these questions:

How well do your specific qualifications match the job you seek?
Where do you feel you can add the greatest value and why?
What one key thing did you learn from all past job interviews?
What would you do differently to prepare and execute your next job interview

Stephen Taylor ⋅ Roanoke, VA Carilion Clinic ⋅ 7 years experience

I agree with a lot of what is being said. You have to make sure that your resume and cover letter are tailored for the position that you are applying for. Also, if you are going to interviews, it may be more than just your resume. They are seeing your resume when they reach back out to you and schedule the face to face. I am an executive recruiter and I prep people for these situations all the time, not to mention that I was you six years ago. I can take a look at your resume and cover letter and we can discuss the positions you desire and what level you should be applying for. Thanks for your service.

Regards,

Stephen Taylor

Jim Schreier ⋅ Milwaukee, WI 212 Leadership/Career Coaching ⋅ 50 years experience

I agree with the responses here -- you need to make sure you're applying for positions where your qualifications match what an employer is looking for. Companies do not like hiring over-qualified people because of a realistic fear that someone is just looking for a "placeholder" and will leave as soon as they find something better. And the company loses the training investment, etc.

I also add my willingness to review your resume -- unfortunately, there are more bad resumes out there than good ones -- that can always be a problem. Particularly for the veterans, there are often an overwhelming list of accomplishments that make it easy, as one response suggests, to just reject an applicant with "overqualified."

You can send your resume to me here, or to info@212-careers.com

Jerome Wong ⋅ Scarsdale, NY BNP Paribas ⋅ 16 years experience

Thank you for your service. I have a different spin when people say you are overqualified. The company:
1) doesn't want to pay what the position is worth
2) doesn't think you will stay in the position because you are overqualified
3) doesn't see the fit and is just using "overqualified" as an excuse (the "it's not you, it's me" strategy)

If you are really overqualified, are you applying to positions at the wrong level? It is unlikely that your resume is the issue if that is the case.

Good luck,

JW

ROY VALE ⋅ San Antonio, TX FARMERS FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE GROUP ⋅ 33 years experience

Peter,

A couple of comments:
1- Maybe you are over qualified for those particular positions - and should possibly shoot for a higher target of employment opportunity?

2- Sometimes, the Military language/logistics/background can overwhelm a civilian and at times, make the person interviewing you uncomfortable or seem unprepared to interview you. It may be easier to keep your resume very simple in description and simply discuss your skills, passion and goals regarding your new adventure.

Michael Arrandale Arnold ⋅ Prairie Village, KS AT&T ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Peter,

Are you going in too much detail? That can often be overwhelming to the hiring manager. Don't leave out your experience but try covering things at a very high level. Look at it a little like building a Power Point Presentation. The best PPTs just touch on the topics while the speaker fills in the blanks. I used a PPT as an analogy so go into more detail than that but it is easy to be too detailed.

I might also ask the hiring manager that said you were over qualified how you could improve your resume. I think that in itself would impress them and might cause them to think twice about you.

God bless,

Michael

John Green ⋅ Cary, NC Information Technology ⋅ 40 years experience

Hi Peter - thanks for your service. Eryn really said it well. One other thing you can do, is specialize in a skill. Get some technical training in an area you are interested in. Many career fields have certifications you can achieve. What type of career are you seeking ? JG