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What should a Veteran do when a future employer/boss says you over qualified?

Veteran

CRAIG EDWARDS Spartanburg, SC

In my years of trying to find a job, I have on some employers tell that I am over qualified for the position.
I am thinking to myself that I really do not know much about the position. I know a little about the company too.
I say to myself on the way out of job interview like quoting from the movie - Pretty Woman
'Big Huge Mistake".

21 July 2016 15 replies General

Answers

Advisor

Emanuel Carpenter Alpharetta, GA

Craig:

There are some great answers here. I agree that overqualified is code for they cannot afford to pay you what you're worth or they are afraid you will be unfulfilled and leave after a short period of employment. Sometimes it can also mean your hiring could be a threat to the hiring manager's position. ('You're smarter than me and will probably take my job.')

Keep in mind that not everything is black and white. There are several gray areas in the hiring process. For example, some companies post positions they never intend to fill. Classified ads can merely be an inexpensive ad for a company. Also, some employers will interview candidates only in an attempt to get free consulting out of them, not because they want to hire someone. Why pay a consultant when a candidate can answer the question for free? I worked with an HR Director who told me she did this.

Instead of responding to ads and jobs posted on employment boards, try connecting on LinkedIn with the people most likely to supervise you at companies you want to work for. The goal is to build a relationship and find out about jobs BEFORE they get posted to increase your chances of getting hired. Send your resume to family, friends, and ex-colleagues asking them to share it with their employers. You are more likely to get a job through a personal referral than by any other means.

But if you must respond to job boards, try the ones dedicated to helping veterans, like www.hirepurpose.com .

One way to test if companies believe they cannot afford you is to start putting your salary history right on your resume. You might get fewer interviews but at least the ones you get have a better chance of turning into offers and you don't waste your time on interviews that won't become jobs.

One final thought: If you really want these jobs that people are telling you you're overqualified for, be prepared to tell them why you're not overqualified. This will require a bit of humility on your part. For example you might say, "Yes it might seem that I'm overqualfied but I really want to learn this industry and it is important enough for me to start on the ground floor."

23 July 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jacqueline Contreras, CPRW San Antonio, TX

When I believe a candidate is overqualified, it means that I don't believe the position will hold their interest, challenge them enough, or pay what they're worth. Hiring managers have to be careful not to hire people who won't last in the position because turnover costs a lot of money. I know some veterans are still trying to figure out what they want to do and "will take anything" until they figure it out. We need to make sure the positions we are filling aren't just a placeholder until something else comes along.
Some applicants believe the hiring managers are intimidated or fear that the candidate will take their job, but for me, it's not that at all. If a candidate feels they appear overqualified, they should try to refocus their resume to the basics of the job and not those at higher levels. It's a fine line between most qualified and overqualified. For example, I've had clients remove their PhDs and minimize their experience to get them in the door at the organizations they are targeting. Many veterans have had leadership roles and describe managing, mentoring, and supervising personnel throughout their resumes. If I'm hiring someone to complete specific tasks vice manage the staff that completes them, their management experience is irrelevant and doesn't tell me they can actually do the job.
My advice is to keep it relevant and keep it simple. I once had a retired Colonel tell me he just wanted to be a supply clerk and nothing else. When I reviewed his resume, it was covered with extremely impressive high-level accomplishments. I asked him, "Can you order pencils? Can you forecast how many pencils you'll need for the next year? Can you shop for vendors to find me good quality pencils at affordable prices? Can you inventory current supply and make sure I never run out pencils? Can you confirm and track shipments of my pencils? THAT'S what your resume should include." Write your resume for the position you want, not the jobs you've had.
In addition to a well-targeted resume, you can write a cover letter explaining why you're applying for the job to ease the concern that you'll bolt at the first offer of a higher salary. Try explaining that you were able to learn your previous job from the bottom up and are excited to do the same at ABC, Inc. Preparation is key and if you don't know the internal structures and processes of a company, you can't be as effective in leadership roles. Statements like this show humbleness and an eagerness to apply the skills you have to grow with the company. It says that you will look for those opportunities when you know you are capable of excelling at them, and I'd hire that "overqualified" candidate any day.

21 July 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

Nicole Winston Eden Prairie, MN

As a manager of over a decade I will tell you that the number one reason someone says that is they think they can't afford the salary you deserve. Secondly, they say that because they think you would be bored in the job you are applying for. It is at this point where you need to really explain to them, passionately, why (although your skillsets or education may be more than they had anticipated their new hire would have) you would be a good fit.

You can point out how your extra experience or education will help you lead or mentor others, how these skills could add something extra to their team, how you are looking to expand your skills in new or different areas that this (new) job would provide, etc. Let them know that you are very excited/interested in this job because of (XYZ reason) so much so that you feel this is a good LONG TERM fit for you, and make sure you know the salary range they are looking at and when they ask what you are looking for that you name a number within that range.

There are some employers who will use that "line" as that... a line. But, truly, quite often the reason they tell you that excuse is for the reasons above. So, if you can help put their concerns and fears to rest you can often get your foot in the door for an interview (or possibly get that job offer).

Good luck!

Advisor

Keith Fulton South Orange, NJ

+1 for Jacqueline's answer. Spot on.

Advisor

Mike Mignano Greenwich, CT

Point out to prospective employers that the millennial generation has a tendency to stay in jobs for a few years, always looking for their next opportunity. A seasoned veteran like you is looking for a home, to build a career and to commit to something special. Employers don't like to search for new employees every few years, make it known that hiring you insures a long term commitment...

Advisor

Georgia L Mitchell Lake Mary, FL

Hi Craig,

It's possible that your resume needs a few adjustments, so you can get the right kind of attention from employers. If it would help you, I'll be glad to look at your resume and make some suggestions. My email address is georgialmitchell@yahoo.com.

Advisor

Dave Zimmerman West Palm Beach, FL

Craig,

When someone says you are over qualified, think two ways; I am or I'm not. Why would they bring you in for an interview if on paper you were qualified? Are you pursuing positions under your skill level? Look at the positions you are pursuing. Are you selling yourself short in skills and experience? Are you not targeting the correct positions? Is there a gap between your resume and your interview presentation?
I would review your resume basically looking if you are selling yourself short, I would get some coaching from a friend that will evaluate your interviewing skills and presentation versus your resume, and research new industries and positions that you qualify for. You might be stuck in thinking your experience and skills only work in a certain sector or industry. Expand your Universe.

One other thing, 12 years in, are you in reserves? 8 years is nothing to be in reserves and you will then have 20 and get a retirement at 60.

Hope you are well.
Dave

Advisor

Damin Kirk North Charleston, SC

Hi Craig -

A lot of great answers to your question on here. Having encountered this obstacle in my past, I would suggest 2 points, one Jacqueline made earlier:

1. If they tell you that you're overqualified, ask them if there are any other positions in the company that you're qualified for.
2. Tailor your resume to the position; I can't stress this enough!

I've had to pass over Veterans because of this and that hurts, being that I'm a Veteran myself. Tailor, Tailor, Tailor! Good Luck

Damin

Advisor

Frank Nave Roanoke, VA

Craig -- Jacqueline does give some great advice about targeted resumes - I would just add that you can use a functional resume approach (similar to Jim's note). Put all of your work experience down by functions and skills that you have learned vs. chronological history and/or job titles you have held. This will allow you to cluster your skills/talents together and show the ability to adapt to the environment. This leads the conversation more to an ability to handle the job vs. job progression you may have already attained - hopefully leaving a hiring manager with a more open mind. Examples are available on the internet to get you started. Hope this helps and thank you for your service.

Advisor

Blair Tolbard Woodstown, NJ

I actually had this happen to me years ago. My response was "I have never finished where I started." I went on to suggest that the experiences that made me over qualified had prepared me to be able to do more than I was hired for initially. I told the interviewer that, in my experience, finding loyal, flexible, motivated employee's is very hard and that I was that employee. I was hired, stayed with the company ten years and was promoted 5 times. Go sell yourself.

Advisor

Jim Jones Getzville, NY

Good Morning Craig, thank you for your service to our country. Jacqueline is right on the mark. Hiring managers want to hire someone who is going to stick around. So as she suggests tailor your resume not to the past, but to what you can do for the employer. Also informational interviews are a great way to meet decision makers and show your personality beyond the resume and cover letter. Good luck.

Advisor

Michael Millman New Orleans, LA

Craig: Your question is a good one and my answer is something you must have heard many times as a Marine. "The difficult we do right away, the impossible takes a little bit longer" The best answer to the "You're over qualified for this job" comment is to say that being over qualified, you should be expected to exceed their performance expectations. If it's a position you want, fight for it. Tell them you want an opportunity to prove yourself in the job you are "over qualified" for as a stepping stone to other, more complex positions in their company so you can continue to exceed their expectations.
Good luck in your job search!

Advisor

Dilshad Ahmed Westfield, NJ

Here's what I experienced personally. I applied for a job for which I knew I was overqualified and was told so but I also used Linked In to find who was inside who could root for me. Of course it takes some convincing to the company that you will not run away as soon as you find a position outside that pays you what your experience will command. Also the size of the company you are applying to matters. Bigger companies don't mind hiring someone who is overqualified because they can get quality for cheaper, but can also see in you the potential to grow fast when a new role appears. It's about getting your foot in the door. Convince them that you know you have the skills and more for the job (don't use the word "overqualified" ) and also make them comfortable that you won't run the moment you see a higher paying job somewhere else. More importantly show them that while you may be qualified, there is much to learn in a new company and you can contribute and learn at the same time. Good luck. Don't take no for an answer. I didn't.

Advisor

Mark Levine Southeastern, PA

Obviously you should do as much research on the position and the company before the interview. You should ask specifics about the position during the interview, and try to identify similar situations or skills where you have matching experience. Sometimes when people tell you that you are overqualified they are concerned that you will want more money than they are prepared to pay, or that the job may not challenge you enough and you will be a short-timer. This becomes a question of the overall value you can bring to the employer. You should try to convince them that you are seriously interested in their company and want to make a commitment, just as you did in the Marines. Also, you are not a quitter. Try to convince them to give you a chance and re-evaluate you after 6 months.

Advisor

Larry Louwagie

I have hired thousands of skilled , non skilled along with professionals for hundreds of positions. I also did up front training for many of the positions so they could have a fast contribution for themselves the company and thereby security for their family.

To your question.. Jacqueline Contreras gave you the ingredients..
Call or write me Larry.louwagie@homevestors.com 503 705 5883

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