How to Escape the "Overqualified" Label

Sometimes employers say it on your face; other times you feel it lurking right behind you. That scary label: overqualified! Being labeled as “overqualified” is a crisis that any job seeker can encounter at any point of their career. The tag is applied in situations where the background-education, salary or experience is well beyond what the position actually requires. An overqualified candidate raises numerous red flags with hiring managers. They might question why you’re ready to take a step down and whether you’ll jump the ship as soon as something better comes along. If they think you’re applying for a job because you’re keen to take any offer, you’ll be swiftly passed over! The last thing a company wants to do is hire and invest in somebody who isn’t keen to stick around for long or not perform the expected responsibilities.

There are no set rules about being labeled overqualified. The so-called over qualification is just a perception or version of the potential employer who questions one’s fit for the opening. The lingering questions however are- how can a labeled candidate conquer the concerns of a hiring manager? And if the issue comes up during an interview, how can one handle it tactfully?

Here are some tips to break down the barriers and get a job when you are overqualified or perceived to be:

Wearing your attitude right:

If you are applying for a job for which you are overqualified and are lucky enough to land an interview, go with an open mind and understand that every opening is your door to a new opportunity. To start with, the hiring manager shouldn’t feel threatened by your expertise! And for this where your attitude plays a big role in it! You have to show your keenness for the job and emphasize your interest in learning new things and performing all kinds of tasks. Portray that no job is small enough and that in fact the new job will allow you to get more involved in the day-to-day operations.

Downplaying your resume:

In such a scenario, it always better to “soften” your resume a bit! You’ve most likely heard that tweaking your resume for every position you apply for is the right thing to do. Well a lower level position is no different. So focus on the skills only which are required for the job you’re applying for. You don’t have to make a laundry list of all of your management skills and experience since it’s probably not relevant. You might want to tone down job titles as well, since they are fairly flexible. You have to create the perfect image of yourself as the right fit for the job.

Avoid highlighting compensation specifications:

One of the fears of hiring an overqualified candidate is that they would cost too much! So minimize the fear of the hiring manager and show flexibility as far as your salary is concerned. This doesn’t mean abandoning your salary target goal but projecting that money is not the primary factor in your present job search. And if you’re as good as you think you are, your salary will eventually catch up to your credentials.

Turning the tables:

Be ready when your interviewer asks if you feel you’re overqualified. What the question actually means is “Are you a good fit for us?” Your best line of attack is to turn the question around. Ask what their perfect applicant looks like, and prove how you fit that depiction. It’s an extremely positive move which will reframe the conversation and start a discussion where you’ll be able to give instances of your relevant experience.

Being labeled as overqualified is not a job-killer! The fact that you’re competent enough to tackle such a tricky issue without being flustered will most likely turn it into a friendly exchange and will help you build a healthy rapport with the decision-maker.