Getting turned down for a job because you’re “overqualified” is the career equivalent of getting dumped using the “it’s not you, it’s me” excuse. You’re so enormously experienced, of such tremendous value to any company, that we simply cannot bear to take you on at this time!
So, is this total hogwash? Isn’t more qualifications always a good thing?
Yes and no.
You see, if a hiring manager suspects you’re overqualified, he will immediately start considering some (or all) of the following:
- What if you get restless within six months and want to leave?
- How is the money going to satisfy you? Won’t it seem unusually low?
- How well will you take direction, especially from someone with less experience?
Your resume can either be the most important weapon you have against the dreaded O-word, or the Achilles heel that defeats you. But before I give you some practical tips to control this perception, you must ask yourself:
Am I setting my sights too low?
If so, then you should absolutely consider targeting “one level up” roles. If you’re currently looking at senior manager roles, go director. They’re already looking at you at this level, why fight it?