Ask a Recruiter: Playing to Your Audience

Help, I'm overqualified!

Being 'overqualified' is a common challenge in today's job market and one that can be overcome with the correct approach to your job search.  Here are a few tips:

1. Don't lie.  The quick fix might seem to be leaving jobs, titles, even degrees off of your resume--don't.  Being caught in a lie, even a tiny lie of omission, is one of the quickest ways to lose an offer and destroy any credibility you had with your potential company and the employer.  Instead, re-write your resume to frame your experience in a way that more directly relates to the job you are being considered for and be prepared to address the question of why you want the job when you get to an interview.
2. Look at your resume from the employer's perspective.  Does your resume scream "this guy is going to take the next job that comes along"?  If it does, don't expect a phone call.  If your resume looks like a clear career path and this job isn't on it, your potential employer will view you as a bad investment.  If you don't appear to want the job, if there's no logical reason why a person with your background would want the job, you won't get the job; unless it's a part-time or contract position, the company is looking for a long term fix.  A smart employer won't hire a band-aid.
3. Consider a functional resume.  By highlighting your skills and accomplishments and by separating them from impressive job descriptions and intimidating titles you can clearly and easily demonstrate what you have to offer in spite of the fact that you were a Senior Vice President at your last company and this is a Director-level position.  If you don't want people to get hung up on your title, don't give it top billing.  Pair that with a thoughtful, well-crafted cover letter that speaks to the needs and culture of the company and follow up with a phone call to dramatically improve your chances of getting the interview.
4. Be selective.  Don't look at full-time permanent positions that will have an expiration date on the day you start.  Limit your search to relevant opportunities that interest you, companies you can see yourself growing with. 
5. Remember that meeting the qualifications is just over half the battle.  The perfect candidate on paper rarely gets the job; if you have half of what the company is looking for, you have the opportunity to land the job if you demonstrate that you are interested,  you understand what the company looks for, how your skills are a match and why you would be a great hire, a great fit for the company and a worthwhile investment.