We've been told not to be afraid of applying for jobs we are underqualified for, but what should you do if you are too qualified for the job? Read on to find out.
Photo credit: Senivpetro
So you are browsing on the Fuzu jobs page and an exciting role catches your eye. You read through the job requirements and seem to be ticking all the boxes. This job now seems like it might be too small for you, but you decide to apply anyway because you desperately need work. Or maybe you have been trying to get into that company for years, and the opportunity has now presented itself. However, you can't jump headfirst into this application as you would any other. Before you start writing that cover letter, you may need to keep a few things in mind first.
Being overqualified for a particular position means you have excess skills or experience than what is required for the role. Companies usually want to find the best person for the job advertised based on experience level and abilities.
Employers know that some candidates will apply for any job just because they need the income that comes with it, and they are scared you will move on as soon as you find a better job elsewhere. So if they see someone whose credentials show they are overqualified for the job, they might not consider you for the position. This is because such candidates tend not to stay in more minor roles for too long, as they get bored quickly. They may also leave a company after a short time if they realize that their talents are not fully utilized. Since they do not want to look for new candidates to fill the role if you leave the company, employers usually avoid such applicants.
So how do you convince the hiring manager to hire you even though you are suited for a higher-level job? Here are some of the dos and don'ts of applying for a job for which you are overqualified.
Dos
Find out why you want the job
Determine how you want to move forward with the job by seeing if it aligns with your career goals. Is it a step towards your future career? Have you always been interested in working for the company, and do you want to contribute to its growth? Find out where you see this role taking you in the next few years before moving on to the next step. A career coach can also help you determine if this job is the right fit for you or if you need to look into something else.
Tailor your resume to fit the job
Before sending your application, you will need to make some changes to your resume. You should constantly tailor your resume to fit any job you apply for, and this case will not be an exception.
When applying for a job you are overqualified for, ensure your resume only concentrates on how specific skills and work experiences make you the best person for the job. Remove specific jobs that make you seem overqualified for the job. Remember, the interviewer will ask what you did during those periods, so prepare your answers for that. Use more straightforward language when explaining your qualifications in your resume without dumbing it down. When it comes to your education section in the resume, only include degrees and certifications that are relevant for the position. You can also leave out advanced or postgraduate degrees unless they are required for the role. As for your resume format, it is best to go with a functional one instead of a chronological one. A functional resume highlights jobs based on skills and achievements, not by when the positions were held.
Explain why you are a good fit in your cover letter
The resume is the first part of the job application; the cover letter comes in a close second. In your cover letter, showcase why you would be suitable for the role even if you are overqualified and explain your motivation for applying for the job. Maybe it is because you want a career shift, you are genuinely passionate about the company or the position, or you want a more hands-on role; include that in the cover letter.
Show interest in the role
If you do land an interview, let the hiring manager know you want to learn and grow in the role. This lets the company know you intend to be with them for the long haul. Mention the parts about the job that excite you and that you want to learn more about the company culture. You can also express your interest in the company's future direction and how you want to contribute to the company's growth.
Don'ts
Don't expect a higher pay
When companies are hiring for a new position, they usually have an allocated budget for the role. Meaning they already have a figure in mind of how much a person at that role in that level is going to be paid. So just because you are overqualified does not mean they will look the other way for you and offer you a higher amount. You will need to know that the money being offered is what they can afford for that role. Perhaps when you have been in that position for some time, you can negotiate for a pay raise.
Don't downplay your achievements
Once you are called in for the interview, you may be tempted to undersell your skills and qualifications to make yourself seem more attractive for the role, but the opposite is true. It is all about convincing the hiring manager which specific skills, past work experiences, and qualifications make you valuable to the company. Talk about how your relevant strengths and skills are relevant to the position.
Don't ignore the elephant in the room
Both you and the interviewer know you are overqualified for the job, so it is best to address it. Make sure you bring it up in a modest but professional way without bragging. Prepare some answers to any possible questions the interviewer may have about your being overqualified. Address the hiring manager's concern about this in your prepared responses. It also goes without saying that you should not act like you are too good for the job during your interaction with the hiring manager. Maintain humility throughout so you don't burn any bridges with the company.
Don't overshare
You do not need to discuss any extra qualifications and experience that are not irrelevant to the job at hand. The company only specified particular requirements necessary for the job, so only talk about your qualifications that strongly match the position.
Applying for a job you are overqualified for also means you will be turned down a few times. Don't lose heart. As long as you tailor your resume to the specific role, upsell your skills in the cover letter, and prepare for the interview accordingly, you are going to land the job eventually.
