• Linkedin
interview-techniquesinterview-techniques
Call for appointment
087 669 1192
Get in touch
info@interviewtechniques.ie
  • About
  • Interview Coaching
      • Private Sector Interview Coach

        Private Sector Interviews

        Finance Accounting Interview Coach

        Finance/Accounting Interviews

        Public Sector Interview Coach

        Public Sector Interviews

        Graduate Interview Coach

        Graduate Interviews

  • Career Coaching
  • Tips & Advice
  • Contact
Interview Techniques Dublin Interview Techniques Dublin
  • About
  • Interview Coaching
      • Private Sector Interview Coach

        Private Sector Interviews

        Finance Accounting Interview Coach

        Finance/Accounting Interviews

        Public Sector Interview Coach

        Public Sector Interviews

        Graduate Interview Coach

        Graduate Interviews

  • Career Coaching
  • Tips & Advice
  • Contact

5 Tips for dealing with the ‘Overqualified’ issue

Home /  Tips & Advice /  5 Tips for dealing with the 'Overqualified' issue
 
5 tips for dealing with the overqualified issue
Why wasn't I successful?

5 Tips for dealing with the ‘Overqualified’ issue

  • Laura-McGrath
  • July 27, 2017
  • interview coaching, Interview Question, overqualified

5 Tips for dealing with the “overqualified” issue:

In order to get back into the job market after a career break, many people are applying for roles that don’t require their level of experience and qualifications.  In this situation, how do you avoid running the risk of being overlooked in the recruitment process and rejected on the basis of being overqualified?  The following 5 tips should help:

Address the Issue

If there is a specific reason why you are looking for a lower level position, it is a good idea to address the issue head on.  Perhaps you are looking to establish yourself in a new field/sector or maybe you want to reduce your working hours due to family commitments.

Show your ability to work well with less experienced colleagues

The hiring manager may be worried that you won’t be able to work effectively alongside less-experienced colleagues. You’ll need to emphasise that you are a team player and that the success of the team is more important than any of the individual team members.

If you are more experienced than the person you’ll be reporting to, you may need to reassure them that you are not a threat and won’t be plotting to take their job! Ask what their priorities are and how they’ll measure your success in the role – this should lead the way for you to highlight how by working well together, you can make them look good.

Salary

Make it clear to the employer that you are flexible on salary. Often companies assume that a highly qualified candidate will have equally high salary expectations.  When it comes to salary negotiations, remember that basic salary is only one part of the package – you can negotiate a bonus which is linked to savings that you make for the company, flexible working hours, longer holidays…the list is endless.

Focus on Your Skills

Focus more on skills and accomplishments than job titles. Using the employer’s own words from the job description, highlight your skills and emphasise your unique value to the organisation.

Commitment

It’s often assumed that highly qualified candidates are just looking for a job to tide them over until something better comes along. Reassure the employer that you are in it for the long haul.  Show that in each of your previous roles you showed loyalty to your employer and grew and developed with the company

Conclusion

Like many obstacles you’ll face in your job search, being “overqualified” is only an issue if you don’t take the opportunity to turn it to your advantage.  By highlighting your skills and showing an employer how they will get more bang for their buck you’ll be able to turn this perceived problem into a strength.

About the Author

Laura McGrath is a qualified executive coach, EMCC Certified with over 20 years’ experience in executive search and recruitment.  She’s the owner of Interview Techniques, a leading provider of interview and career coaching services and has been a guest lecturer with Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin.  For a consultation, please call 087 669 1192 or go to www.interviewtechniques.ie.

Share

RECENT TIPS

  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? January 27, 2022
  • Has hybrid working changed what employers look for in interview? December 6, 2021
  • How can you overcome ageism in interviews? January 22, 2021

CATEGORIES

  • Why wasn't I successful?
  • Graduates
  • Women in Leadership
  • Interviewing for Executives
  • Popular Interview Questions
  • Competency Questions
  • Selected Interview Categories – From Virtual Interviews to Promotional Interviews
  • Re-energise your job search
  • Ten Reasons to Use an Interview Coach
  • Funny Interview Moments

SEARCH

Take Control of Your Future & Unlock Your Full Potential. I work with clients face-to-face and on skype or zoom.

Call Laura Today!

Interview Coaching

  • Private Sector Interviews
  • Finance/Accounting Interviews
  • Public Sector Interviews
  • Graduate Interviews

Career Coaching

How to get out of a career rut.
Reigniting your job search.
Newly promoted? How to put your best foot forward.
How to manage personality clashes with colleagues.

RECENT TIPS

  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? January 27, 2022
  • Has hybrid working changed what employers look for in interview? December 6, 2021

FIND US HERE

68 Dame Street, Dublin 2

087 669 1192

info@interviewtechniques.ie

Laura McGrath - Executive Coach

© 2020 Interview Techniques, Dublin - Interview Coaching. All right reserved.    Privacy Policy

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy Policy