What to Do if You're Overqualified

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I came from middle management before layoffs. I have an MBA and MS in my field. I get overqualified a lot. These days, I keep a file with "compelling reasons to hire" me for lower pay, lower responsibilities and even internships. I copy/paste appropriate reasons into a cover letter as needed for a position. I also keep a resume version that does not draw attention to these qualifications. I also keep a full blown version for opportunities seeking MBA/MBA preferred, etc.
At this point in time, I'm happy with getting my foot in the door of a good company, proving my value and working my way up again.

Morgaine of PA 3:28PM May 19, 2012

How Do You sign up ?

seylina of WA 12:09AM April 17, 2012

Excellent point on cover letter!

scott newell of MI 6:20PM April 16, 2012

I have been unemployed for 6 months now, living on unemployment. It's not fun. I have a passion for working customer service/call center type work and have been on many interviews with big companies. Based on their quaifications and skills they are looking for, I meet them all. I have a Bachelors and a Associates Degree and not sure if I'm over qualified for the jobs that I'm applying to. How do I suppose to know If I'm overqulaified. Following the interview, I get an email saying that they have hired more qualified people for the position. Is that a way of saying I'm over qualified or what? I'm left in the dark and not being told if I am or not. Not sure what else to do.

Latisha Byther of NC 10:29AM April 24, 2011

this is good to hear again. We must stay proactive in our approach until we land the opportunity we are looking for.

antoniostokes of MI 11:43PM October 11, 2010

@Carolyn, I'm only 30 and I see kids coming right out of college getting better jobs than me. Someone who used to work with me is now a manager in my field and said person only has a year or two of experience. And then there's me- 8 years of experience, lots of education, a good portfolio and I can't even get a call back for an interview for any jobs- overqualified, under-qualified or just right-qualified. What gives?
But I will keep the advice in this article in mind the next time I apply for a job I'm overqualified for (which I seem to be doing a lot these days).

CK of PA 9:05AM June 10, 2010

Last job I took was 1/2 the salary I was making but prior I had lost my job due to the company going out of business, now my former boss fired 3 people to keep 3 I was the last one hired. I apply for everything and when I took the job I just lost I was not happy with the salary but Loved the job cannot go any lower then I already did but am willing to work at that salary again its better to love your job. I just wish that at my age 40 i would not seem like an 80yr old I know college kids getting jobs I applied for and am more qualified. most people are looking to stay in a job not just move on I do wish hiring managers would not give falsehope and share when they exactly plan on hiring. I think some interview just to see what is out there.You see their ad's every week

caroline of NY 7:30AM August 10, 2009

What a prospective employer wants most to hear is that you love him. Or her. This should be part of any cover letter, but even more so for the over-qualified applicant. If you can be convincing on this front, who WOULDN'T want to be romanced by a superstar?

almostgotit.com of TN 3:43PM July 18, 2008

As someone with experience in recruiting and interviewing for various large companies, I'd say the hiring manager feedback is spot on. Remember you're resume and cover letter may be your only chance to sell yourself as a candidate. Transparency can mean a lot in job searches.

RutgersFan of TN 3:17PM July 15, 2008

My job having been a casualty of the subprime crash & real estate downturn, I am experiencing this problem now. I've been offered jobs by former coworkers, but these would entail a move, and I do not want to move due to family concerns. I am willing to take a big pay cut and a few steps backward on the corporate ladder in order to stay in this area, where unfortunately we have 10% unemployment. A person going from a six-figure income to mid-fives is suspect in the mind of a hiring manager, so this has been quite the hard sell. Where I've been able to get an interview, I've been successful in explaining my reasons, and I think I have 2 offers coming soon. Getting in the door has been the hard part. Imagine having twice the experience and skills being asked for, yet having to all but beg them to hire you. Quite the humbling experience.

lmr of CA 11:04AM July 15, 2008