Sometimes, you are at the stage of your life where you have to apply for a job you are overqualified for. In that situation, people become over-confident about their skills and talents. They get a sense of superiority over other candidates, and this sense causes more harm than good. 

Why Do People Apply for a job for which they are overqualified?

The reason could be anything. For example, in COVID-19 outbreak, I have seen tons of people who are experts in their fields, but they are ready to apply for a lower-level job and mediocre ones. Why? They are losing their jobs. Something is better than nothing is the only finance formula in the mind of people these days.

Have a Look at Impact of COVID-19 on Job Market

A pandemic is a rare case. If we talk about common reasons, then they are when a person is:

• Unable to find a dream job and wants to do a job that helps him earn money.
• Ready to create an overqualified job application while searching for some better option
• Pregnancy, family problems, marital issues, seniority, etc. are among other common causes of applying for a job you are overqualified for.

What to Take Care Of while Applying During Overqualification for a Job Interview?

Here are some points you must have to consider. 

Don’t Over Shine Your Resume. 

Making an attractive resume is one thing, but turning it into a glitter isn’t advisable. In simple words, read the job description and then try to add experience and skills according to it. Don’t mention all the achievements, try to highlight only those that are worthy and help you get the job.

Instead of using bullet points and numbering, you can go with a simple paragraph format. After reading your resume, a hiring manager shouldn’t get the idea that he is too qualified to get this job. So, try to be humble and smart at the same time.

Ready a Good Answer for Question “Why Do you Want this job?”

In your case, where you have more qualifications and skills to offer, it is normal for a hiring manager to get alert and suspicious. They will have some concerns. And your task here is to handle every concern. Know why employers don’t want to hire overqualified candidates.

They will ask you why you want to work here when you can find work at any other top company. Why would you like to work here? This interview question is going to become tricky. So, better to be well-prepared.

Don’t Say, and I think qualification doesn’t matter. They do. Try to pick your words carefully. A recruiter will show concern that you might become lazy about the work as you have handled quite the task before. So, you need to tell them how you take every task seriously, and focus is your ultimate route to success.

Always acknowledge that you are overqualified for the job. Never deny; it’s not humble. Once you said that you know you are overqualified, the next step is to tell them how you can make a difference with your skills for the company.

For example,  you can say:

My experience will let me help others who are facing some challenges about a role or task I already did. I’m a team player who likes to work with a team and help every member to do better on the job. So, in the end, we can hit the company’s target and make some contribution to higher achievements. 

I could be a great help in a difficult time for the company when an employee goes on vacation or takes a sick day off. I work great under pressure, and managing multiple roles won’t be a challenge for me.

Try to Set Salary Terms for the Company

You may ace a job interview, and then the company proceeds with you about salary negotiation. It’s the point where you have to be extra careful. In an overqualified job interview, the hiring manager will ask about your salary expectations. He will have some fears that you may demand a high salary. 

So, you need to handle this concern in a smart way. Tell them you know that this job doesn’t require much responsibility and pressure. Therefore, you are good to go with the market rate. 

Give Some Explanations in Cover Letter

If you want to ease some concerns about your hiring manager, then the best way to do this is through a cover letter. It is natural for a hiring manager to check your resume and then think why that person wants to work with us, he is overqualified for the job. So, try to give a bit of explanation through an effective cover letter. You should read how to have humility in cover letter guide.

You can mention your family reason, but the smart way to deal with that is to show some excitement. For example, if you worked as a content specialist for a brand and now your job is to handle a blog, then it’s a level down. But you need to explain in your cover letter that I worked as a content specialist for a social brand, and my experience on the job helped me gain some experience through which I can create more impactful and user-friendly blogs. 

Wrap Up

When you are overqualified for a job, you will face some challenges in the job interview. Try not to be overconfident as it will destroy your image. Be respectful and humble. Don’t tell stories of your accomplishment, unless specifically asked to.