How Do I Stop Hearing, Youre Overqualified

How Do I Stop Hearing, Youre OverqualifiedHow Do I Stop Hearing, Youre OverqualifiedYou have to strike a delicate balance between showing experience and showing age. Cutting early history from the resume means you may cut off too much experience. Yet presenting too much history may place you smack dab in the middle of an age discrimination scenario. No ones going to speak the words to you that your age is the problem, so youll just hear some version of, youre overqualified.Overqualified is coded language, translating to old or expensive. They may say something that sounds vaguely complimentary, like, you might be a big fish in a small pond around here, or, you have so much knowledge and expertise that were a bit concerned youll get bored. When you hear any version of the above, here are some strategies to use to keep your candidacy alive.Fact Check Your Own StoryWhen a candidate tells me that theyve heard more than once theyre overqualified, I investigate whether theyre targeting rol es on a level appropriate for them. For example, there was a candidate whose last 2 titles were CFO and COO, both at small organizations, who was seeking a Controller position.In his mind, of course he could meet all the qualifications for that job. But this is bedrngnis about only whats in your mind as the candidate. Its critically important to consider the scenario from the recruiters perspective. The recruiter is likely thinking, Why is THIS candidate applying for THIS job? It doesnt make sense.If your resume and LinkedIn say too much, thats the 1st thing that will prompt the vermgen employer to label you as overqualified. The CFO / COO presented numerous strategic leadership achievements, as well as success stories regarding companies he grew from nothing. All of this was wonderful, but it was over the top for a Controller position.Look at your own facts. You dont have to present all of them. That can be the equivalent of fire-hosing the employer, letting him know the full total ity of what youve done in the past, when the reality is hes only looking for a candidate to fulfill a smaller set of tasks in the particular role hes looking to fill.Stop Self-StereotypingMature workers are looked upon as experienced, reliable, stable, and loyal, with good practical knowledge. If your resume says things like this, first of all, the employer already expects that from your age category. Secondly, youve labeled yourself with a stereotype that further penetrates your age into the potential employers mind.Instead, tell the employer what he doesnt already know about you that you are creative, energetic, and comfortable with new technology. These are all the points employers assume about younger workers. Therefore, these qualities are exactly the types of things you will want to emphasize.Overcome the myth of a digital divide. Its important to fight the perception that your skills and knowledge might not be on the cutting edge. Theres no excuse for not having technology sk ills. Spend productive time on the Internet. Stay up to date with technological trends. Learn what you need to know for your next role by tapping into YouTube, Udemy, or Coursera, where you will learn, almost literally, anything and everything under the sun.Ace Your InterviewsBe strategic in your interviews. Know who youre dealing with and what kind of baggage theyre going to bring to this conversation that will help or hurt you. Your overall attitude during your interview needs to be one that shows respect and deference. The interviewer is already starting off the discussion very likely believing youll never be able to work for a boss whos younger than you are. A younger boss may feel awkward giving you direction.What youre going to do is smile and make them feel comfortable. Then, address their concerns, whether they actually spoke the words or not. Discuss examples of when you were coachable, took direction, and accepted constructive criticism in order to learn from others. While you may be more experienced than the person interviewing you, dont be a know it all. Seek out the interviewers opinion about the industry. This approach will open the employers mind and help him envision you as a contributor to the organization.Youll hear the overqualified objection significantly less as long as your resume is targeted to the job without being over the top, make sure not to stereotype yourself, and be extra respectful, deferential, and inquisitive in your interviews. The job market is hot for candidates over age 50, as long as you know what to do. Join us for more on this in, 3 Simple Steps To Cut Your Job Search Time In Half You can see exactly what candidates ages 55, 56, and 57 did to land the jobs they have right now.