Expert insights. Personalized for you.
In this economy, there is an abundance of extremely educated, intelligent and experienced candidates who are consistently overlooked for positions they are “overqualified” for. The basic rationale, which is as backward as the hiring process itself, is companies’ fear an overqualified candidate will leave for greener pastures six months to a year after being hired. Don’t hide behind an anonymous form rejection letter. MORE
In the wake of my college graduation, I sent out a newly minted resume and several shy cover letters to any job that remotely resembled my major (English). One manager told me on the phone that he simply could not let me file legal documents in a dark, moldy basement because I was overqualified and his conscience would never forgive him. MORE
Contact Podcast Release Submit Article Resources Site Map Home Careers Cover Letters Interviewing Resume Help Age Bias Lifestyle Networking Entrepreneurs Franchising Retirement Start Ups Videos Related Posts Similar Posts No Related Post Finding Work Today Boomer Fitness Walk, Then Run Beginning Triathlete – Important Triathlon Training Tips Why Do You Need a Heart Rate Monitor? Overqualified is a bad label in more ways that you can think of. MORE
Or does it make you look overqualified, like someone who will outgrow the role very quickly? We looked at several thousand resumes and job ads covering 12 different occupations, altogether making up one-quarter of all U.S. Many blue-collar jobseekers end up pursuing roles for which they are overqualified, overeducated, and ultimately under-compensated. “Go to college or get a job.” MORE
And while your resume and cover letter may be a perfect match for the role, you just can’t seem to catch a break and land an interview. Indicate why you have such a large gap in your cover letter. You’re Applying to a Job You’re Overqualified For. MORE
The words “you’re overqualified for this position” are frustrating. Why did the recruiter or hiring manager call you in for an interview if they felt you were overqualified? In that case, your cover letter should give a reasonable and positive explanation for seeking a lower level position: You like hands-on work more than supervision, you want a chance to mentor others now you have achieved the highest levels of your profession, you are transitioning from another industry. MORE
Your cover letter is your chance to showcase your particular talents and set yourself apart. Using an executive resume cover letter is the best way to get noticed right out of the gate. Be sure the structure of your executive resume cover letter is clean and neat. It’s understandable you may be applying for a position you’re overqualified for. Blog Executive Resumes executive profile executive resume cover letter executive resume writing MORE
I’m either overqualified or still don’t have enough experience, apparently even if paid training is advertised as part of the position. And you need engaging, compelling cover letters too. And maybe “acceptable” was just a bad choice of words in your letter — but if it’s not getting you a single interview, it’s worth considering that it might need another look.). This was originally published on October 26, 2012. MORE
In my cover letter, I explained that an administrative support position in my field is now my desired career path and would really enjoy working in a support role in a field in which I excel. (I I’m upbeat in my letters and feel like my tone is can-do/proactive. MORE
Am I overqualified, under-qualified, or just right? I still feel like an entry level candidate, so I’ve been applying to entry level jobs–some that ask for the masters, most that just ask for a bachelor’s degree–and I don’t know if I’m under/overqualified. Thoughtful, truly customized cover letters are going to be your friend here. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. MORE
Potential Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Hired It means you have to have the perfect resume and cover letter, tailored for each position that you apply for, that easily shows that you have the background (or potential) for the position. Some positions will come more easily than others, but they may be positions for which you feel you’re overqualified. In today’s job market , it’s very easy to become frustrated by the lack of response to your resume or application submissions. MORE
About Me Contact Books Reviews Ask a Manager yes, you really should write a better cover letter March 7, 2011 Periodically I hear from readers who tell me that after they started approaching their cover letters differently, as I advise here , they started getting interviews. In fact, I recently promised a post explaining why a cover letter can matter so much. A good cover letter effectively conveys those qualities. MORE
Use fewer pronouns (I,my,me) in your cover letter. Use rejection-response letters. Use external recommendations in cover letters. Address being overqualified before they ask. Prepare a cover story if you want to change careers. Prepare reference letters in advance. Respond to job ads with point-by-point cover letters. Ask for interviews in cover letters. A cover letter’s goal is to get your resumes read. MORE
Here are three tips to avoid looking overqualified. Resume & Cover Letter advice career expert overqualified resume tipHave the experience but still can't get a job? Your resume may be looking a little too good. To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com. MORE
If you are a candidate who may be overqualified for a job you’re considering, think about making adjustments to your resume to help you get the job. Resume & Cover Letter advice career expert job overqualified resume searchTo get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com. MORE
I call it the “hail mary” of the recruiting world when a job-seeker submits a resume for a particular role despite being vastly underqualified or overqualified. Overqualified and underqualified candidates are viewed essentially the same: as “non-fits.”. Including all relevant information for a specific job in a cover letter, but not on your actual resume. 3 Good Reasons To Spend More Time On Your Cover Letter. MORE
AH-HA MOMENT AUTHORS APPLICATION TAKE THE FREE QUIZ WINNERS APPROVED EXPERTS BECOME AN EXPERT EXPERT BENEFITS EXPERT SCHEDULE INTERVIEW PREP PERSONAL BRANDING RESUME & COVER LETTER YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SCORING AN INTERNSHIP C-TWIPS FEATURED TWEETS ORIGINAL PROJECT T.A.P. It means you have to have the perfect resume and cover letter, tailored for each position to which you apply, that easily shows that you have the background (or potential) for the position. MORE
Jennifer Anthony's Official Blog Nationally Published Resume Expert Skip to content Home About Hire Jenn FAQs How It Works Resume Rockstars Resume Writers by Industry or Specialty Library ← Switching Careers at the Executive Level Strengthening Your Executive Resume With the Right Keywords → What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive Posted on December 31, 2009 by Jennifer Anthony By Heather Eagar The job market is definitely suffering nowadays. MORE
A new organizational structure can make sure that you are not labeled as “overqualified” and filtered out immediately. LiveCareer offers a treasure trove of materials to aid jobseekers in their journeys towards dream jobs, including tons of examples of how to approach resume writing, plus guidance on interviewing and cover letter writing. MORE
← Getting the Most Out of Your Executive Resume What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive → Like Be the first to like this post. Recent Posts Does Your Cover Letter Match the Job You Are Applying For? MORE
Most commonly, employers will disregard applicants who are highly overqualified and don’t explain why they’re interested in the job anyway. One way to stand out against them is to write a compelling, personalized cover letter.). MORE
Jennifer Anthony's Official Blog Nationally Published Resume Expert Skip to content Home About Hire Jenn FAQs How It Works Resume Rockstars Resume Writers by Industry or Specialty Library ← 4 Keys to Creating an Interview-Winning Information Technology Resume Does Your Cover Letter Match the Job You Are Applying For? Conversely, applying for positions you are overqualified for will get you about the same results. MORE
A recent report from Yahoo Finance indicates that the underemployment rate for recent college graduates is higher today than it was a decade ago, meaning more grads are taking minimum wage jobs or jobs that they're overqualified for in order to make ends meet. It's not enough to send out a resume and cover letter and just hope that you'll be contacted. MORE
And have them look at your cover letter, too, while they’re at it! This may seem counterintuitive, but it can be the solution if (and only if) you are overqualified for the positions you are seeking. “ There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle ” – Albert Einstein. Are you sending out dozens of resumes a day but not getting any responses? MORE
Jennifer Anthony's Official Blog Nationally Published Resume Expert Skip to content Home About Hire Jenn FAQs How It Works Resume Rockstars Resume Writers by Industry or Specialty Library ← What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive Job Hunting in 2010? ← What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive Job Hunting in 2010? Recent Posts Does Your Cover Letter Match the Job You Are Applying For? MORE
Conversely, applying for positions you are overqualified for will get you about the same results. Hiring managers are NERVOUS to hire overqualified people for one reason – they don’t want to risk hiring you now and having you up and leave when a better job comes along. Use Your Time Wisely All of the time you’re going to be saving from not applying for positions you are under- or overqualified for can be better redirected into optimizing your resume. MORE
The thinking is that if you dumb it down, then you might get more interviews because you will no longer be overqualified for the positions you are applying for and thus not being interviewed. The better suggestion is to keep applying and handle your over qualifications in your cover letter. You have worked hard and maybe even hired a professional, but you finally have a fantastic resume that highlights every positive aspect of your career perfectly. MORE
Also, be careful about considering yourself overqualified. Having a degree for a job that doesn’t require one (graduate or otherwise) doesn’t in and of itself make you overqualified. If you have education or experience doing A but you’re in a job doing B, your’e not overqualified. Cover letters for text boxes. I’ve uploaded my resume, but it also allows you to copy/paste text for a cover letter into a text box to be included. MORE
A recent report from Yahoo Finance indicates that the underemployment rate for college graduates is higher today than it was a decade ago, meaning more grads are taking minimum wage jobs or jobs that they're overqualified for in order to make ends meet. You should also prepare a "disruptive" cover letter where you really bring attention to yourself by telling a story about how you connect with the company. MORE
What do you do when employers tell you that you are overqualified? Home About Us How It Works FAQs Contact Resources Request a Proposal Thursday, September 9th, 2010 Career Solvers Interviewed on Work It Girl Radio Last week I was interviewed by Lisa Johnson Mandell and Janet Powers on their Work It Girl radio show. We chatted about a number of job search and workplace topics including: Is there any movement in the job market? MORE
Contact Podcast Release Submit Article Resources Site Map Home Careers Cover Letters Interviewing Resume Help Age Bias Lifestyle Networking Entrepreneurs Franchising Retirement Start Ups Videos Related Posts Similar Posts No Related Post Finding Work Today Boomer Fitness Walk, Then Run Beginning Triathlete – Important Triathlon Training Tips Why Do You Need a Heart Rate Monitor? MORE
Sometimes, you find yourself in the unenviable category of “ overqualified ” candidates when applying for a job. If you are interested in a position that you overqualify for, take a proactive stance and answer some common interviewer’s questions before they are asked. Answer “why are you applying for a job you overqualify for?” ” in your cover letter. MORE
Did you spellcheck and proofread your resume and cover letter? Use fewer pronouns (I,my,me) in your cover letter. Use rejection-response letters. Use external recommendations in cover letters. Address being overqualified before they ask. Prepare a cover story if you want to change careers. Prepare reference letters in advance. Respond to job ads with point-by-point cover letters. MORE
Every now and then, a listing will ask for a headshot along with a résumé and cover letter, and it skeeves me out. Every now and then, a listing will ask for a headshot along with a résumé and cover letter, and it skeeves me out. short answer Saturday: 6 short answers to 6 short questions employer wants permission to call people outside my reference list am I wrong to be insulted by this rejection letter? Thompsons cover letter get him an interview? MORE
We talked about: what to do if you’re overqualified. The segment is six and a half minutes and you can listen here: You may also like: if you’re not getting interviews, here’s how to fix your resume and cover letter how do background checks work? I was on public radio’s Marketplace Weekend again this weekend, taking more questions from listeners about job searching. This was a bonus round because we got so many questions from people the week before!) MORE
I’m either overqualified or still don’t have enough experience, apparently even if paid training is advertised as part of the position. And you need engaging, compelling cover letters too. And maybe “acceptable” was just a bad choice of words in your letter — but if it’s not getting you a single interview, it’s worth considering that it might need another look.). MORE
For further reading, check out two of my latest articles 7 Things You Should Never Include on Your Resume and 5 Things You Should Never Say in Your Cover Letter. 3 Resume Tips To Avoid Appearing Overqualified. Over the years, I’ve had clients come to me and ask all kinds of questions about advice they’ve heard in regards to resume writing. Some advice was on point like the importance of personal branding, other advice was further off base. MORE
I’ve been a regular reader of your blog for years, and have improved my resume and cover letters so much based on your advice. After a grueling 9 month job search during a pandemic, this over 50, overqualified but undereducated, and generally stressed out woman has finally accepted a job offer! Alison’s excellent advice regarding cover letters and interviewing had a great impact. It’s your Friday good news, with more accounts of success even in this weird time. MORE
A recent report from Yahoo Finance indicates that the underemployment rate for college graduates is higher today than it was a decade ago, meaning more grads are taking minimum wage jobs or jobs that they're overqualified for in order to make ends meet. You should also prepare a "disruptive" cover letter where you really bring attention to yourself by telling a story about how you connect with the company. MORE
So it’s up to you to communicate exactly what you want them to know through your cover letter, resume, and/or online presence. Check out these related articles: How To Edit Your Overqualified Resume. Overcome Being Overqualified For Part Time Work. 3 Resume Tips To Avoid Appearing Overqualified. Job Search overqualified It’s a soul-crushing feeling. I know, because I’ve felt it. You probably have, too. MORE
Mentioning a large raise in your cover letter. I’m working on some draft cover letters for my job search and I was wondering if it’s ever advisable to mention getting a significant raise (~8+%) after less than a year of employment, ideally to show how my work was valued at my company. However, I am afraid I am overqualified for many positions I’ve found, as I have a Bachelor’s degree (in a hard science). MORE
About Me Contact Books Reviews Ask a Manager things that aren’t good ideas #78 March 22, 2011 The reader who received the cover letter excerpted below described it as “things that make your heart break,&# and I have to agree. Posted in cover letters The reader who received the cover letter excerpted below described it as “things that make your heart break,&# and I have to agree. By the looks of that letter, the sender is stuck in 1975. MORE
We knew Fergus was highly overqualified for the position, but he said that he was looking or a role with less responsibility due to family issues, so we hired him. So, the deal with overqualified applicants is that in general you don’t want to decide for them what they would and wouldn’t be happy with — or at least, not without talking to them and hearing what they have to say. A reader writes: I’m a young professional working at a nonprofit. MORE
The idea is such a joke that there is now a book out by this name, Overqualified by Joey Comeau. Comeau writes cover letters to send with resumes, but they are not your run of the mill cover letters. The following is a guest post from careers writer, Brendan Cruickshank. + Instead, they are outrageous, MORE
Professional Resume Services
APRIL 7, 2014
Sometimes, you find yourself in the unenviable category of “ overqualified ” candidates when applying for a job. If you are interested in a position that you overqualify for, take a proactive stance and answer some common interviewer’s questions before they are asked. Answer “why are you applying for a job you overqualify for?” ” in your cover letter.
Career Realism
MARCH 8, 2012
Here are three tips to avoid looking overqualified. Resume & Cover Letter advice career expert overqualified resume tipHave the experience but still can't get a job? Your resume may be looking a little too good. To get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.
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Career Realism
SEPTEMBER 9, 2011
If you are a candidate who may be overqualified for a job you’re considering, think about making adjustments to your resume to help you get the job. Resume & Cover Letter advice career expert job overqualified resume searchTo get this useful advice and many other helpful career resources, visit us now at CAREEREALISM.com.
Jennifer Anthony
DECEMBER 31, 2009
Jennifer Anthony's Official Blog Nationally Published Resume Expert Skip to content Home About Hire Jenn FAQs How It Works Resume Rockstars Resume Writers by Industry or Specialty Library ← Switching Careers at the Executive Level Strengthening Your Executive Resume With the Right Keywords → What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive Posted on December 31, 2009 by Jennifer Anthony By Heather Eagar The job market is definitely suffering nowadays.
Professional Resume Services
FEBRUARY 9, 2016
Your cover letter is your chance to showcase your particular talents and set yourself apart. Using an executive resume cover letter is the best way to get noticed right out of the gate. Be sure the structure of your executive resume cover letter is clean and neat. It’s understandable you may be applying for a position you’re overqualified for. Blog Executive Resumes executive profile executive resume cover letter executive resume writing
Career Realism
APRIL 4, 2013
The words “you’re overqualified for this position” are frustrating. Why did the recruiter or hiring manager call you in for an interview if they felt you were overqualified? In that case, your cover letter should give a reasonable and positive explanation for seeking a lower level position: You like hands-on work more than supervision, you want a chance to mentor others now you have achieved the highest levels of your profession, you are transitioning from another industry.
Professional Resume Services
NOVEMBER 23, 2012
The thinking is that if you dumb it down, then you might get more interviews because you will no longer be overqualified for the positions you are applying for and thus not being interviewed. The better suggestion is to keep applying and handle your over qualifications in your cover letter. You have worked hard and maybe even hired a professional, but you finally have a fantastic resume that highlights every positive aspect of your career perfectly.
Career Realism
JULY 18, 2019
A recent report from Yahoo Finance indicates that the underemployment rate for college graduates is higher today than it was a decade ago, meaning more grads are taking minimum wage jobs or jobs that they're overqualified for in order to make ends meet. You should also prepare a "disruptive" cover letter where you really bring attention to yourself by telling a story about how you connect with the company.
Ask a Manager
MARCH 1, 2018
We knew Fergus was highly overqualified for the position, but he said that he was looking or a role with less responsibility due to family issues, so we hired him. So, the deal with overqualified applicants is that in general you don’t want to decide for them what they would and wouldn’t be happy with — or at least, not without talking to them and hearing what they have to say. A reader writes: I’m a young professional working at a nonprofit.
Ask A Manager
JANUARY 20, 2014
Am I overqualified, under-qualified, or just right? I still feel like an entry level candidate, so I’ve been applying to entry level jobs–some that ask for the masters, most that just ask for a bachelor’s degree–and I don’t know if I’m under/overqualified. Thoughtful, truly customized cover letters are going to be your friend here. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go….
Career Realism
JUNE 25, 2019
A recent report from Yahoo Finance indicates that the underemployment rate for college graduates is higher today than it was a decade ago, meaning more grads are taking minimum wage jobs or jobs that they're overqualified for in order to make ends meet. You should also prepare a "disruptive" cover letter where you really bring attention to yourself by telling a story about how you connect with the company.
Professional Resume Services
MARCH 25, 2011
The idea is such a joke that there is now a book out by this name, Overqualified by Joey Comeau. Comeau writes cover letters to send with resumes, but they are not your run of the mill cover letters. The following is a guest post from careers writer, Brendan Cruickshank. + Instead, they are outrageous,
Career Realism
NOVEMBER 12, 2013
So it’s up to you to communicate exactly what you want them to know through your cover letter, resume, and/or online presence. Check out these related articles: How To Edit Your Overqualified Resume. Overcome Being Overqualified For Part Time Work. 3 Resume Tips To Avoid Appearing Overqualified. Job Search overqualified It’s a soul-crushing feeling. I know, because I’ve felt it. You probably have, too.
Jobacle
JUNE 26, 2018
Or does it make you look overqualified, like someone who will outgrow the role very quickly? We looked at several thousand resumes and job ads covering 12 different occupations, altogether making up one-quarter of all U.S. Many blue-collar jobseekers end up pursuing roles for which they are overqualified, overeducated, and ultimately under-compensated. “Go to college or get a job.”
Jobacle
AUGUST 1, 2017
A new organizational structure can make sure that you are not labeled as “overqualified” and filtered out immediately. LiveCareer offers a treasure trove of materials to aid jobseekers in their journeys towards dream jobs, including tons of examples of how to approach resume writing, plus guidance on interviewing and cover letter writing.
Ask A Manager
MARCH 22, 2011
About Me Contact Books Reviews Ask a Manager things that aren’t good ideas #78 March 22, 2011 The reader who received the cover letter excerpted below described it as “things that make your heart break,&# and I have to agree. Posted in cover letters The reader who received the cover letter excerpted below described it as “things that make your heart break,&# and I have to agree. By the looks of that letter, the sender is stuck in 1975.
Jennifer Anthony
OCTOBER 14, 2010
Jennifer Anthony's Official Blog Nationally Published Resume Expert Skip to content Home About Hire Jenn FAQs How It Works Resume Rockstars Resume Writers by Industry or Specialty Library ← 4 Keys to Creating an Interview-Winning Information Technology Resume Does Your Cover Letter Match the Job You Are Applying For? Conversely, applying for positions you are overqualified for will get you about the same results.
Career Alley
SEPTEMBER 26, 2012
And have them look at your cover letter, too, while they’re at it! This may seem counterintuitive, but it can be the solution if (and only if) you are overqualified for the positions you are seeking. “ There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle ” – Albert Einstein. Are you sending out dozens of resumes a day but not getting any responses?
Career Solvers
SEPTEMBER 8, 2010
What do you do when employers tell you that you are overqualified? Home About Us How It Works FAQs Contact Resources Request a Proposal Thursday, September 9th, 2010 Career Solvers Interviewed on Work It Girl Radio Last week I was interviewed by Lisa Johnson Mandell and Janet Powers on their Work It Girl radio show. We chatted about a number of job search and workplace topics including: Is there any movement in the job market?
Jennifer Anthony
DECEMBER 31, 2009
Jennifer Anthony's Official Blog Nationally Published Resume Expert Skip to content Home About Hire Jenn FAQs How It Works Resume Rockstars Resume Writers by Industry or Specialty Library ← What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive Job Hunting in 2010? ← What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive Job Hunting in 2010? Recent Posts Does Your Cover Letter Match the Job You Are Applying For?
Jennifer Anthony
DECEMBER 30, 2009
← Getting the Most Out of Your Executive Resume What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive → Like Be the first to like this post. Recent Posts Does Your Cover Letter Match the Job You Are Applying For?
Ms. Career Girl
JULY 24, 2018
In the wake of my college graduation, I sent out a newly minted resume and several shy cover letters to any job that remotely resembled my major (English). One manager told me on the phone that he simply could not let me file legal documents in a dark, moldy basement because I was overqualified and his conscience would never forgive him.
The Corporate Con/noisseur
JANUARY 30, 2020
And while your resume and cover letter may be a perfect match for the role, you just can’t seem to catch a break and land an interview. Indicate why you have such a large gap in your cover letter. You’re Applying to a Job You’re Overqualified For.
Ask A Manager
FEBRUARY 1, 2011
Every now and then, a listing will ask for a headshot along with a résumé and cover letter, and it skeeves me out. Every now and then, a listing will ask for a headshot along with a résumé and cover letter, and it skeeves me out. short answer Saturday: 6 short answers to 6 short questions employer wants permission to call people outside my reference list am I wrong to be insulted by this rejection letter? Thompsons cover letter get him an interview?
Career Realism
OCTOBER 15, 2013
I call it the “hail mary” of the recruiting world when a job-seeker submits a resume for a particular role despite being vastly underqualified or overqualified. Overqualified and underqualified candidates are viewed essentially the same: as “non-fits.”. Including all relevant information for a specific job in a cover letter, but not on your actual resume. 3 Good Reasons To Spend More Time On Your Cover Letter.
Ask a Manager
SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
We talked about: what to do if you’re overqualified. The segment is six and a half minutes and you can listen here: You may also like: if you’re not getting interviews, here’s how to fix your resume and cover letter how do background checks work? I was on public radio’s Marketplace Weekend again this weekend, taking more questions from listeners about job searching. This was a bonus round because we got so many questions from people the week before!)
Career Realism
FEBRUARY 9, 2014
For further reading, check out two of my latest articles 7 Things You Should Never Include on Your Resume and 5 Things You Should Never Say in Your Cover Letter. 3 Resume Tips To Avoid Appearing Overqualified. Over the years, I’ve had clients come to me and ask all kinds of questions about advice they’ve heard in regards to resume writing. Some advice was on point like the importance of personal branding, other advice was further off base.
Boomers Next Step
MARCH 23, 2011
Contact Podcast Release Submit Article Resources Site Map Home Careers Cover Letters Interviewing Resume Help Age Bias Lifestyle Networking Entrepreneurs Franchising Retirement Start Ups Videos Related Posts Similar Posts No Related Post Finding Work Today Boomer Fitness Walk, Then Run Beginning Triathlete – Important Triathlon Training Tips Why Do You Need a Heart Rate Monitor? Overqualified is a bad label in more ways that you can think of.
JobMob
JANUARY 4, 2018
Did you spellcheck and proofread your resume and cover letter? Use fewer pronouns (I,my,me) in your cover letter. Use rejection-response letters. Use external recommendations in cover letters. Address being overqualified before they ask. Prepare a cover story if you want to change careers. Prepare reference letters in advance. Respond to job ads with point-by-point cover letters.
Workology
SEPTEMBER 21, 2012
In this economy, there is an abundance of extremely educated, intelligent and experienced candidates who are consistently overlooked for positions they are “overqualified” for. The basic rationale, which is as backward as the hiring process itself, is companies’ fear an overqualified candidate will leave for greener pastures six months to a year after being hired. Don’t hide behind an anonymous form rejection letter.
Career Realism
MAY 11, 2013
Potential Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Hired It means you have to have the perfect resume and cover letter, tailored for each position that you apply for, that easily shows that you have the background (or potential) for the position. Some positions will come more easily than others, but they may be positions for which you feel you’re overqualified. In today’s job market , it’s very easy to become frustrated by the lack of response to your resume or application submissions.
Career Realism
MAY 13, 2013
Conversely, applying for positions you are overqualified for will get you about the same results. Hiring managers are NERVOUS to hire overqualified people for one reason – they don’t want to risk hiring you now and having you up and leave when a better job comes along. Use Your Time Wisely All of the time you’re going to be saving from not applying for positions you are under- or overqualified for can be better redirected into optimizing your resume.
JobMob
JANUARY 7, 2016
Use fewer pronouns (I,my,me) in your cover letter. Use rejection-response letters. Use external recommendations in cover letters. Address being overqualified before they ask. Prepare a cover story if you want to change careers. Prepare reference letters in advance. Respond to job ads with point-by-point cover letters. Ask for interviews in cover letters. A cover letter’s goal is to get your resumes read.
Career Realism
SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
AH-HA MOMENT AUTHORS APPLICATION TAKE THE FREE QUIZ WINNERS APPROVED EXPERTS BECOME AN EXPERT EXPERT BENEFITS EXPERT SCHEDULE INTERVIEW PREP PERSONAL BRANDING RESUME & COVER LETTER YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SCORING AN INTERNSHIP C-TWIPS FEATURED TWEETS ORIGINAL PROJECT T.A.P. It means you have to have the perfect resume and cover letter, tailored for each position to which you apply, that easily shows that you have the background (or potential) for the position.
Boomers Next Step
APRIL 26, 2011
Contact Podcast Release Submit Article Resources Site Map Home Careers Cover Letters Interviewing Resume Help Age Bias Lifestyle Networking Entrepreneurs Franchising Retirement Start Ups Videos Related Posts Similar Posts No Related Post Finding Work Today Boomer Fitness Walk, Then Run Beginning Triathlete – Important Triathlon Training Tips Why Do You Need a Heart Rate Monitor?
Ask a Manager
NOVEMBER 28, 2014
Also, be careful about considering yourself overqualified. Having a degree for a job that doesn’t require one (graduate or otherwise) doesn’t in and of itself make you overqualified. If you have education or experience doing A but you’re in a job doing B, your’e not overqualified. Cover letters for text boxes. I’ve uploaded my resume, but it also allows you to copy/paste text for a cover letter into a text box to be included.
Career Realism
JUNE 25, 2019
A recent report from Yahoo Finance indicates that the underemployment rate for recent college graduates is higher today than it was a decade ago, meaning more grads are taking minimum wage jobs or jobs that they're overqualified for in order to make ends meet. It's not enough to send out a resume and cover letter and just hope that you'll be contacted.
Ask A Manager
MAY 9, 2014
I’m either overqualified or still don’t have enough experience, apparently even if paid training is advertised as part of the position. And you need engaging, compelling cover letters too. And maybe “acceptable” was just a bad choice of words in your letter — but if it’s not getting you a single interview, it’s worth considering that it might need another look.). This was originally published on October 26, 2012.
Ask A Manager
OCTOBER 25, 2012
I’m either overqualified or still don’t have enough experience, apparently even if paid training is advertised as part of the position. And you need engaging, compelling cover letters too. And maybe “acceptable” was just a bad choice of words in your letter — but if it’s not getting you a single interview, it’s worth considering that it might need another look.).
Ask a Manager
NOVEMBER 6, 2020
I’ve been a regular reader of your blog for years, and have improved my resume and cover letters so much based on your advice. After a grueling 9 month job search during a pandemic, this over 50, overqualified but undereducated, and generally stressed out woman has finally accepted a job offer! Alison’s excellent advice regarding cover letters and interviewing had a great impact. It’s your Friday good news, with more accounts of success even in this weird time.
Ask a Manager
MARCH 8, 2021
Most commonly, employers will disregard applicants who are highly overqualified and don’t explain why they’re interested in the job anyway. One way to stand out against them is to write a compelling, personalized cover letter.).
Ask a Manager
MARCH 11, 2021
In my cover letter, I explained that an administrative support position in my field is now my desired career path and would really enjoy working in a support role in a field in which I excel. (I I’m upbeat in my letters and feel like my tone is can-do/proactive.
Ask A Manager
JANUARY 8, 2013
Mentioning a large raise in your cover letter. I’m working on some draft cover letters for my job search and I was wondering if it’s ever advisable to mention getting a significant raise (~8+%) after less than a year of employment, ideally to show how my work was valued at my company. However, I am afraid I am overqualified for many positions I’ve found, as I have a Bachelor’s degree (in a hard science).
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