How many times have you heard you’re overqualified for the job? It sounds ironic how recruiters resort to this lame and unfair excuse for declining your application. In the same way, they tagged you as overqualified for job posts since they set aside your resume for another one with lower credentials. You may cry injustice at this puzzling verdict, but recruiters have reasons for their actions. In this article, we list their basis and teach you techniques on how to balance your resume to meet their standards.
Drawbacks of Being Overqualified for Job Openings
“It’s not you. It’s me.” This cheesy and overused break-up line touches close to why companies don’t hire overqualified candidates. Present them with qualifications that go through the roof, and they’ll disqualify you for reasons that make your strengths complications. Sometimes, they may find your promising resume attractive but see you as a threat. It’s normal for people to avoid taking risks, so hiring managers end up telling a candidate they’re overqualified to prevent future snags.
Reasons for Rejecting Overqualified Candidates
- They can’t afford your desired salary range – Companies set a budget before the hiring process. When you throw them a rate way above their limit, they dodge your application in an instant because they can’t afford your services. Instead, they’ll get another candidate who’ll charge them within their threshold.
- You’ll lose the motivation to fulfill your tasks – Hiring managers assume the job will bore you since you’ve held a higher position. They fear the job at hand will make you tired and lazy since you won’t find it challenging.
- They see you as competition – As selfish as it may sound, this sad reason is another major factor recruiters disregard you for the position. Big guys from upper management may direct their decision because these people may be timid or fearful that you come to push them off their current spot.
- You might not stay – They picture you as a rolling stone. A job seeker with your qualifications look too good to be true, so they fear you’d leave as soon as you find a better opportunity. Besides, such firms prefer staying power than stellar credentials because they invest in training people.
- They feel intimidated by you – You’ll stick out as a sore thumb within your team. Recruiters fear your supervisors will have a hard time managing someone like you. This mindset is rather more common among experienced applicants placed under younger managers. They want to preserve the rapport and avoid clashes within the team that may disrupt the peaceful office environment.
Find the Balance to Get You Hired Even with Sky-High Qualifications
Given these reasons, you must reassure your recruiter, so his or her doubts will weigh less than your qualifications. Write your resume that show strengths as a huge potential rather than a future setback for the company. Sell your A+ skills as assets, so recruiters won’t resist the tempting benefits you offer.
Be ready to answer awkward questions: “Why are you applying for a role beneath your former job description?” and “Do you know that this position backtracks your career progress?” Pass the interview with a pleasant outlook and firm resolve recruiters can’t resist. Convince them they’re getting more benefits than trouble when they welcome you on board.
Write an effective cover letter to support your resume. Tell your recruiter how you find roles as only one part of work. Let them know how you consider no role too small when it contributes to the company’s goals. It would take professional resume writing to pull that off, so don’t think twice about consulting top resume service providers. Once the rewards you bring become the focus, they’re less likely to name you as overqualified for job posts.
Sources: Monster.com | Money.USNews.com | TheMuse.com
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