I guess I have a problem with words that begin with "over." I never understood the phrase "overachiever"-- it's generally defined as someone who achieves beyond expectation. And this is a negative? What does it say about that person-- and what does it say about the other's "expectation"? It's a meaningless phrase. And I tend to put "overqualified" in the same category.

There are two ways to read "overqualified": one is literal-- you have more experience and/or education than are required for the position. The implication is that you'll be bored and leave the job as soon as something better comes along. But people get bored on jobs and leave regardless of their qualifications.

The other reading is often subliminal and fraught with problems: you're too old. Meaning: you won't fit in, you'll have health problems, you'll cost too much, you won't keep up with trends, etc.

Let's look at it from the employer's perspective. Remember, underneath that veneer of interview-cool lurks the fear: Is this person my next nightmare? Well, maybe not that extreme a fear, but every employer knows the wasted hours and lost productivity on a bad hire. And potential legal issues-- if I hire someone over 40 won't it put me in danger of a discrimination lawsuit if I have to let them go? Bottom line: they think you have too much baggage. 

But here's the fallacy of that thinking: every worker has hidden baggage. People with young children might miss work to care for a sick child; sports nuts might spend their workdays constructing their fantasy football team; outdoor enthusiasts might seriously injure themselves pursuing a weekend hobby; social media junkies might type inappropriate Facebook entries. (Read: don't hire women, men, or young people.) We all come with potential baggage.

So let's get over the "overqualified" baggage. Of course some candidates will have more experience or education than you need-- it's a fact of today's economy and the job market. Why not use that to your advantage-- you're getting more bang for your buck. So what if they only stay a year or two? During that time their knowledge and expertise could move your division forward tenfold. And last time I looked, younger workers were just as likely to leave after a year or two. So use their knowledge. Take advantage of their overqualified status. Give them a chance. Unless,of course, you really do like to discriminate.

Now let's move to the "overqualified" candidates. You already know you have to combat attitude and behavior concerns. The only power and control you have in a job interview is what you choose to say. If you choose to stay mum while they look over your credentials, it's your choice. You have to be aware of the elephant in the room. And it's up to you as the job seeker to point it out because the interviewer probably won't or can't.

• Start by being brutally honest with yourself. Are the stereotypes true? Will you be bored? Do you resent taking less pay? Then you need to adjust your attitude and behavior so it doesn't appear at the interview or on the job. You have a choice-- you can reinforce the stereotype or you can break it.
• There is no shame in taking a job for less pay or prestige. Find a way to reconcile yourself with what is an economic reality of the moment. Thoughts to consider: a job is better than no job; some money is better than no money. There is worth in all work. Find it.
• Think big picture. Think future. The tendency is to dwell on your past career. Focus on a fresh start and where you can go now based on your new path.
• Make sure your resume only contains relevant information from the last 10 years or so. (My resume used to contain an entry about how I initiated the use of computers in my office. You can picture the dinosaurs gathering outside my window.)
• Keep up with trends, but don't try to be what you're not. If you haven't exercised in awhile, start now. Getting in shape can be an attitude/confidence booster as well as evidence that you're not a health liability.
• Focus on your many interests and skills, your desire to learn and grow, and the opportunities you see in the new position with this new organization.
• Tell the employer you understand possible concerns about being over-qualified. You know that your skills, experience, and education go beyond what is required. But those factors simply prepare you to excel in the job-- you can hit the ground running, you won't need as much training and you have a track record of doing well in your previous employment.
• It's OK to say that this is a tough job market and you value the stability and opportunities this position offers. You can stress your loyalty as demonstrated in previous jobs. If you were supervised by a younger person on a previous job, mention that.
• What aspects of your life make you a more focused worker now? Are your children older and less likely to interfere with your work? Are you calmer, more mature, wiser, etc.?
• Every job gives you perspective. What perspective did you develop as a manager? How would that knowledge make you do a better job if you're in a lower management position or a direct service position? For instance, many people starting out in the working world think they could do a better job than their manager. Until they become the manager-- and learn about challenges and issues they didn't even think about.  
• Things not to do: 
  • Some career advisors recommend you say that you're looking for a less-stressful job so you can spend time with your family. I wouldn't say anything that implies you won't give 100% to the job--- remember they can hire other folks who will.
  • Also, some advisors suggest offering to sign a one-year contract that holds you (but not the employer) to the position, or agree to work for one month on a trial basis-- but in this litigious society, I'm not so sure that these ideas would fly at most employment settings.
  • Avoid obvious (and poorly done) cosmetic changes-- hair dye (particularly for men) or plastic surgery.

Bottom line? You're facing overt and covert discrimination. Your response needs to be: "Damn straight I'm overqualified. Why would you seek anything less?"

Find me on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter.  Copyright 2010 Katharine Brooks

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