Dealing with "You're Overqualified"

"You're overqualified." It's a common phrase experienced individuals hear when they're in the job market.

I can't tell you the number of opportunities I've lost out on because I was "overqualified." Telling someone he or she is overqualified is a lie, and, as a job candidate, you shouldn't accept it. It's like breaking up with your lover by saying, "It is not you, it's me" or "This hurts me more than it does you."

Labeling a job seeker "overqualified" is always a cover for something else. Think about it. Whom would a reasonable employer want to hire: someone who is experienced, qualified and competent, or someone who is inexperienced?

Many employers have preconceived notions about candidates of a certain age or with a high salary history or level of experience. Have you ever owned your own business? If so you're going to be suspect as well. Overcoming these obstacles is can be a challenging task. Employers often don't reveal their true concerns and they tend to hide behind such phrases as "you're overqualified."

What is the real reason you're not hired because you're "overqualified?" Your qualifications have nothing to do with it. It's a way to package the other concerns an employer has about you. Here is what they really mean:

· You are set in your ways, will come with baggage and bad habits, and won't do things our way. We'd rather hire someone whom we can shape and mold and who will do things "our way."

· You're too expensive and wouldn't even consider working for the pay we will likely offer, so why invest any more time with each other?

· You'll be bored and leave in six months, and then the company is in the same spot it's in right now. And we'll have to go through this whole process again wasting more time and money.

· You'll be a "know it all" who intimidates the employees under you.

· You'll be a "know it all" who knows more than the manager (who's intimidated and fearful that you'll take his or her job, once you expose his or her incompetence).

· You may take this position, but the moment the job market turns or you get an offer at your previous level and you'll leave.

Your best defense against a prospective employer's concerns is a good offense. Address any potential obstacles head on and early in an interview. Don't wait for an interviewer to bring them up, as they may never talk about them with you.

If it's an obvious concern like age, experience, or a background in a different field or as an entrepreneur, don't worry that you'll be raising a red flag or drawing attention to a subject that hasn't been mentioned. If the hiring manager hasn't thought about it yet, he or she (or someone else) will before you're hired. At that point, it will likely be too late for you to respond.

Anticipate the objection with a simple phrase such as, "You may be concerned how I'll handle working for someone else since I've owned my own business for the past few years. But I can tell you that I'm happy to hand over the reins to someone else and focus on what I do best."

If there is a job out there that you want by all means take control of the interview and the information. Present your story in such a way so as to nip any concerns in the bud. This will save you the pain of rejection and put you on the path to a new job.