As a Colorado job seeker, you might apply for positions you feel overqualified for when exploring new opportunities. This approach requires creating stories showcasing your skills and cultural fit to demonstrate your organizational value and help secure interviews.
As an overqualified candidate, you have more knowledge, skills, and experience than the position requires. Therefore, hiring managers might be concerned that you could request higher pay, get bored, and leave soon after being hired.
Understanding what to do when feeling overqualified for a position guides you in approaching the situation and securing interviews. These strategies can help.
Network
Determine whether you know an employee who works for the company. If so, ask them to refer you to the hiring manager:
- Candidates with employee relationships typically remain long-term.
- The employee can provide the manager insight into your work ethic and organizational fit.
- You could be fast-tracked through the hiring process and begin onboarding and training.
Strategically Tailor Your Resume
Customize your resume to emphasize the skills, experiences, and accomplishments relevant to the position. Downplay your advanced roles while being honest about your work history. Show you are an excellent fit for the role and culture.
Craft a Purposeful Cover Letter
Explain in your cover letter why you are interested in the position:
- Express enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with your career goals.
- Include your desire for a new challenge.
- Emphasize your interest in sharing your expertise with the team.
- Demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow within the organization.
Address Your Overqualification During Interviews
Develop answers to potential interview questions about your overqualification:
- Share your excitement for the position.
- Focus on how your experience can help the company.
- Clarify your commitment to contributing before working toward career advancement.
Emphasize Your Desire for Career Stability
Stress your desire to commit to the position and company long-term:
- Assure the interviewer you want to make a real organizational impact.
- Show how the company’s values align with yours and support longevity.
- Provide examples of how your flexibility and adaptability led to long-term employment in diverse companies.
Partner with a Staffing Agency
Job Store Staffing can match you with relevant positions in Colorado and provide guidance and support throughout the hiring process. Visit our job board to apply for a position today.
