CAREERS NOW 04/10/05

12 Best Answers to "Overqualified" Label

DEAR JOYCE: I am over 55 and constantly told I'm "overqualified." What can I say in interviews to survive that deadly brush-off? -- C.G.

"Overqualified" is usually code for one of five perceptions -- too many years' experience, too much education, too highly paid, too rigid with demands or too rusted with obsolete skills.

Employers further fret that you'll jump ship for a better offer, making you an inconvenient candidate who would jack up turnover costs.

Why go down with a one-word knock-out punch? Come back with a strong response -- or even a pre-emptive strike to clear the air. Here are a dozen model answers to the "overqualified" rebuff.

1. Overqualified? Some would say that I'm not overqualified but fully qualified. With due respect, could you explain the problem with someone doing the job better than expected?

2. Fortunately, I've lived enough years to have developed the judgment that allows me to focus on the future. Before we speak of past years, past titles and past salaries, can we look at my strengths and abilities and how I've stayed on the cutting edge of my career field, including its technology?

3. I hope you're not concerned that hiring someone with my solid experience and competencies would look like age bias if once on the job you decided you'd made a mistake and I had to go. Can I present a creative idea? Why don't I work on a trial basis for a month -- no strings -- which would give you a chance to view me up close? This immediately solves your staffing problem at no risk to you. I can hit the floor running and require less supervision than a less experienced worker. When can I start?

4. I was proud to be a charge nurse but I really like getting back to working with patients.

5. I'm flattered that you think I'm headhunter bait and will leap to another job when an offer appears. Not really. This job is so attractive to me that I'm willing to sign a contract committing to stay for a minimum of 12 months. There's no obligation on your part. How else can I convince you that I'm the best person for this position?

6. I'm here because this is a company on the move and I want to move up with you. With more than the minimal experience to just skim by, I offer immediate returns on your investment. Don't you want a winner with the skill sets and attitudes to do just that?

7. My family's grown. And I am no longer concerned with title and salary -- I like to keep busy. A reference check will show I do my work on time, and do it well as a team member. I'm sure we can agree on a salary that fits your budget. When can we make my time your time?

8. Downsizings have left generational memory gaps in the workforce and knowledge doesn't always get passed on to the people coming up. I could be an anchor or mentor -- calm, stable, reliable and providing day-to-day continuity to the younger team. For my last employer, I provided the history of a failed product launch to a new marketing manager, who then avoided making the same mistakes.

9. As you note, I've worked at a higher level but this position is exactly what I'm looking for. You offer opportunity to achieve the magic word: balance. I'm scouting for something challenging but a little less intense so I can spend more time with my family.

10. Salary is not my top priority. Not that I have a trust fund but I will work for less money, will take direction from managers of any age, will continue to stay current on technology and will not leave you in the lurch if Hollywood calls to make me a star. And I don't insist that it's my way or the highway.

11. If you're right, that I really do have too much firepower for this position, will you let me know when an appropriate higher-level opening comes up? Or should I call you every few months?

12. As I walked in here, I noticed a distinct age variance between myself and others in the department. I enjoy working with people of all ages. And I think work gets a boost when people of all ages contribute. The age thing is not an issue for me but is it for anyone here?

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