Whether it’s to change fields, return to a less stressful position or escape a declining industry, you are wanting a position for which you are overqualified. How do you convince the recruiter to hire you? And how do you fit in to your new work team? Some tips.
The cover letter
This is the key to getting a job interview. Emphasize the related jobs you have already held, even though they are not necessarily the most recent. Employers fear that an overqualified candidate will be bored in his position and leave for new challenges. So show your enthusiasm and interest in the mandate and workplace. Make sure as well to reiterate your loyalty to your previous employers.
“A former customer service manager in a hotel applying as a receptionist must talk about his pleasure in meeting people from all over the world, his travels and what he can bring to the company”, explains Danielle Vincent, CRIA.
It is also necessary to target the letter according to the job description and the employer, especially since your resume will show all your diplomas and experience. You can lighten it a little, but without creating voids that are difficult to justify.
You can also play the transparency card and write that you know you are overqualified while explaining why you’re interested in the position. The elements of this explanation will be useful to you during the interview.
The interview
Be prepared to answer tricky questions about your qualifications. The best way to convince the employer or recruiter is to explain why you are enthusiastic about the job.
Also, expect to reduce your salary requirements. Check job boards to make sure you ask for a realistic pay rate. This should reassure the potential employer about your intentions.
With new colleagues
In the first few days, watch your new team members: how they interact, work and divide tasks. Which doesn’t mean being silent. Be sure, however, to be tactful and up-to-date with the technical and professional terms of your new environment: join social media discussion groups, take breaks to interact with colleagues, and adapt your language and attitude to your new functions.
There is still the danger of wanting to do too much because of your experience. “You have to remember that you are no longer the superior, even if your reflexes might betray your past”, adds Danielle Vincent.
Throughout the process, remember how you can contribute to social responsibility, the organization’s mission, change and innovation, as well as any other dimension you are passionate about… It’s the best way to forget that you are overqualified!