Overqualified Now what

Overqualified Now what What do you do or say when a hiring influencer says they think youre overqualified for the job during your interview? The first thing to do is stay calm and professional. The discussion isnt over; your interviewer is simply telling you they arent seeing the right fit. The ball is now in your court to emphasize the ways in which you do fit the position and the organization. Dont: Dont show desperation. No matter how much you need the job, your need doesnt speak to the hiring influencers concern that youll become bored in the position or youll expect a promotion on a faster track than is comfortable for the organization. Dont react emotionally. The observation that you seem overqualified isnt a personal attack, or the end of the conversation. Its the opening line to a discussion of whether youre a good fit for the jobthat should be your first concern, too! Dont give up! This isnt the end of the conversation: Its the beginning of a negotiation. Do: Stay calm and engaged with the interviewer. Stating that they think youre overqualified means you have great skills, this is a positive. Keep your voice and your body language relaxed and interested. A career coach can help you prepare for this question. Consider the possibility. Are you overqualified? Will you get bored or impatient doing this job? If its really not a great fit, acknowledge the hiring influencers wisdom at spotting the mismatch, end the interview, and thank them for their time. You dont just need any job, you need a great fit. If the job isnt, move on. Discuss why youre a great fit. Ok, so you might be overqualified, but you still want the job. Despite having more experience or skills than the job requires, what makes you the right person? Because it has less travel? Because this job will keep you doing what you most enjoy (instead of managing the managers, or moving up to a less enjoyable fit). Or perhaps theres something important about the organization itself as well as the job that makes you want to be a part of the team. If you know you may be overqualified going in, be ready to point out the reasons the job is a great fit for you. Acknowledge the worries. Have you managed an overqualified person who was a self-important, difficult employee? Do you have experience with an overqualified employee who settled into the team and not only did the job, but supported and encouraged other team members to exceed expectations? Speak to the concerns of hiring someone who could be a disappointing detriment or add exceptional value. Show the interviewer why you would work to be the exceptional value. Show appreciation. Both you and the interviewer are looking for the best fit possible. Assure them that you are looking for a job where you can succeed for the long-term, and you are applying thoughtfully and deliberately for a position you feel you truly want to do. Thank them for bringing up their concerns.