June 2008 IssuE
Over-qualification Doesn’t Mean Disqualification
There are many reasons why you may be applying for work for which you’re overqualified. You may be
a new graduate with plenty of training but limited experience
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a recent immigrant looking for Canadian experience or in the process of obtaining Canadian certification
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adjusting to a job relocation or experiencing changes in your work or personal life
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looking for less responsibility and more enjoyment in your life
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a seasoned worker looking for a career change or for work after retirement.
If any of these descriptions fit, you could be bringing more experience to the job than an employer is looking for.
The challenge
If you’re overqualified, potential employers may question why someone with your background would be interested in a job that requires less experience or education. In this situation, an employer may be concerned that you’ll
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want more money than others applying for the job
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expect a quick promotion
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leave as soon as you find a job that better reflects your experience and skills or as soon as your professional certification is complete.
The following steps will help you respond to an employer’s concerns about your qualifications:
Focus on career planning
Career planning will help you identify your career goals — both short-term and long-term. When you know your goals, you’ll be able to determine how you want to apply your skills and experience.
Use effective job search techniques
Effective job search techniques will help you to connect with an employer who will view your skills and experience as assets.
Research every job you’re interested in. Find out all you can about the organization. Look for specific ways in which your skills and experience could benefit the employer. Include your ideas in your resumé and cover letter, and in the interview.
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Tailor your resumé to match the position you are applying for. You may need to omit references to graduate education or mention only the work experience that relates to the position.
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A carefully designed combination resumé allows you to focus on your transferable skills and put less emphasis on your experience.
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Make it short — keep your resumé two pages or less in length.
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Don’t omit significant information but choose your words carefully. For example, write “over 10 years of experience” instead of “22 years of experience.”
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Describe your employment history by task rather than by job title. Instead of writing “Construction Manager”, write: “supervised construction.”
Bring your positive energy to the interview
Know why you want this job and how your skills and experience will benefit the organization. Your confidence in your proven abilities will help you to maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview.
“You have an impressive resumé—aren’t you overqualified for this job?” How would you answer this question? Here are some suggestions:
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Explain how this job fits in with your career plans.
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Talk about the non-monetary rewards the job offers — for example, a new career direction or valuable Canadian experience.
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Assure the employer that you are a committed and loyal employee.
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Talk about situations where you’ve worked successfully with co-workers who had various levels of skill and experience.
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Focus on how your experience will benefit the organization.
For more tips on career, learning and employment topics, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website at www.alis.gov.ab.ca and click on the ALIS Tip Sheets. The ALIS site is provided through a partnership of Alberta Employment and Immigration, Alberta Education and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology.