Responses to Practice When Asked "Aren't You Overqualified?"

You’ve spent days crafting an impeccable cover letter and resume, picking out the perfect power suit and practicing your answers to common interview questions. You have an excellent educational background, hold plenty of work experience in the industry and possess all the necessary skills and requirements listed in the job description. You’re feeling pretty confident about your chances when the interviewer asks, “Aren’t you overqualified for the job?” How you respond to this tricky question can make or break your interview.

Take Salary off the Table

When hiring managers see an overqualified job seeker’s resume that contains years of experience in a high-paying position, they immediately assume the candidate expects a similar salary that may not be practical for the organization. Assure the interviewer that you do not expect to match the earnings of your prior position. Express that you are willing to accept the market rate for the position, or explain that you are open to negotiating a salary that works for you and the employer.

Commit to a Contract

Some employers are concerned about the length of time an overqualified candidate may stay in the position. They assume the candidate is likely to get bored easily or jump on the next best job offer he gets, leaving the company with a vacancy again. Offer to sign an employment contract that commits you to the organization for six months, one year or longer. If you’re not willing to do this, ask the employer to hire you on a trial basis for a month or two. This gives you time to prove your ability to do the job and demonstrate the positive impact you can make on the organization.

Demonstrate Your Loyalty

Let your work history speak for you. Cite specific examples from your resume and work history that show your longevity with former employers. Explain that you are not one to hop from position to position, and describe to the hiring manager why you want to work for this specific organization. Tell an employer what you can do to increase the company’s sales numbers or cut shipping costs, mentioning achievements from your past work experience that back up these claims.

Speak on Past Experiences

Discuss your previous experience supervising employees who are overqualified, and assure the hiring manager that you know how to conduct yourself appropriately. Describe how many overqualified employees undermine their managers, let their egos get in the way or act without communicating. Explain what you have learned from the past mistakes of these employees, and discuss how you can use your skills and abilities to meet the job duties and work in unison with your colleagues and superiors.

Be Honest About Your Situation

Don’t try to downplay your previous positions or lie about your intentions. If you want a position with less responsibility so you can spend more time with your family, explain that your priorities have changed and you are no longer focused on salary or job title. If you want to get back into the field rather than managing, describe your desire to get your hands dirty and take on a new challenge so you can feel motivated about your work. If you are desperate for any position because of job loss or layoff, discuss how you are a reliable employee with a proven track record, inside industry knowledge and the ability to mentor younger team members.

Rely on Your References

When you feel like you’re not doing enough to convince the hiring manager that you’re the right candidate for the job, let a third party speak for you. Ask a former supervisor or trusted colleague to write a letter of recommendation describing your prior achievements and ability to be a team player.

Whether you’re desperately looking for work in a tough economy or seeking a position with a little less responsibility, you may be willing to take a job for which you are overqualified. If an interviewer questions this, be honest about your circumstances. Do your best to allay the hiring manager's concerns while proving your dedication to the company and motivation to do the job.

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