Overqualified and Underemployed Heres What to Do

Overqualified and Underemployed Heres What to DoOverqualified and Underemployed Heres What to Do2Ever had a stellar interview, only to find out that you werent chosen because you were overqualified? Unfortunately, many job seekers feel the same frustration. If you are one of the overqualified and underemployed, heres what to do.First, be honest with yourself, and then HR. Let the world know why you are interested in a job you are clearly overqualified for. Some reasons could be to make a career change, be less stressed, gain mora flexibility, travel less, have a shorter commute, or face a transition in life. Now that you know why you want the job, lets focus on what comes next.Here are some tips on how to address being overqualified on your resume and during the interview.Focus and tailor your resumeTry different formats.Using a different format for your resume will draw attention to what you want to showcase and lessen the impact of other details. Rather than using a traditional res ume, consider using a functional resume. The different format will change the readers focus.Focus on your skills.Instead of concentrating on your roles and level of experience, put more emphasis on your skills. Highlight the skills that will be applicable to the job you are applying for.Dont focus on job titles.Job titles can be a major deterrent for HR. If they see a senior or director-level title, but you are applying for a support role, it screams that you are overqualified. Dont emphasize your job titles too much. In its place, put the attention on your experiences that will be beneficial to the job and company.Own your over-qualification in the interviewHave clear expectations and transparent goals.Be upfront with the hiring managers about why you are looking for a job you are overqualified for. Since HR is going to be worried about you getting bored and moving on, make it clear that you are genuinely interested in the job and its specific duties.Focus on a mutually beneficial relationship.Just as you are looking to get something out of the job, the company is looking to get something out of you. It is important to show them that hiring you will elend only be beneficial to you, but also to the company. Have facts ready to prove you are the best person for the job.Have the right attitude.You can follow every single one of these tips, but if you walk into your interview acting like the job is beneath you, you will ruin any chance you had. However, if you want the job for the right reasons, your positive attitude will show.Take multiple, smaller rolesConsidering freelancing and consulting.If your overqualifications are causing you to be underemployed, consider becoming a freelancer or consultant, and turning your situation on its head. Freelancers and consultants take on multiple, smaller projects and jobs to fill out their time. Youll wind up working full-time hours (or more) and will usually not be disqualified for your years of experience and excellent qu alifications. If anything, theyll be an assetIf youre ready to start searching for freelance projects and consulting jobs, start hereReaders, would you apply to a job that you were overqualified for? Share with us in the comment section below