How to counter concerns that you’re overqualified

If you’re an older professional, the company may assume you’ll be tougher to fire. Since you can’t change when you were born, just muster all the energy you can to come across as the best possible candidate for the job, advises Bob Rosner

Have you heard the old saying about the Platte River — a mile wide but only six inches deep? That’s what a lot of companies seem to be looking for these days: shallow workers. But unlike the Platte, if you’ve been told you’re “overqualified,” that’s a good indication that you have depth. To earn an offer, you’ll need to convince employers that this is what they want. You’ll be swimming upstream, of course, but if you manoeuvre artfully, you should be able to dive into a great job. The questions below will help you address this issue when it surfaces. For more tips on staying afloat in interviews, check out “101 Toughest Interview Questions” (Ten Speed Press, 1999) by Daniel Porot.

• What do they mean by overqualified anyway? Instead of jumping in to defend your experience — and, as a result, seeming defensive — ask your interviewer to explain what they mean by overqualified, then speak directly to their concerns.
• l What’s hiding beneath the “o” word? Several issues often lurk beneath the surface when a person is told he or she is overqualified. Perhaps the company thinks you’ll jump ship when a better offer comes along. Counter that by pointing to your longevity in previous jobs. (If you’ve been a job hopper and really want this position, offer to sign a contract committing to a specific amount of time with the company.)

If the hiring manager believes you’ll be more expensive than a younger worker, counter this hunch by giving specific examples of how you helped cut costs or increase revenues in past jobs.

If the company thinks you will feel the job is beneath your skills, display your humility and enthusiasm. Show them that you’ll be a great member of the team.

If you’re an older professional, the company may assume you’ll be tougher to fire because of age-discrimination laws. Since you can’t change when you were born, just muster all the energy you can to come across as the best possible candidate for the job.

• What are they looking for ideally? Ask interviewers to describe their dream candidate. Then show them how your qualifications match up.
• What will it take to convince them? If all else fails, ask bluntly, “What can I do to convince you that I’m the best person for the job?” Hopefully they’ll point you in the right direction.

It’s tough to be told you’re overqualified when you know you’ll do a darn fine job. But try not to drown in anger and self-pity. Use these techniques and soon you’ll be back in the current — and laughing all the way to the bank.

(Rosner is the co-author of ‘The Boss’s Survival Guide’)