Finding out that we are Overqualified when looking for a new job can be a difficult awakening.  And not just for the job seeker. It’s difficult for the hiring manager as well.

No one wants to be sitting in an interview and be told, “You are overqualified for this position.”  The hiring managers are just as unhappy that all of the really good candidates are overqualified.

To overcome this issue we first have to be honest with ourselves.

Hopefully we want the job for all of the right reasons, specifically all of these 6 key points:

• I really like, trust and respect the company, it’s business culture and products
• I have passion for the industry
• I really want to work for this manager and on his team
• I love the work I will be expect to be doing
• I like the compensation package that I expect the job will provide
• I want to realign myself in a different position so that I can use my skills & experience to provide value to a new team & organization

If I am honest about these 6 key points, then this is likely the job for me.

And, it’s unlikely that I will jump ship just because a possibly better job shows up.

On the other side of the table the hiring manager has similar struggles.  He wants to hire me because:

• I have a stronger set of skills
• I have significant relevant experience
• i have the right attitude
• He believes I would be a good fit into the company’s culture and future.

But, he fears that I will jump ship as soon as I find a higher paying and/or better job.  This is a fear that many hiring managers never overcome and overqualified candidates are the first ones they fear this will happen to.

If all of these issues are real, there still may be a way to change the hiring manager’s mind and get him to accept me as a real candidate despite the issue of being overqualified.

Many candidates would say things like, “Oh, no, I would never leave for a better job” or “No way, I don’t want the stress that management level creates ever again.” Or even worse, “Trust me, I will never leave once you hire me.”  I know that these quotes will never work and the last one is just creepy.

In order to have any chance of overcoming the issue of being overqualified, I need to follow these guidelines:

1. Be 100% honest with myself regarding the 6 key points above
2. Let the hiring manager know about the value I put into these key points
3. Share with the hiring manager my honest, personal and professional evaluation and consideration of the position & company
4. Again, be 100% honest with myself regarding the 6 key points above

Following these points does not guarantee that the hiring manager will change his mind.

What it does do is insure that if you do get hired you will have a more positive attitude and all parties involved will benefit.

So, in conclusion, once you honestly convince yourself that this is the right job for you, then and only then do you have a chance at convincing the hiring manager and maybe, getting the right job for you.