Resume Writing Tips When You’re Overqualified for the Job

Resume Writing Tips When You’re Overqualified for the Job

You’re holding an executive position in the company.Unfortunately, you were among those who were laid off. With a comprehensive work experience, you were confident you will be able to find a job fast and easy.

But the economy’s not doing well. Competition in the job market is tough. You then were compelled to look for jobs below the organizational hierarchy. To you, everything’s going to be fine as long as you have a full-time job. You aren't going to be picky.However, it’s the employers that are turning down your application. And they say it’s because you’re overqualified.What are you going to do now? You cannot remain unemployed for long.

Here are few tips how you can fix your resume.

Pitch your resume to the hiring manager.

There’s only one position to be filled and the human resources department is accepting hundreds of resumes a day.

The downside with a huge applicant pool is that your resume might be overlooked. And once it gets stamped with “no” during the first round, it’s impossible you will be contacted for a personal interview.

Don't risk being thrown into oblivion. Since you know you have an edge over other applicants, you might as well request to be scheduled for a meeting with the hiring manager. This is when you can pitch in your resume and tell more about what you can bring to the table.

Show how you can serve the employer’s needs.

Withhold talking about your higher-level skills especially when they are not related to the position you’re applying for.You don’t want to be mistaken as someone bragging about his achievements. Focus instead on skills that are required for the position and let the employer know how you fit in the picture. Before sending your resume, think about your qualifications.

Understand that employers may be under the impression that you are only looking for a temporary job and might resign as soon as another more attractive opportunity opens for you. Emphasize on those qualities that made you qualified for a high-level position, and which are also applicable to the

Omit too-stellar history.

You are allowed to omit information from your resume as long as you are not fabricating stories.For instance, you can leave out telling the employer that you have pursued a doctorate degree when you are applying for an entry-level position. You can also postpone stating say you worked as the director for the creative department if you are only looking to write an essay for a publication.

You can eventually explain yourself to your employers about filtering your qualifications, and applying for a lower position than what you used to hold.

Take it to your cover letter to explain your case.

It’s no longer unheard of that employees trade their executive positions for jobs that are less stressful.

Do not be afraid or shy to admit that to employers that you are among these people. Convince the employer that you are not applying for the position only because you are settling, as you can no longer find a better offer.Let them know that you are interested to taking on the challenge that comes along with the job, and that you see yourself staying for a year and even longer.

The resume is a powerful marketing tool. Don’t give the employer reasons to dismiss your application. Be careful about disclosing too much information. This is your first shot to landing the job.

Author Bio:

Nettie Gray once encountered a hopeful bragging about his accomplishments only to be beaten by a then fresh graduate, like her.  She then thought, applicants are all in the same playing field during the recruitment process.