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Dear Jobs Guru: I cant get a new job because employers say Im overqualified

Reader Ariana says she keeps getting turned down for roles because employers are convinced she wont stick around. Jobs Guru James Innes is here with some advice

[Ariana is starting to worry 'overqualified' is just an excuse]

Ariana is starting to worry 'overqualified' is just an excuse(Image: Getty Images)

Ive now been turned down for several jobs because Im apparently overqualified. The irritating thing is that I applied for them because I genuinely wanted them.

Im not secretly expecting a grander title, and Im quite prepared to earn less than I did before. At this stage of my life, Id actually welcome something with less pressure.

Employers seem convinced Ill get bored, demand more money or disappear the moment something better comes along.

Is overqualified sometimes just a polite excuse? And how do you convince somebody that you really do want the job?

Ariana, Edinburgh

To be brutally honest, overqualified is one of those words employers often use when they dont quite want to say what is really bothering them.

[Even highly qualified people might want an easier job]

Even highly qualified people might want an easier job(Image: Getty Images)

Sometimes they genuinely think the job will not hold you. Youve done more, earned more or carried more responsibility before, and they fear you will be bored stiff within six months. Sometimes they suspect you will keep looking and leave as soon as something better comes along.

Sometimes they worry you will expect more money than they can pay. And, yes, occasionally, it is a rather cowardly way of avoiding a conversation about age.

You cant answer all of that by pretending your experience doesnt exist. Nor should you hack chunks out of your CV until you look like a smaller version of yourself.

What you can do is make the application believable: Explain why this particular job appeals to you now.

Perhaps you want less travel, have fewer people to manage, a shorter commute, or work you actually enjoy rather than another grand title. Be transparent about it.

They may still say no, of course. But at least dont leave them inventing the reason for themselves.

[It's important to explain what you can bring to a position]

It's important to explain what you can bring to a position(Image: Getty Images)

Top Tip:

If you are applying below your previous level, explain why without sounding apologetic. A clear, ordinary reason will reassure an employer far more than pretending the change needs no explanation.

Spotlight On: Overqualified

There is a slightly insulting assumption behind some overqualified rejections that anybody who has once had a bigger job must spend every waking hour plotting to get back to one.

Peoples lives are often not like that. Some have had enough of managing twenty staff. Some no longer wish to live on trains and motorways. Others would happily earn less in return for seeing their family before bedtime.

The employer may still have a practical concern. Recruiting is expensive, and nobody wants to refill the post three months later. But they should at least listen to the explanation.

If they refuse to believe that priorities can change as people get older then, I regret, theres probably not much you can do about it

Get a head start in your job hunt with James new book, The Job Youve Always Wanted out now from Pearson at 16.99.

Our Jobs Guru, James Innes, is a best-selling careers author and founder of the world's leading group of professional CV and resume writers .

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