What to Do When You Are Overqualified for a Job?
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
In this podcast episode of Executive Job Search Secrets, Chris Kirkpatrick discusses the challenges of being overqualified for a job. He shares his own experiences of being overqualified and offers advice on how to overcome the challenges.
Kirkpatrick begins by explaining that being overqualified can be a disadvantage in the job market. Employers may be hesitant to hire someone who is overqualified for a job, because they may be worried that the person will be bored or restless in the role.
Kirkpatrick then offers some tips on how to overcome the challenges of being overqualified. He suggests that you:
- Be honest about your qualifications during the interview process.
- Be prepared to explain why you are interested in the job, even if it is not your dream job.
- Be willing to start at a lower salary than you are qualified for.
- Be willing to take on additional responsibilities.
- Be willing to learn new skills.
- Be willing to network with people in your field.
Kirkpatrick concludes by saying that being overqualified is not a death sentence. With a little effort, you can overcome the challenges and find a job that is a good fit for you.
Here are some additional tips for dealing with being overqualified for a job:
- Be positive and enthusiastic during the interview process. Show the interviewer that you are excited about the opportunity, even if it is not your dream job.
- Be prepared to answer questions about why you are interested in the job. Be honest and upfront about your qualifications and why you are willing to take a step down.
- Be willing to negotiate your salary. Just because you are overqualified does not mean you have to accept the first offer.
- Be willing to start at a lower level and work your way up. This will show the employer that you are committed to the company and that you are willing to put in the work to succeed.
- Be patient. It may take some time to find the right job. Don’t give up if you don’t find it right away.
By following these tips, you can overcome the challenges of being overqualified and find a job that is a good fit for you.
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ career easier. Those things

can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2600 episodes.
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