Seems I continually hear this complaint... "They aren't hiring me because I'm overqualified." One man wrote this email to me concerned about just this problem.

He said:
"I have a lot of incredible extracurricular professional activities, publishing experience, project management experience, board leadership, etc. I just finished an MBA, and am a CPA. All of this info is on my resume because it sets me apart. However, I am concerned that people are viewing me as overqualified for lower level jobs and eliminating me. The jobs I am truly qualified for are fairly high up, but because of all of the varied experience, I'm not being considered due to lack of specific industry experience. Help!"

So what should you do if you are credentialed with good experience, education and are looking to get re-employed, and are even willing to take a lower level position? Here are a few tips:

Do some soul searching and savvy preparation. Acknowledge that employers are reluctant to hire someone who is overqualified because they think the person is unlikely to be happy, won't stay long, might want the interviewer's job, or want a fast promotion and aren't seriously interested just in doing the job that's open. Nor do employers want someone who is burnt out and sees their job as an easy paycheck. Often you can be threatening to the interviewer, especially if you are truly suited for the interviewer's job. Examine why you want the position. "I need a job" is not a response that will endear you to them. You must use your communication skills to convince them why a demotion is a good option for you.

Try:
"My current position as controller requires ten nights of travel per month. This has become an increasingly difficult sacrifice for my family. I have decided to seek an accounting position that allows me to focus on my strengths - taxes, audits and computer integration - but also allows me to go home each evening. This is not an option with the subsidiary I work for. It requires a lot of out-of-town travel, which I no longer want to do. I believe the extensive financial skills I bring would benefit your organization in a positive way. I see this as a win/win situation for both of us." As you can see, you must create a reasonable explanation.

Don't Show Desperation. You may feel it, but it will work against you if you show it. Too often a worker says, "I'll start at any job just to get my foot in the door." Won't work - it's an outdated strategy. Being willing to take any job often makes the interviewer disqualify you. They need a person to perform and get done the specific job they are hiring for. You must show you can do it, but also that you want to do it. You can offer some advantages gained from your experience, such as: "my ability to solve problems and train others would be a major plus in the position."

Look harder for positions you qualify for. Employers want good fits. Many are slow to hire and yet they still pay well when they select someone for the position. Networking is key to hearing about and landing a new job. Ask friends and contacts for referrals to new people who can help you discover these unadvertised positions.