Interview Questions: What To Answer If You Are Overqualified
By Mark Swartz
There are some good reasons to seek a job you’re overqualified for. Like when changing careers. Or in times of economic uncertainty, where lower-level employment beats long-term joblessness. As well, it may just be time to find a less stressful position.
Those rationales are all find and dandy. Except employers are usually wary of overqualified applicants. Why would someone want a demotion in pay and title? Is the candidate “damaged goods?” Or possibly this applicant would quit after quickly getting bored.
Substantial objections will arise in the minds of interviewers and hiring managers. Playing up the positives of being overqualified is the solution. See how to do this in the sample interview questions below.
Q1: Why Would You Want To Take A Step Downward?
Remember that the employer has already seen your overqualified resume. They brought you in for an interview anyway, a good sign. Yet they know most people apply for jobs that are at their current level or slightly higher. An interviewer’s main fear here is frankly that you’re desperate or damaged.
Answer: Confront those concerns directly. If changing careers, emphasize that you know you’ll need to learn the ropes, and as such are willing to accept an initial demotion. For people seeking less stress, it’s o.k. to admit it in and say you’re prepared to work hard with great results.
Everyone else will have to turn their negatives into perceived gains for the employer. Are you actually desperate for a job or in financial difficulty? Did you get fired or have some other career mishap? You don’t have to fully admit the circumstances. But you can say that you’re recovering from a challenging financial or career situation, that it’s important for you to get hired quickly, and that this makes you hungrier, more appreciative and fiercely loyal.
Q2: How can we be sure you won’t bolt for a better job?
Hiring managers worry the lesser position won’t motivate you enough. They know you’ve applied despite being overqualified. But you can’t argue that the job requirements will stretch your capabilities. A different approach should be tried.
Answer: Refer to your history of loyalty and performance at previous jobs without bucking for a fast promotion. Emphasize that you’re looking for a long-term fit and are happy to do the job at hand for however long it best suits the employer. Try offering examples of how you found opportunities for professional growth in previous positions you held for considerable periods.
Q3: Given You’d Be Starting Lower, Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?
Although you’re taking a step back, employers may expect you to grow into other roles. Avoid presenting yourself as set in your ways and stagnant. As well, steer clear of appearing too eager for rapid promotion.
Answer: Obviously you don’t want to say, “I’m happy to waste away forever in a job that rarely tests me.” So if you aren’t sure where you’d like to end up down the road, say: “I’m excited to learn as much as possible about your organization while I do my job every day. I’m confident that as time passes and you see how well I contribute, the company will offer me other opportunities.” It’ll help to show you’ve already proven you can grow in earlier jobs as required.
And if you do know where you’d like to be in five years, express it in a way that ties into this company’s hierarchy and job title pyramid. That makes it easier for the interviewer to picture you fitting in.
Where’s The Advantage For Us In Hiring Someone Overqualified?
At this point the interviewer might actually have some interest in hiring you. Now show them the clear benefits in bringing you onboard instead of someone else.
Answer: With you they’ll get a faster return on investment. You can start contributing right away – there’s no need to spend much time (or money) getting you trained. Moreover you can mentor other employees on-the-job and be available as a support. These truly are powerful differentiators for the right employers!