Ask the Expert: Help, I'm over-qualified
A. It's very hard to get a job for which you are over-qualified. As recruitment expert Tony Tucker points out, 'whenever I am hiring, I will look for someone for whom the job is a step up rather than a step down.'
Although there may be any number of excellent reasons why an employer should be prepared to take on someone more qualified or experienced, they rarely are. Corporate culture, especially in the ruthless, competitive field of investment banking, says everyone should be ambitious and on a permanent upwards trajectory in their career. The fact that there may be very good reasons why an individual might chose to slow down or step sideways for a while - and that that individual could prove to be extremely valuable nonetheless, doesn't cut much ice.
There is the added dimension of insecurity on the part of the boss - who may feel vulnerable about employing someone who knows too much or has too much experience.
On that basis, generally speaking, we would advise you not to bother applying for jobs for which you are over-qualified. You are only setting yourself up for rejection. The exception would be short-term projects or interim management positions for which companies often value the extra experience.
As to your particular circumstances, there's not much you can do, if you discover a position has been 'over-sold', once you get to interview. You could explore ways of expanding the job to fit your experience and generally use the meeting to make a favourable impression for any future roles that might be more suitable.
Remember that most job moves come through networking and therefore look on such interviews as an opportunity to expand your contacts.
Next week's question: I was recently recruited into a marketing managers role for an international bank. During my gardening leave, the business went through some changes, one of which resulted in a senior marketing manager being internally transferred into my area which was not discussed during the recruitment process. There is a serious personality clash between us and I would never have accepted the role had I met my new report or seen the new oganisational structure. After exploring options for addressing the matter, I believe I need to look for a new role. I am concerned that only three months service with this bank will hinder my chances of finding a new role or that I will be branded inflexible. Are my concerns valid?
What would you advise? Send your answer to: expertadmin@efinancialcareers.com.
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