Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Tough Interview Question #16: Uh, Aren't You Overqualified for This Job

When a firm asks this question, they are putting the elephant that is standing in the middle of the room squarely into play.

They are worried that you will be bored and quit when something better comes along . . . and frankly they are right. You will quit because this is probably a job at a lower level than what you have been in and is paying considerably less than what you were earning.

Rather than lie and say, "Oh, no, I really want to take a demotion and work for much less than what I was used to earning, try this:

The job market is a marketplace and like any marketplace, it’s subject to the laws of supply and demand. Right now, it’s very tight. I understand and accept that.

I believe that there could be very positive benefits for both of us in this match.

Because I have a lot of experience in ________________ , I can be a strong contribute right away, perhaps much faster than someone who’d have to be brought along more slowly.

I can also help you in a lot of ways that many less experienced people can't-- how to hire, train, motivate, even coach, some of the junior people.

I want to work and, frankly, your position is exactly what I love to do and do extremely well.

I’ll be happy doing this work and that’s what matters most to me, a lot more that money or title.

At the same time, I’m looking to make a long term commitment in my career now.

I’ve had enough of job-hunting and want a permanent position at this juncture in my career. I also know that if I perform well, other opportunities cannot help but open up for me here.

REMEMBER: Their goal is to figure out if you will be bored and are willing to make a committment. Your answer needs to show that.

Jeff Altman 
The Big Game Hunter
www.TheBigGameHunter.us
JeffAltman@TheBigGameHunter.us



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