Creating Your Cover Letter When Feeling
Overqualified
Are you highly skilled in your
profession, yet seeking a job that for which you are probably
overqualified? It is never bad to come into a position already
encompassing a boatload of skills. However, some employers are intimidated
by applicants who they feel are overqualified, which means you may have
your work cut out for you.
If you know you have high
qualifications, but think this could stand in the way of the job you want,
you can use your cover letter to change minds.
Let’s look at
some ways you can get this done …
Explain Your
Motivation If you’ve been in a top position for many years, you
may feel that it is time to lower your level of stress and get back to the
basics of your profession. For example, you may have been the director of
a non-profit for many years, working diligently to write grants and
develop initiatives to bring money into your organization. However, the
strenuous lifestyle has left you ready to step into a smaller role as a
non-profit event coordinator, something that will offer time to relax and
be with your family. While this is good motivation, an unknowing
organization only seeing your background might question your decision to
downgrade. So when writing your cover letter, it’s good to focus on how
taking this step will offer fulfillment in your career – and life. Many
hiring managers will understand your motivation, and appreciate you
bringing your advanced knowledge to the table.
Remember that
Your Experience is a Plus By being overqualified, you’re coming
with an overwhelming amount of experience – something the organization or
company can truly benefit from. So when writing your cover letter, try to
stay away from any verbiage that makes your level of experience sound like
a handicap. Instead, try explaining some of the ways that your experience
can enhance their mission. Take some time to research what they are
striving for then incorporate your skills and advanced knowledge in a way
that can present thought-provoking ideas for making a difference. For
example, you can explain how as coordinator you would like to create
events to entertain disadvantaged children, or bring in business
professionals to help homeless individuals prepare for the work world.
It’s no secret that your expansive experience gives you a wide and
beneficial perspective. But letting them know that your only agenda is
using that experience to enhance their goals could positively affect
whether you’re considered for the job.
Let Them Know
You’re Not Going Anywhere When writing your cover letter, it’s
good to assure the employer you’re not going anywhere. Some hiring
managers may fear that with your experience they may fall victim to an
employee “hit and run.” That is, you may depart prematurely if you get
bored. Even worse, you might ask for money outside of their budget, or
suffer from a superiority complex. None of these behaviors are desired by
employers. But by highlighting your commitment to all previous jobs, you
can express that they have nothing to worry about. Remember, being
overqualified for a job is not the end of the world. So by focusing on
your passion in your cover letter, you can overshadow any doubts
prospective employers may have regarding your sincerity, and possibly
secure that position you want.
Written By Heather Eagar
|
Writers
Profile
Heather Eagar assistant@heathereagar.com
Heather Eagar is a
former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing
working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search
tools and information. Compare resume writing services to find the best
one for you at
http://www.resumelines.com |
