The Best Way to Answer the Arent You Overqualified Interview Question

The Best Way to Answer the Arent You Overqualified Interview QuestionIn an ideal world, wed all be applying for (and getting) a job that is a perfect, snug fit for ur skills, experience, and career goals. In the real world, thats not always an option. Maybe you were laid off, and are seeking a foot (any foot) back in the door of your career path. Perhaps youre feeling stalled in your current job, and are looking to move back a step or two to get new skills and experience. Whatever the reason, it could very well lead to the dreaded arent you overqualified for this stelle? question in an interview. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Does overqualified necessarily have to translate to disqualified? While this question can feel judge-y and like a bit of a dead end, it doesnt have to be that way. Here are some strategies to consider if/when it comes up.DO emphasize your commitment to the job at hand.This question is really about the interviewers concern that you will fly the coop as soon as a mora suitable job comes along. So your first step in answering should be managing that concern. Acknowledge that you may have more experience or seniority than the job description requires, but make sure the interviewer knows that you are interested in the long-term potential for this position.DONT turn it into a joke.When acknowledging that yeah, you might have more experience than necessary to be a junior copywriter, dont use it as a *wink wink, nudge nudge* jokey moment. Even if youre kidding when you say something like, Oh, its really only temporary. Im outta here as soon as my lottery money comes through, it can confirm the interviewers fear that youre just looking for a for-now paycheck, and s/he will be rehiring in six months time. Its a serious question, and deserves a serious, well-thought-out response.DO be honestIf youve been unemployed for a while, your resume will show that. Its okay to be up front and say that you unders tand that this might not be the most orthodox choice for someone with your history, but that youre looking to commit to something permanent, with growth potential. Emphasize that with the job market the way it is, youre seeking a place to put down roots and flourish, using everything youve learned along the way.But DONT feel like you have to tell the whole story.If you applied for an entry-level position (despite 15 years of experience) out of desperation, try to keep that note out of the discussion. A sob story may get pity from an interviewer, but its not likely to net a job offer. Make sure the focus stays on your qualifications, and your commitment to the job.DO emphasize the opportunity presented.If necessary (like if the interviewer has a blatant case of Skeptical Face), make sure you drive the point home that you see this position as an opportunity, not a settling point. Talk about how the skills you have can push the position to a new level, while you learn even more about t he field. Talk about where you want to grow professionally, and how the job fits in with that goal.DONT shut the door to future growth.If the interviewer suggests (or says outright) that there may not be raises or promotion opportunities in this particular position, stick to your forward-looking script I understand that this particular position may not be where I want to be in 10 years, but Im confident that the company would offer other opportunities for me to grow professionally and be of service. This company is where I want to be, and this job is the right starting place.And the most important dont of all in this case DONT let it discourage you. If the interviewer truly thought your experience welches an automatic dealbreaker, you never would have gotten the interview call in the first place. This is a chance for you to make your case, and explain how your many qualifications work in your favor. Dont let your hard-won experience pull you down. It can, will, and should work for y ou if you know how to spin it.