Are You Overqualified? Why Not Edit Your Resume?

Posted by in Career Advice •




There are times, like when you are trying to make a career change, when applying for a job you're overqualified for makes sense. The problem is that it can be a challenge to be taken seriously for an entry-level job when you have a master's degree. As strange as it seems, in those cases, your past successes can be the very thing that's holding you back.



In general, it's not a good idea to apply for jobs that you're overqualified for. For one, it's not likely that you'll be happy with the job long term and many employers will be hesitant to take a chance on you. However, if you're changing careers, you have to start at the bottom. So what can you do to minimize the problem and get the entry level job you want?



It's simple - Edit your resume.



Your resume doesn't have to be a linear history of your job history. Instead, it can be a functional resume, which only lists your relevant work experience. If you choose this type of format, you can feel free to leave out the things that will hurt your chances at getting the job. Here are a few other things you can do:

 

  • Remove job titles - If your previous positions were significantly senior to the entry level position you're applying for, remove the job title from your resume. This way, instead of your resume stating that you were the VP of Sales, it will just say Sales.
  • Remove your highest degree - There are some experts who suggest that you should remove the highest level degree you have from your resume. By doing so, you'll lower your chances of being ruled out before you have had a chance to interview.
  • Don't lie - Never outright lie on your resume. Information is too easy to check and it will make you look bad. However, dumbing your resume down and leaving out information like your previous salary history might be a good option.

 

Have you ever applied for a job that you were overqualified for? What happened? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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  • Luis M
    Luis M •
    So why do we spend time going to Job Fairs that all they have is Universities offering you advanced degrees? It's pretty sad and not a way to advance a society when we are ALL competing to flip burgers!
  • Dave K
    Dave K •
    I don't have a degree but I did own my own business for 11 years. I have also been a supervisor and a warehouse manager for 10 years.Nobody will touch me. I have been told my resume is outstanding by several interviewers. The low point came last week when a pizza chain told me I didn't meet their standards to deliver their pizza. I am really beginning to wonder if I'll ever be employed again.
  • kamau o
    kamau o •
    what i have just read will make me find a job since i was doing the contrary.thanks a lot and if possible this tips should be sent always
  • George F
    George F •
    Excellent advise from this article regarding over-qualification.I have been unemployed since 2010. I lost my job due to a reduction of payroll cost at national level, for all branches.Basically, they eliminated the high-cost employees, which were also the ones with a long career at the company. We were too expensive considering our high salaries, bonuses and other expensive benefits.I have accumulated several Master and Bachelor level degrees in  IT and have an extensive and successful professional career of almost 40 years. During the first half of 2012, I have dedicated myself to study and pass the exams to obtain several IT Certifications, just to enhance my professional level and my eligibility for a new and interesting job. I earned 5 new IT certifications.I believed that now I was better qualified than ever before, but during the last 3 months of intense job opportunities search, long application processes, and hundreds of e-mails, back-and-forth, and NO concrete job offerings, I do have the strong suspicion that my super-loaded resume is making me to appear OVER-QUALIFIED, to the eyes of the employment recruiters, for most of the potential jobs I have applied for.I do agree that it is possibly necessary to trim-down on my degrees, certifications and professional experience, to better match the lower level job requirements.I does not makes sense, as the article points-out, that somebody like me, with two master degrees, long experience and many certifications, is willing to accept a job or position that is two or more levels down.The current economy is really bad and of course, to get a job and become productive again, I am willing to change careers and to accept a lesser level employment.We need to humble down and play a dumb down game.It is ridiculous and does not make sense, but is the truth..!
  • Francine M
    Francine M •
    I am trying to change careers and though I have not had many elite positions, these are great tips.  Thank you.
  • DAVID G
    DAVID G •
    Seems to make sense to me, perhaps the person reading the resume could feel threatened thinking they are interviewing their replacement.
  • Pete C
    Pete C •
    I was laid of from my job with the federal government in September 2011 and have applied to a number of PR, Marketing & Fundraising jobs in Southwest Florida.  I have more than 20 years experience in broadcast journalism, communications, PR, public affairs, media relations, marketing, advertising, social media and digital media.  I've applied to all types of positions from entry level to mid-level and VP level.  Most of the time I don't get any replies from jobs that are looking for 3-5 years experience.  Its very frustrating to me because I need to go back to work to pay for my mortgage and other expenses and don't want to lose my home in a foreclosure.  
  • Kenneth B
    Kenneth B •
    In one statement you say "remove the highest degree." In the next you say "Don't lie."  Purposely omitting known information/history is a "lie."  Being overqualified is a negative characterization. I was told this in an interview, but I responded "no i am not overqualified, I am the best qualified." I was hired the next day.  
  • Mary L
    Mary L •
    I recently graduated and seem to be overqualified for my career field of education. The positions I apply for in my state I have either minimal credentials, or not enough work experience. What is frustrating is in order to obtain the Masters I had to complete over 1000 hours of an internship over 2 years. When applying I must put this as internship and not work experience. This in most cases eliminates my resume from the start.The other issue, not sure if others have this, is the posting of "job" openings when in fact there are no current open positions, but the employers are filling applicant pools in case of emergencies.
  • Kathleen G
    Kathleen G •
    After over a year of job hunting and several interviews, I realize that if I tell the truth about my career I will remain unemployed.  I've deleted professional awards and now it is time to remove job titles and replace them with functional areas of experience.  Perhaps, it is time to add all the community volunteer experience as well.  I would like to know what you think.
  • Nina F
    Nina F •
    "Overqualified" = no one wants to pay you what you are worth. I am sick of applying for jobs. I am focusing on creating my own work by using my creative skills. Cutting up the resume does not work. As a former HR admin, I know that "skills" are not what companies are after. America is racing to the bottom!
  • debra k
    debra k •
    How can you apply to a position that needs your highest degree in order to be considered for the position? For example a special education position and all your training is under your highest degree.
  • Ethan G
    Ethan G •
    Very good tips...I was considered ""OQ"" by many employers and that really made me feel horrible. I simplified everything, got a job NOW!!!!Thanks,Ethan
  • Grace C
    Grace C •
    I am unemployed after over 20 years in a profession that I love dearly, classroom teacher. I have my administrative certification but just unable to get employed. My age is a great factor also because I am at the top of my scale I was given a unsatisfactory evaluation by a first year principal; I was replaced by a retiree with far less pay and no benefits. Budgeting is the name of the game today.
  • Kirill K
    Kirill K •
    Good article. Short, simple and useful.
  • Selenia S
    Selenia S •
    Yes, I agree sometimes I am overqualified and an employer questions this.  They assume you will not stay long.  The truth is in this economy everyone should be thankful for a fulltime permanent employment with benefits.  We have to ask for less salary and take an entry level, its the sad truth.  When others like me that have children we have to factor the benefits of a job and the money to pay for a sitter.  You do not want to earn less than the sitter, so I cannot get that job flipping burgers, I would not be able to pay for a sitter and transportation too.  
  • Lady C
    Lady C •
    I seem to be overqualified for any job that I apply to. I have a MBA and although I remove it for some jobs where I am overqualified but I still have had no luck.
  • Joyce F
    Joyce F •
    Most of the time, I have found, that when the employer says, "overqualified", they mean that you are too old.  I agree that most employers are looking for younger and less experienced employees so they can pay them less.
  • ROY P
    ROY P •
    I have an Associate Degree with accounting as my field and finding it quite difficult landing a suitable job.. Any thoughts, comments or recommendations ?
  • Mark w
    Mark w •
    Thanks for this. A quandary. I will be pleased to do routine part-time/full-time bookkeeping work, accounting consult. However, put in my resume that I was a CFO for 30 years, DOOH. Add that I was a CEO for 14 of those, DOOH. And mention I have a MBA, DOOH DOOH.I can't blame the employers for having double thoughts about someone entering a job with short term ambitions while they look for another, more fitting job. There's time, training and corporate investment involved. But how do you convince a potential employer that the position, despite one's past accomplishments, is all they want and will make them satisfied? Clues?  MW  
  • Francisco A
    Francisco A •
    Very true - especially so if you're changing careers.Thank you.
  • Peter D
    Peter D •
    Cynthia as long as you see yourself as a plain Jane that doesn't stand out in any way you will never reach your goals and no one will want to take a chance on you if you don't project a positive image of your capabilities. Finding a job is the hardest part of working, but you sound depressed and should possibly consider seeking professional help before this gets too deep.
  • S. F
    S. F •
    I am overqualified for most jobs that I apply for and even when I edit my resume to hide my qualifications/age, the interview always speaks the truth. I am a experienced and educated because I have spent my life to reach this level. However, finding a company that truly wants an experienced worker with my skills and education is difficult. Sadly, I believe that many companies would rather have a younger less experienced employee.
  • Varanese P
    Varanese P •
    I seem to be overqualified for everything in my field according to my education. I have been told to leave my masters degree off of my resume, however, it is the area in which I am seeking work. How do I solve that problem?
  • Melisssa Kennedy
    Melisssa Kennedy •
    Cynthia, it's really a hard situation. When you have a degree and are having trouble finding work, people (mainly well meaning friends and family) will tell you to just get any job, like flipping burgers or whatever. The truth is that even low wage employers want employees who will be happy over the long term. It's not easy to get a job flipping burgers with a degree. However, you aren't obligated to put the degree on your resume. If you use a functional resume, you can leave out anything that doesn't relate to the job. I hope that helps!

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