Taking a “Step-Down Job”

There are times in our lives that we do different things for different reasons: in parenting, relationships and in our work-lives. When you need a job; well, you need a job. Ironically, being overqualified for a position often makes it harder, not easier, to get hired. Employers worry over-qualified candidates will leave as soon as something better comes their way. True? Maybe, who knows? So what do you say? How do you respond when the job you want is slipping through your fingers?

The position you want may be a step-down from what you’ve done before and/or it pays substantially less than you’ve earned in the past. Be prepared with winning responses to the questions any employer will have. Keep in mind that if they don’t ask you the questions, they will be thinking them.

5 Winning Strategies for Getting the Job “They” Say You’re Overqualified for:

1. Life Style Shift – Life ebbs and flows. There are times in our lives when we want less responsibility. Not everyone desires to be the top dog. Thank goodness!
2. Get back to the basics and hands-on work – there may be skill gaps in our background that this position fills. What a great opportunity to go deeper.
3. Hmmmm, let’s see . . . a really qualified, competent employee verses someone without the experience? Stress that you are not title-driven but driven by delivering quality results that benefit your manager, team and company.
4. Consulting – Try before you buy means less risk for the employer. It gives the manager the opportunity to see your work. In sales, they call this the puppy dog sale. Who wants to give back a puppy – unless it’s just not a good match. (Be careful on this one. You should really go through a third party to cover your taxes and liability insurance. Many companies and consultants unfortunately take this lightly. Getting hurt on the job can cause grave issues. Partner with a third party who has your best interest at heart.)
5. Job fulfillment vs. Money/Title – There is a strong sense of accomplishment associated with doing and seeing a project/task through completion. Money is not the ONLY motivating factor.

BEWARE: Your Reasons Should not be Related to the Recession

Go out and convince that employer that you want the job, you’ll be great at it and you’ll stay? Don’t expect them to ask the tough questions. Be proactive and address them upfront. By saying, “If I were in your shoes I would be wondering why this person would be interested in this job. So allow me to share with you the challenges I understand this position to have, how I would address them, and how it will insert your strategy here . . . This combined with my experience and your guidance seems like a great match. What are your thoughts?”

When your new employer sees the great job you’re doing, I’m sure the next opportunity for more responsibility will be coming your way.

Good luck!