Pongo Resume

If your work experience stretches back into the 1980s, you may have felt that dreaded "overqualified" tag hovering over you each time you read a job posting.

Maybe you wanted to send a resume, and you either did, knowing you had more than what they were looking for, or you didn't, thinking it would be a fruitless exercise.

But the bottom line is you need a job, and you’re willing to take a step backward in order to move forward. Or, you may actually prefer a job at a lower level than one you've held in the past. When you believe you're overqualified, it may mean you have to "dumb down" your resume and cut some stuff, no matter how proud you may be of what you've accomplished in your career.

But what would you be willing to cut? Here's a list of things hiring managers might find on resumes that come from overqualified applicants. 

ITEM ON RESUME	APPLYING FOR JOB AS:
Previous job title: Executive Vice President	Mid-level manger
Degree: Master's in Information Technology	Network administrator
Accomplishment: Reorganized 50-person department	Administrative assistant in 30-person office
Previous job title: Executive Administrator	Manager of small clothing store
Prior role: 15 years as international currency trader	Teller at a small local bank

These people may have the skills to do the work, but hiring managers might be concerned about their level of commitment: Would they do the job only until something better comes along for which they would not be overqualified?

It's a legitimate concern. But if you're overqualified for a job you're interested in, or if you just need a job because of financial reasons, would you "dumb down" your resume to land an interview? Or, if you've done it before, how did you do it, and why?

Tell us in a comment below.

RELATED LINKS

What Employers Really Mean by 'You're Overqualified'
Overqualified? Turn it into an Advantage
5 Steps to Assessing Your Skills for a Career Change

When I reviewed my resume,I noticed that the years of work when added up gave away my age . and when I listed my qualifacations , it seemed like I was bragging or lying . they were all true . I do have many life experienses . But they all point to an old , over qualfied person . So I do tone it down a bit ,So that I may at least get an interview and prove myself. but sometimes I think the white hair gives me away . But I;ll still keep on looking.

@ Ray -- There are accomplishments in our careers that we'll never stop being proud of, even if they stretch back into, say, the '80s. The key, I believe, is to stress experience, coupled with a modern knowhow that can demonstrate to the employer that you can get things done.

The reality of today - fair or not - is that everyone has to prove himself or herself in their job search strategies. That's the key to career survival.

Keep plugging away!

Ray, If you are an older candidate, here are a couple of tips. First, take off the graduation date from high school/college on your resume. This is a dead giveaway on your age. Second, take off any experience on your resume that is 20+ years ago. That experience is no longer relevant and again only gives away your age.

I think all of this hiding age and accomplishments is foolish. It’s like the child that thinks someone can’t see them if the child can’t see the person. I've been more often out of work since July 2006 than employed and have an incredible +30 year career with outstanding and unique accomplishments, mostly attained through innovative thinking and only through excellent leadership and the ability to motivate a workforce into doing what most companies only hope to achieve.

First, you can't hide your age. Google yourself and your age is pegged within a 5 year window; you can’t hide. Covering gray hairs helps one look youthful but the bottom line is your son / daughter or grand-x does not want to hire someone that’s not in their pier group. Plus, companies are desperate to replace retiring managers with people who are going to be around to run the company... >25 < 49 year olds that have promising experience, can be culturally molded, and will be willing to stay around +20 years because they want that big spot in the company. People retiring in the next 7 – 12 years are not desirable at this time.

Two things to keep in mind: 1. Valued experience will be necessarily realized and in demand when companies are lead into having to fix major problems caused by decisions with poor, set-back results made by inexperienced managers and technical staff without the business acumen to strategically and productively move a company forward or successfully introduce a new technical project. This is already taking place in many companies who are now paying a dear price for following the “cheaper” less experienced leaders. 2. In a few years, 7 MM baby boomers will retire and there will only be approximate 3 – 4 MM young potential candidates to fill those critical spots. Both of these conditions will open doors for the older, knowledgeable and experienced displaced workers.

I chose to show my full experience and accomplishments and, when given the chance to interview, demonstrate high energy, interest and try to charismatically promote proactive positive initiative proving what I have to offer. I am currently in the running for good positions in two companies (below ones previously held) because they need a seasoned veteran to help lead the company both technically and motivationally forward to ensure stakeholders and customers have confidence in the companies growth.

Most managing and technical “tools” available today are excellent when put to proper use and are motivationally “sold to” and supported throughout the entire organization. Mature managers and experienced technical people know how to use them. When handed a set of magnificent surgical tools are you an expert surgeon or a wood carver making fancy ships. Customers want to feel confident about their chosen suppliers in product and service. “Us” older overqualified candidates usually present the image of maturity that’s very desirable demonstrating diplomacy, wisdom, confidence, and well-developed business acumen…. Perception!

We’ll get our chance… but maybe later than sooner. (Hope you enjoyed this.)

@ Bill -- You're right. Experience does have its advantages, and I think more employers are starting to realize that (just a gut feeling on my part) as the economy slowly recovers and they plan for their longer-term leadership needs. (I did indeed enjoy your comment!)