"I'm Not Getting Job Interviews Because I'm Overqualified"

A recent article on WorkBuzz (the CareerBuilder) blog, caught my attention ... as did the comments of dozens of job searchers on the Facebook status referring to the article.

My comments for these job seekers:

The first thing to remember is that you are probably not OVERQUALIFIED for a position ... you're just not a good "FIT." Employers know the level of the position that they've got available, and from experience, they know that someone who was making $50,000 before is not going to be happy making $8/hour (equivalent of $16,000/year). So even if you would TAKE that job (just to have one), you're not overqualified ... they just know that they're going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to train you ... only for you to find out that you're bored -- or, worse, you'll leave when a better job opens up.

If you TRULY want to make a career change, or "step down," then you have to demonstrate your commitment to that new level of work. The idea to volunteer for an organization is a great one. Ask if you can "job shadow" someone doing the work you want to do, to make sure it's a good fit, before you apply for the job.

The other big mistake I see job seekers making is that they apply for hundreds of jobs ... don't follow up on any of them ... and wonder why they don't get interviews. If you are one of even a dozen people applying for a job, stand out from the crowd by trying to make a PERSONAL connection with the organization -- and, in particular, someone at the company. If you want to work in retail, shop the store. Get to know the manager. Identify ways you could help make the store make more money, keep their customers, get new customers ... and then share those ideas with the manager. If you want to work at a place that isn't "retail," then "shop" the company by researching them thoroughly -- read their website, Google them, talk to their customers, talk to their competitors.

Networking is important. If you're new to an area, it's actually easier, in my opinion. Say, "Hi, I'm new to the area, and I was wondering who to talk to about a job in (x)." Go to neighborhood association meetings and introduce yourself to everyone there. Call the local chapter of your professional association and introduce yourself to the Membership Chair. Ask for his or her help making contacts in the area (NOT for help in GETTING A JOB ... just MEETING NEW PEOPLE).

Employment agencies are struggling. Their clients -- employers -- don't have as *many* jobs to fill, so they are filling square holes with square pegs. There are simply too many good people out of work nowaways (like a lot of you guys on here), so you need to set yourself apart. > SMALL companies are the ones doing the hiring nowadays, and they're not advertising in the Classifieds or posting the jobs on CareerBuilder (most likely). Instead, look on CareerBuilder -- or USE YOUR NETWORK to find these companies.

You need to be absolutely clear about the value you offer to companies. What makes YOU unique? The answer MIGHT absolutely be your depth of experience. You need to identify what sets you apart from other job seekers.

Do something different. If you've been out of work for a while, you're probably in a rut ... and depressed/demoralized. Now is the time to take a fresh approach. Have a professional resume writer take a look at your resume and cover letter to identify possible pitfalls that might be keeping you from getting interviews. Start -- or join -- a job search group or club. Take a class in job search techniques.