What to Do When You’re an Overqualified Executive

By Heather Eagar

The job market is definitely suffering nowadays. With the recession forging ahead and thousands still losing their jobs, it’s a wonder that anyone can get hired. However, as some executives are finding out, there is work available. However, it may not be at the level they’d like to work.

If you’re an executive who has found that you need to seek a lower-level job to get back on your feet, you’re not alone. In your search, however, you may have found the employers are reluctant to give you work because they know you’re overqualified.

Why Employers Are Reluctant to Hire You

The reason the employers feel a little bit leery about hiring a high-level executive in a lower position is because they think you’re not interested in sticking around long. Employers know that some employees need work and will accept a position just for the money with no intention of excelling within the company. For obvious reasons this is undesirable; however, it prompts many employers to decline higher-level applicants right away.

Also, employers may feel more comfortable with choosing exactly who matches a position because they have the advantage of having a large applicant pool during this recession. With all of these odds against you, how can you get the job anyway?

Repackage Your Experience

If you are applying for a position that is obviously below your level of experience, you may have to repackage your experience to focus more on what the company is looking for than what you have accomplished. It may be incredibly tempting to brag about all of your accomplishments as an executive, but, since an executive isn’t what the employer is looking for, it’s up to you to refocus your attention so that it pinpoints skills you have that match the lower-level position.

Reiterate Your Intentions

If you are looking for a position at a lower level because you are interested in switching careers and gaining experience in a new area, there is nothing wrong with this. For this reason, explain your intentions in your cover letter since it’s often difficult to hide all of your previous experience. Also, it may be that you’re moving toward retirement and would like a position that will allow you to spend more time with your family while still participating in a fulfilling career. This can be viewed as an admirable feat by a prospective employer, so don’t be shy about disclosing it.

Don’t Let Rejection Deter You

As mentioned previously, there will be some employers that are simply against the idea of hiring someone grossly overqualified for a position, but don’t let rejection deter you. Keep doing what you’re doing with confidence. It will pay off in the long run.

While you may be applying for jobs that will result in pay and responsibility cuts, if you feel good about what you’re doing, it will show as you apply. Being overqualified is only a testament to your hard work over the years, so apply with confidence to secure the job you want.

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Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Compare the top resume writing services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com.

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A note from Jenn: You can also visit my resume rockstars page to view my list of approved resume writing experts. :)

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Are You Using The Correct Title For Your Executive Resume?

Guest Post by: Laura Smith-Proulx

If you’re reading this in confusion, wondering just what a resume title is, then you’re in the right place.

Resume titles (or headlines) have replaced the objective statements of years past by giving employers the exact job type that you’re seeking–all up front and with great clarity.

In today’s competitive market, you’ll find that many executive recruiters want to quickly digest your resume to scan for key details. Often, this means that they’ll read just the top half of the first page to gather relevant facts, and will skim through the rest to hit the high points of your background.

In this area, many people use the section heading “Qualifications Profile.” However, you can replace this header with a resume title, which allows you to communicate your leadership brand and corporate level–all inside the prime “real estate” of the document.

If you have missed the chance to put a title on your resume, here are some pointers on how to construct one, what it should contain, and how using it can accelerate your job search:

1 – Display your ultimate objective.

For most people, a resume headline should contain the desired job title in simple, concise terms, making the need for a traditional “objective” statement unnecessary.

Essentially, you’re telling the reader that you possess sufficient qualifications for this role, and that further reading will offer proof of your skills and achievements.

As an example, a resume entitled Operations Director would be followed with a summary paragraph that describes proof of increased efficiencies and reduced costs–possibly with examples of individual achievements that support these claims.

For candidates pursuing a C-level executive role such as CEO, CIO, COO, or CFO, the title can be spelled out to provide additional keyword matches on the full words.

Of course, you’ll want to carefully brand your qualifications at the precise level that fits your expertise. You may need to insert a more general word, such as “Professional,” “Leader,” or “Executive” to give a broader idea of the jobs you’re pursuing, such as “Sales Executive” or “Financial Services Leader.”

2 – Expand it if needed–but with caution.

It’s common for executive leaders with many years of experience to target a wide variety of jobs. However, it’s never a good idea to use just a single resume to do the work of many, as this can confuse nearly every executive that reads your portfolio.

For example, if you’re an IT Director that plans to pursue either program leadership or CIO roles, you’ll need to target 2 very different audiences with your executive resume.

In the same manner, a sales executive who is torn between remaining an individual contributor or taking the next step to become a Director of Sales should also create 2 distinct resumes that convey related credentials and executive competencies.

Your best strategy in a case like this is to differentiate each variation by displaying the same work chronology, but shifting qualifications so that the most relevant components appear at the top of each resume. You’ll also need to tune the font, presentation style, and keyword content for each executive resume so that it fits the position type.

Each resume should, of course, contain a different heading or title that points the reader in the direction of your desired career goal.

3 – Conserve employers’ time.

If there’s one common factor to today’s job market, it would be speed. Jobs are posted online in a matter of minutes, professionals can quickly spot them, and–to the frustration of job hunters–resumes are scanned in just a few precious seconds.

It’s difficult for hiring authorities to figure out what you want to do without guidance. Adding a resume title virtually ensures that the reader can see the connection between the company’s requirements and your leadership career goals.

In addition, a resume title will save YOU time by allowing recruiters to pass on contacting you if they don’t require your executive skills–leaving you more opportunities to focus on your BEST fit for a new position.

In summary, all of the content on your executive resume deserves careful consideration and design, but the resume title is a key factor in gaining access to interviews–and delivering a strong and compelling brand message.

There’s no more strategic way to communicate your value, career level, and ultimate job target in as few words!

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Executive resume writer Laura Smith-Proulx of An Expert Resume is a former recruiter who partners with executives to create a compelling career story inside powerfully branded, content-rich resumes. A Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Career Management Coach, and Certified Interview Coach with a 98% success rate landing interviews, her work has been globally recognized for excellence, and published in numerous career bestsellers.

Job Hunting And Your Online Image

If you are job searching -or- if you EVER plan to look for a job, you MUST read the August 2009 Schawbel Report.

The Schawbel Report is written by Dan Schawbel, who is THE “go to” guy when it comes to personal branding. Yes, I have been known to criticize personal branding, but that’s because most of these branding gurus talk about stuff that just doesn’t apply to your average jobseeker. However, Dan is very grounded and full of common sense advice that anyone can use (even though his site says he is the “leading personal branding expert for Gen-Y”).

Here are a few tidbits I bet you didn’t know:

35% of employers have passed over a candidate based of what was found on a social networking site. 53% of candidates posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information and 44% posted about drinking or drugs. 14% of employers have disregarded a candidate because the candidate sent a message using an emoticon ;) :D. Although this makes social networks appear bad, there is a brighter side. 18% of employers reported they have found content on social networking sites that caused them to hire the candidate.

For the full report, click here: Schawbel Report: The Current State of Personal Branding Worldwide [August 2009]

To read more from Dan Schawbel, check out these links:

• Personal Branding Magazine
• Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success

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© Jennifer Anthony
Nationally Published Resume Expert & Career Strategist
E-mail: jenn@jennwrites.com | Phone: 503-395-8877 | Web: www.jennanthony.info

Disclaimer: Advice offered in this article is not comprehensive and is intended for a wide-range of readers. Individual results may vary based on geographic location, local economies, market saturation for a particular industry, academic background, adaptability to workforce changes, and/or continued motivation. Contact a professional resume writer to discuss your unique situation.