TRAPS: Theemployer may be concerned that you’ll grow dissatisfied and leave.
BEST ANSWER: As with any objection, don’t view this as asign of imminent defeat. It’s aninvitation to teach the interviewer a new way to think about this situation,seeing advantages instead of drawbacks.
Example: “I recognize the job market for what it is –a marketplace. Like any marketplace,it’s subject to the laws of supply and demand. So ‘overqualified’ can be a relative term, depending on how tight thejob market is. And right now, it’s verytight. I understand and accept that.”
“I alsobelieve that there could be very positive benefits for both of us in thismatch.”
“Because ofmy unusually strong experience in ________________ , I could start tocontribute right away, perhaps much faster than someone who’d have to bebrought along more slowly.”
“There’salso the value of all the training and years of experience that other companieshave invested tens of thousands of dollars to give me. You’d be getting all the value of thatwithout having to pay an extra dime for it. With someone who has yet to acquire that experience, he’d have to gainit on your nickel.”
“I couldalso help you in many things they don’t teach at the Harvard BusinessSchool. For example…(how to hire, train,motivate, etc.) When it comes to knowinghow to work well with people and getting the most out of them, there’s just nosubstitute for what you learn over many years of front-line experience. You company would gain all this, too.”
“From myside, there are strong benefits, as well. Right now, I am unemployed. Iwant to work, very much, and the position you have here is exactly what I loveto do and am best at. I’ll be happydoing this work and that’s what matters most to me, a lot more that money ortitle.”
“Mostimportant, I’m looking to make a long term commitment in my career now. I’vehad enough of job-hunting and want a permanent spot at this point in mycareer. I also know that if I performthis job with excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for meright here. In time, I’ll find manyother ways to help this company and in so doing, help myself. I really am looking to make a long-termcommitment.”
NOTE: The main concern behind the “overqualified”question is that you will leave your new employer as soon as something bettercomes your way. Anything you can say todemonstrate the sincerity of your commitment to the employer and reassure himthat you’re looking to stay for the long-term will help you overcome thisobjection.
