| Topic Name: |
Job Searches |
| Message Name: |
Tell me about it... |
| Date Posted: |
02/05/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
How does one handle the old over and uderqualified excuses of why after an initial interview there is no further interest? In my case the last three interviews ended in situations where I was liked (and received positive feedback from recruiters but either considered overqualified (which in my book is the lamest excuse possible) or underqualified (which also was bogus given that I have the requisite experience in the field I work in and was applying for a position that required a minimum of ten years experience). How do you handle something like this? I am sick of using recruiters simply because I think that they are not screening me properly for potential positions and are wasting my time in addition to making doubt my abilities. |
| Message: |
I am just another girl in an industry that for years and decades only belonged to men. Construction. I have worked harder and put longer hours and made more money for the companies I have worked for, than all the men combined in my department. The only thing that my 4 page resume and 12 pages of project list is getting me now is the title "Over Qualified" with a capital "Q".
In my last interview for a job that was perfect match, when the VP told me for the first time that he thought I was overqualified, I took it as a compliment. Second time he said it, I let it slide. The third time, I got offended. I said: Well Sir, don't let that stop you. I agreed to the salary that was 25% less than my previous salary knowing full well that market has changed since the events of Sep. 11. I am a realistic girl after all. Realistic enough to know that the "O Q" title is only another translation for "You are a girl trying to do men's work. My resume and work history is much more impressive than the VP who was interviewing me and many more of my Bosses. I am 37, perfect age, perfect credentials and perfect work ethic. When he checked my references and heard what I knew he will hear, he backed off. The answer that came in a very nice written e-mail was: " Regretfully,..., you are Over Qualified for this position." With a capital "Q".
(I would have taken his and do a better job).
Now, this is what I learned: You are Over Qualified, if, and only if you are better that the guy who is interviewing you. Money, age, or sex doesn't have anything to do with it.
I am just another girl in a business that I know and love more than many guys who were born and raised into it. My only problem is that I am...yup you guessed it:
"OVER QUALIFIED" and proud of it...
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