Applying as a Highly Qualified Candidate
There may be times when you are highly qualified for a job but wish to apply for it. This often happens when you are a more seasoned and experienced worker changing fields or returning to the job market. Also, when the job market is slow, there may be a lack of jobs that you are qualified for. Even when the unemployment rate is low, you may have personal reasons that make a transition seem appealing. For example, you may be starting a family or want to shorten your commute.
But regardless of the reason that drives you to apply for the job, if you appear to be highly qualified for the position, you will need to craft a cover letter carefully in order for your application to be considered. Employers are notorious for rejecting highly qualified candidates. This is because they fear that the person will feel bored or unenthusiastic and may move on to another job in a short time. Employers want to hire people who will stay with the company for a while, as hiring and training new employees incurs a lot of expenses.
Explaining How You Enjoyed Similar Roles
A key factor in making your cover letter stand out is to focus on any similar positions you have held, even if they were not your most recent job. You will need to mention the reasons that made those similar roles satisfying and successful experiences for you. This will show potential employers that although you are highly qualified, you do not necessarily plan to move to a more challenging role in the near future.
For example, let’s take the case of someone applying for a sales assistant position, but who has recently worked as an account manager or salesperson. If they had enjoyable experiences as a sales assistant in the past and excelled in that role, it would be important to emphasize those experiences.
Note: You might also consider acknowledging that you are highly qualified for the position and explaining why you are interested in it.
Avoid Focusing on Your Qualifications
Being honest and not letting your qualifications become the elephant in the interview room can be beneficial. In the example above, the candidate might point out that they prefer organization and detail over persuasion, then focus on their successes as a sales assistant.
As much as possible in your letter, try to allay potential employers’ concerns about how long you will stay with the company. If you have consistently held jobs for several years, for example, you can mention your loyalty and desire for a long-term relationship with your next employer.
Writing a Targeted Letter
There will not be a one-size-fits-all cover letter in this case. If you appear highly qualified in your resume, use the cover letter to clarify why you truly match well for the position. For example, perhaps your experience in some high-level positions will help you in your daily work in the current job (or could be an additional asset you bring).
It will be essential to analyze the skills, interests, and assets that an individual needs to excel in the targeted role. Then, in your cover letter, use concrete examples to show how you possess these assets and have succeeded in previous jobs, volunteer work, or course projects. Finding the right job will require knowing how to write a targeted cover letter and how your qualifications match the job.
If you are unsure where to start in writing a cover letter, using a sample cover letter from your industry or based on your level of experience is a great place to begin.
Follow-Up
During
The job interview, be prepared to answer questions about being highly qualified – as in the cover letter, use this opportunity to tell a story that shows you’re a candidate who plans to stay in the job for a long time.
Follow-up messages after the interview should express enthusiasm for the actual job content. If possible, ask a former colleague who supervised you in a similar role to make an unsolicited recommendation call (or send an email) to the decision-makers. Having a clear strategy on how to follow up after your interviews is important, so plan one before going into the meeting. When possible, tailor your follow-up to include details from the interview itself.
Going the Extra Mile Can Pay Off
Showing your enthusiasm for the role will help convince the interviewer that this isn’t a desperate act and that you genuinely want the job. A call or unsolicited recommendation email will also show your interest in the role.
It’s easy to get overlooked when you’re highly qualified for a position, but by putting in the extra effort in your application, you can demonstrate to the interviewer that your interest is sincere and not fleeting or desperate.
Cover Letter Template When You Are Overqualified for the Job
Jonathan Smith
1 Chestnut Street
Middle City, California 98765
555-212-1234
me@mywebsite.com
November 2, 2019
Rosemary Johnson
Recruitment Officer, HR
Smart Games Company
7 Main Street
Middle City, California 98765
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I was excited to see your ad for the Administrative Assistant position and would like to apply for the job. I have been a big fan of Smart Games since my favorite uncle bought me my first chemistry set for my tenth birthday. (He was my favorite uncle for a reason!)
To this day, in my current position as Executive Assistant to the Director at ABC Corp, I have a small herb garden and a magic calculator on my desk. I love coming to work every day and know that I am using my skills and experience to support products I adore.
Regarding the requirements outlined in your ad, I have:
– Excellent phone and interpersonal communication skills
– Extensive experience in maintaining administrative systems, organizing and scheduling meetings, booking travel arrangements, and ordering office supplies
– Attention to detail and organizational skills
– Ability to use popular project management and office software, including Microsoft Office, Trello, and Asana – along with a high level of comfort with new platforms and a willingness to learn
– Commitment to teamwork and achieving our goals
I am confident that my skills and passion for your products and your company make me a good fit for this role. I am happy to provide references or any additional materials that may be helpful. I have enclosed my resume and hope to hear from you soon to discuss the position in more detail.
Sincerely,
Signature (hard copy letter)
Jonathan Smith
Conclusion
When you are overqualified for a job, you should write an appropriate cover letter that reflects your genuine desire for the position and highlights your suitability for the role. You should focus on your relevant experiences and illustrate how your skills and experience can benefit the company. Additionally, you should demonstrate your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the role through follow-up after the interview. By putting in the extra effort in your application, you can prove to the interviewer that you are a serious candidate and that you truly want the job.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/tips-for-writing-a-cover-letter-when-you-re-overqualified-2060292
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