Sorry! You're Overqualified! (employee, apply, degrees, degree)

[LauraC]

Saw this excellent article today:

"The largest generation since the depression is a group of people called The Baby Boomers, who are between the ages of 48 and 63. Therefore, the largest group of overqualified, overeducated, over-experienced people exists now. What does this mean for the recession/economic situation in which we currently find ourselves?"

Sorry! You're Overqualified!

[myrc60]

I just had to tell a recruiter this week that I would accept $12/hr after making over $40k the last 10 years of my life. I am one of the youngest baby boomers. I am thinking that if I get a job within a year I'm doing pretty good but by that time I may not have a roof over my head any longer.

[Charles]

Another way of looking at it is to evaluate where you (your age) falls demographically - it may depend on profession.

For example, I am 48 year old engineer. When I attend meetings, I see that I am in the bottom quarter in age, meaning most people are older than I am. I see that as good because in ten or so years, many of my 50-60 year old colleagues will be retired and posting on City Data. Their absence is my opportunity.


Related thread:

Thoughts on dumbing down your resume?

[GypsySoul22]

I'm not a boomer, I'm 43.
I have been out of work a year. At this point I guess I am going to have to hit retail stores but lie and omit all education.

I really feel ill having to do this but we have to eat, right?

[yellowsnow]

I admit I just wrote a new resume. What's in it is all true. I just left off a lot of the education and experience. It's just necessary in these times. I am tired of being told they would 'love' to hire me but they know I would be looking for another job. I'm overqualified.

Sigh. I worked hard for those degrees. They shouldn't be an obstacle to becoming employed.

[1984vt]

I dumbed down my resume'. I took everything out referencing my Strategic Alliance Management, office openings and management etc. I write a unique resume' for every job to which I apply.

When told I may be overqualified, I say, "for what functions am I overqualified?" The reply - I like to feel I am uniquely qualified because my irrelevant experience may give me insight to situations/challenges arising in the position. Also, the underlying concern is "job hopping" if a better offer comes along.

I always say, "My employment history clearly portrays be as a loyal employee that does not job hop".

Hope that helps some.