Successful Job Hunting for the 50+: The Job Interview and the “O-word” (Third in a three-part series on finding a job)

You’re satisfied with your resume, you’ve found a job you think would be a perfect fit, and now you’ve been in for an interview. You may be one step away from landing the position and it all depends on the interview!

It may have been years since you last had to be interviewed by a potential employer and you might not know how to respond if they bring up the “O word” – overqualified, which some people would say is code for “old.”

Sometimes you will have more qualifications than the job requires.  Perhaps you’re applying because you want more flexibility, or to return to work that you miss.  At other times your qualifications will be exactly right, but you sense underlying concerns about your age.  Whatever the case, it’s your job to anticipate the “overqualified” issue and to sell yourself as a strong candidate.

Be Prepared for the Interview

The job interview is often the place where the “overqualified” question comes up.  In a recent AARP webinar on job interviews, career professional Camille Grabowski pointed out that the employer may be worried about one of five things:

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  • You will be bored
  • Pay may be too low
  • You will leave for a better opportunity
  • You may want a quick promotion
  • You may want the interviewer’s job

If asked about being overqualified, start by asking the interviewer, “Can you tell me more about your concern?”  Have an answer prepared for each of the points listed above, and practice until you know you can answer convincingly.

Grabowski offers this example:  “It’s true that I have held higher level positions and have experience managing people.  I truly enjoyed that part of my career.  However, I am at a different stage in my career now, and would like to return to the hands-on part of the job I have always loved.  That is why this position appeals to me so much.”

Use statements like this even if the word “overqualified” is not used directly.  You’ll appear stronger if you address unspoken concerns rather than ignore them.

Sell Yourself—but Don’t Overwhelm

Another tactic is to turn your qualifications into reasons to hire you.  For example, if hired you would be able to get up to speed quickly because of your well-developed skills.  Other advantages might be your proven ability to solve problems, work without close supervision, or mentor others. 

When you bring up these qualities, do so in a non-threatening way.  For example, instead of trumpeting your high-level management skills, talk about times when you successfully collaborated with other team members.

Dealing with the “O-word” comes down to showing you are the right “fit” for the job.  With preparation and confidence, you’ll help the employer see you not as overqualified but as the best-qualified applicant.

For more about the overqualified label and other topics, see AARP’s Job Tips for 50+ Workers www.aarp.org/jobtips