How do you deal with "you're over qualified" in the civilian job interview?

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 22:58:10 -0500

Since I have been forced back into the civilian job market due to retirement and my last fulltime civilian job was over 23 years ago - my resume is all military related (I've tried to make it 'civilianized') - my LinkedIn profile shows what I'm talking about. I am trying to fill in my missing income (loss of BAS, BAH and only a percentage of my former base pay) so I can pay off my mortgage and other things. Since I only have an Associates Degree, I loose out of a majority of job (due to a 4yr degree requirement) opportunities. So, I find myself between a rock and a hard place - to much experience with 'little' paper to back it up. I know it doesn't help that I turned 50 (even though I feel like I'm in my late 20's due to our fitness standards that only the military holds it's personnel to). So if any of you wise individuals have any advice - I would appreciate it.

Response by Capt Jason Minnich made Dec 13 at 2013 11:19 PM

Capt Jason Minnich — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 23:19:31 -0500

Honestly, if you can get in to talk to someone, I think they will quickly waive their "need 4 years" of schooling requirement in exchange for your experience. I often see people in the workforce complain that even with all their schooling they don't get the job because they don't have the experience. With the few jobs you've posted on your RP profile I would say you would be a shoe-in for industry, but that might mean relocating. You have tons of experience in doing the things you've been doing, now you just need to find the civilian equivalent and apply it. Often times finding how our experience crosses over is the hard part, but if you build your resume from a leader position and then add your job experience, businesses will focus on your background more than your school.

For that matter, in my local area monster jobs and military.com are doing a promotion right now to hire veterans, see if any of the local employers have committed to hiring veterans and go from that angle. It is difficult transitioning but if you can translate for the HR department I'm sure they will be happy to have you!

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Dec 13 at 2013 11:57 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 23:57:35 -0500

MSG Kerwin: Respectfully, I know this is off topic, I was a CW2 and I went to Liberty University and not only did they take my Associate degree, they also took all credits for my Military time. I transferred 152 credits and eventually I was able to obtain my Masters degree. To answer your question, I would drive home integrity, commitment, ability to work with diversity. The military has prepared you to work with a diverse population. I would suggest that you look at Hire2Hero and go to Job Fairs on Military Bases and network with fellow veterans.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 12:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 00:36:41 -0500

I want to address your main question about being told that you are over qualified.

Are you? I went through the longest period of unemployment of my life after I left active duty. In frustration/desperation, I started shooting low. I told myself that I would actually like working at the Home Depot (another excellent company for National Guard and vets). But think of it in military terms...would you put an E6 in an E4 job? Would it matter if the E6 said he/she really, really wanted the job or that the E6 would be good at the job? No, because it would be the wrong fit. Fit is something that is hard to describe, but when it's not there, it's not there.

The best way to deal with getting this news is to consider whether or not it's true. If it is, adjust your job search. You are not doing yourself or a future employer any favors by taking a job that you will be bored with in 6 months. It will be better to be patient than to take a job you will hate - personal experience talking on that one.

If it isn't true that you are over qualified, look at what you are saying on your resume or during the interview that may be giving the wrong impression. I find that, in general, civilians find combat deployments intimidating - you've done something that they could never imagine themselves doing. Also simple phrases like, "led a platoon" can be misleading because for them, a platoon is what? 100 or 1,000 troops? They're not sure, but it sounds HUGE.

Some of this you can fix by replacing unit names with numbers. Some of it you can't. It is part of who you are. Well meaning friends have suggested that I drop things from my resume, but I cannot see working day to day with people that I had to play dumb to impress. Or people who have no respect for my military family. It is a tough market right now, but the right thing will come along.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 14 at 2013 1:33 AM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 01:33:09 -0500

MSgt kerwin, First welcome to the civilian world, and thank you for your service.

I want to share something's I was taught in my time.

I wrote something similar to this on a veteran who was looking for work in IT.

First is the resume. When you send (upload) your resume to a site or a company, remember that the company are looking for key words related to the type of job they posted.

The resume is scanned for these words, if the resume shows you have what they want then you will get a call. This call may be a phone interview to b followed by an in person interview.

My Example: I'm look for a job as a computer technician. (note I already am a computer tech and I'm actually not looking for a job).

My resume will only talk about that field of work and nothing else.

my education will only show what is related to that field and nothing more then that.

I served in the US Army and I worked as a communications chief, and I was also an Air Traffic Controller, supervisor, all not related to the work I'm looking for. I leave all that out.

==================

What I do put in is, Familiar with mapping printers local and network, setting up multiple monitors, Bloomberg keyboard, windows XP, windows 7, windows 8, Microsoft office 2008, 2012, 2013, and I can go on....

Work experience, must be related to the type of work your looking for

Worked for

Dell (Location) (from date and to Date)

I installed computer computers in the class room, through out all 5 boroughs in NYC, and so one and son on..

Board of education (Location) (From date to date)

Worked as help desk for the schools of NYC, provided assistance with password reset, and so on in details

---------------------------------------

notice how I left every thing that I did in the military out and notice that the words I used may be key targets. If an employer is looking for a tech that knows how to use office 2007, then that will be a key word. If the employer is looking for someone that knows about Bloomberg keyboards, then that is another word.

My resume will get attention. Notice that its all IT. Nothing about working in the car service department, nothing about my real college which by the way has to do with Aviation. Just IT alone.

On the interview, when asked, Tell me about yourself: I'm a computer technician with over 15 years experience, I started working with computer in 1999 as a hobby and started to help people with their computer problems and I decided to turn my hobby into a career, I went to perscholas to get my A+ certification and ( I start to talk about my job as listed in my resume.)

If question did I ever severed in the military, then I will roll into that topic.

Thing is that I'm going to leave an impression that I am a computer tech.

Normally for me the following question is when can I start and how much I will want as pay, then I get my start date.

I don't know if this helps you out, but it's what I was taught. perhaps your over qualification may be due to the way you wrote your resume. A resume can be adjusted, you can have more then 2 or 3 resumes, in case you find one job my find you over qualify, a resume with lesser detail may make you qualify.

Once your in the doors its open session, you can talk your rank was MSgt served in the military for over (Years), and even in time with in that company find other positions that your original would have qualifies you for, at that time its when you will use that resume with out problems to your self or any one.

key thing here is that what ever you do make every thing match that position your going for if its management, what kind of manger is it, is it a bank, office, legal depart, because if it is, a PHD in aeronautics will over qualify you.

the employer will think that your real interest is aviation and he will know he will lose you soon to that.

same with washing dishes in a restaurant, if you show your an electronic engineer, don't expect to wash dishes anytime soon. I know because I have gotten to that point in my earlier years.

MSgt I know your a professional, with many years to leaderships, and many things that you learned can be sued out her e too. I use many military skills out here to get a job, and it works.

Most important is think of your self as someone who is looking work for some one special. How can you help that person (You), work force sites, employment office, other people around you who work, friend's, family, you have it all.

If all else fails, then you have no choice but to go self employed, which is I also do I have a home business and I work for myself as a computer tech. :)

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Dec 14 at 2013 7:46 AM

CPT Laurie H. — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 07:46:43 -0500

I actually just came across this article on LinkedIn yesterday, it has some useful bits of advice: http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/ [login to see] 4 [login to see] -if-called-overqualified-try-this

If Called "Overqualified," Try This...

I got this email from a LinkedIn member last week after he read my post on how to handle job rejection:
Dear J.T.What can I say to a company who reviews my resume, calls me in for an hour-long

Response by SFC William Hutchinson made Dec 14 at 2013 12:44 PM

SFC William Hutchinson — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 12:44:24 -0500

MSG Kerwin, I truly understand where you are coming from. I am retired myself and most jobs I have applied for in the government arena say I do not qualify. I have been using my post 9/11 GI bill to go back to school. I would suggest that you apply to a school to see what they will transfer concerning your military experience and associates degree. Also apply to VA and see if you qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Good Luck

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 18 at 2013 8:43 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:43:09 -0500

MSgt

1. Look me up on Linked in under Michael Blount. I might be able to help.

2. Enroll at BeFoundJobs.com. It's free and they can show you:

- exactly how to answer that question, and

- how to make Linked In work to great effect.

I've got something like 5,000 connections, and I'm sure ONE of them will say "yes".

Hang in there, MSgt.

CSM Blount

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 11 at 2014 11:19 PM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 23:19:49 -0500

I think this is a good thread for those we are trying to get to join can see the substance of some things we discuss between us as current and former military, soft spoken as well as informational and mentoring types of postings.

We also have fun at times while remaining professional.

Response by SFC Charles W. Robinson made Jan 12 at 2014 1:49 AM

SFC Charles W. Robinson — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 01:49:48 -0500

Overqualified can also be a code word for other things as well:

To old

I do not want you to take my job

You will not fit into our corporate culture

etc.

I have seen some weird post on linkedin by HR people on this.

It almost never means that you are overqualified.

Get a bachelor degree - a lot of places will not even look at you if you do not have one.

Some have it as a requirement just to limit the number of applications they get per opening to a reasonable amount.

The process does not start with the resume, it starts with the application. I have seen people rejected on the application alone and the carefully crafted resume and cover letter were never even evaluated.

Example mistake: On one line the application asked for the position you were applying for. The next line asked for what county you lived in. In the first line he wrote "Pope", and on the second line the applicant wrote "United States".

You can try non-profits. I landed a good job with one as their Director of Human Resources. I loved it and did real good. I have now decided to go back and finish my Bachelors Degree in Business and roll right into my MBA. Non-profits don't pay as much but they give you that valuable civilian experience that says that you were capable of transitioning over. Also, they are more likely to look over your lack of a Bachelors degree.

Part of what worked for me is that I was almost complete with my Bachelors degree when I got very ill my last year in the Military and had to drop out. I placed a copy of my transcripts in my portfolio that showed my 130hrs, exactly what classes I had taken over the years, and my 3.25 GPA.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/charleswrobinsonprofile

Response by 1LT(P) Jan I. made Jan 13 at 2014 12:52 PM

1LT(P) Jan I. — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 12:52:25 -0500

Here's a great article I saw on LinkedIn, enumerating the challenges that vets face in being hired from a civilian POV:

http://www.careerattraction.com/congratulations-on-your-military-service-now-here-are-9-reasons-why-i-wont-hire-you/

I think the key has always been, taking the immense amount of skills and experience you've accumulated over the years, and breaking it down into civilian employer terms, while fitting it into the 10-seconds-or-less rule that HR people spare per each resume. The fact of the matter is, as long as you're facing the HR-screening machine, you need to be able to impress them quickly, and communicate your credentials efficiently, in order to get an interview.

Once you can get to the interview, I really don't think qualifications will be an issue - anyone speaking with a prior service vet with extensive experience can see for themselves the integrity, trustworthiness, and maturity that vets bring. The problem has always been translating that to the civilian world. Military experience != civilian experience, and the hurdle that all vets face is the translation between.

Feel free to find me on LinkedIn and RP - HP is a pretty military-friendly organization, and I'd be happy to forward your resume to my HR department.

Response by CPT Keith Steinhurst made Jan 13 at 2014 1:58 PM

CPT Keith Steinhurst — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 13:58:01 -0500

Some general thoughts . . . An Associate Degree is a degree, and a good thing - it was my first degree - and I'll give you the same adivce I gave my daughter (who now has one as well) - it will fairly transfer to any college or university as a junior, you need only finish your amjor and graduate with your bachelor. There is a list in AKO (My Education) by DANTES which will show you all the endorsed / accredited schools that will allow you to easily transfer your Associate and military hours towards thier degree programs. On experience, well, you have it, so your goal is to market it in a manner that (1) gets noticed and (2) gets you hired. Centered on hard skills and focused achievement, I recommend a chronolgical CV with your last assignment 1st and go back 10 years. Don't overlook the opportunities availabel in the public sector - there are a lot of government positions / contractor positions available. Also - if you are interested in education, can pass a PFT, and are IAW AR600-9, JROTC is an option! Cheers.

Response by MAJ Donald Rice made Jan 13 at 2014 3:39 PM

MAJ Donald Rice — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 15:39:52 -0500

Take the time to help the employer determine what is "causing him pain". Once you have that, you can help him to understand how the skills and knowledge you gained in the military can be used to fix the problem and help his bottom line.
Remember that the employer doesn't own the interview. You have as much, if not more, invested. Ask questions; good, intelligent questions based on the research you did before applying for the position. You have as much to lose with a bad decision to hire as the employer does.

Response by SSG Robert Edwards made Jan 14 at 2014 9:54 PM

SSG Robert Edwards — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 21:54:39 -0500

I sent you an invite on linked in. You appear to missing the keyword jargon for the civilian world. the Security + will qualify you for the DODI 8570.1-M Level I IAM and Level II IAT, but you need to look beyond the basic certification, like the PMP or CISM CISSP certifications. The PMP (Project Management Professional) Certificate. The PMP points to a managerial person which you have as a "SUPERVISOR" of how many personnel and what were their position. What did you do for these individuals. the listing of systems needs to explain what you did on these systems use bullet format, list your Security Clearance up front.

your opening paragraph needs to sell yourself and point out why the hiring manager needs to take a closer look at your resume. If wish to continue this discussion please advise. I am not offering you work, just my thoughts.

Response by Cpl Jai Cotman made Aug 14 at 2014 7:07 PM

Cpl Jai Cotman — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 19:07:21 -0400

MSgt,

It's been my experience that when someone says your "over qualified" there are a few things behind that statement:

1. They have a candidate already in mind and it's not you unfortuantely
2. Most companies are looking to hire young and when they have a mature gentleman such as yourself present himself before a hiring board/manager, they may not be prepared to "invest" in what it costs to higher that individual (i.e. the older the more at risk for health).
3. If they are the hiring manager for the department in which you are working, chances are, you'll be gunning for their position (and rightly so) and they want to keep their coushy spot.

There are a list of others but these are generally the main factors I've seen. As this is an older post, I'd like to ask how is the hunt going? Are you still looking or gainfully employed? I'm hoping the latter and would love to hear of your success. And from one Marine to another...Semper Fidelis.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 15 at 2014 6:35 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 18:35:48 -0400

maybe the best way would be to go back to school utilizing the post 9/1 GI bill. You can then recoup some of your BAH and work on your BS in whatever area you want to focus on.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 19 at 2014 3:41 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 03:41:11 -0400

I tell them that I should be interviewing them.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 19 at 2014 9:14 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 09:14:37 -0400

I myself have not made the leap into the civilian market....yet. I am guessing in the 1-1.5 years out mark, I will be agressively looking for a position as I will be transitioning out in 1.5-2 years. I have also been working my LinkedIn profile....HARD. I have done a couple things (not sure they are RIGHT, but....) I have used the linked in profile to collect much of my CV/Resume data. I have then generated 2 condensed resumes (specific to 2 job positions I am interested in) and attached them up front. If anyone one wants to look and critique, go for it! I am always willing to eval/modifiy and adjust fire as needed! I DO run the risk of being told I am "overqualified" due to some of the positions I would apply for vs. my degree....it is a risk I am running.

Response by MAJ Donald Rice made Aug 19 at 2014 3:19 PM

MAJ Donald Rice — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 15:19:53 -0400

Over qualified is a problem that many job seekers military and civilian experience during career searches. Some people suggest dumbing down your paperwork and presentation. I think that is ridiculous! In any interview process, the objective is to demonstrate how you can do the job and provide value for the employer. If you can't do that don't worry about being over qualified, some else will do it and win the position.