Advice for applying for a job when overqualified?

Filan

Am considering applying for an unskilled job , as it's permanent with good conditions. However I am highly educated, just absent from paid employment for the past 9 months. If I state that I have a Masters degree I would probably be considered too qualified, but I would like the job for stated reasons.

Any suggestions as to what might help my cause?.

Thanks

A

Dudess

Yeah, I could do with similar advice. Educated to masters level but can't get any work in my chosen field so I have to look for an admin job.

AARRRGH

Filan wrote: »

Am considering applying for an unskilled job , as it's permanent with good conditions. However I am highly educated, just absent from paid employment for the past 9 months. If I state that I have a Masters degree I would probably be considered too qualified, but I would like the job for stated reasons.

So you would actually want to stay in this job, or it's just to tide you over?

If it's the former, I guess if you explain in your cover letter why the job appeals to you (you should state the permanent and good conditions part) they might consider you as a serious candidate.

You should probably also mention you don't really want to work in the area you got your education in...

Certainly I think a good cover letter, followed up by a telephone call a few days later, can do no harm.

Suff

I think something wrong with the market at the moment....I'm educated to Master's level in IT, have a PGrad cert in Bussinesss Managament and have over 5 years exp in IT and can't get a job!

Doctor DooM

Filan wrote: »

Am considering applying for an unskilled job , as it's permanent with good conditions. However I am highly educated, just absent from paid employment for the past 9 months. If I state that I have a Masters degree I would probably be considered too qualified, but I would like the job for stated reasons.

Any suggestions as to what might help my cause?.

Thanks

A

Not being smart, but why not simply "forget" to mention the Masters?

Tom Dunne

SDooM wrote: »

Not being smart, but why not simply "forget" to mention the Masters?

Because it is going to come out at some stage. Also, asking referees to "omit" the fact he/she has a masters is just bad form.

It's a tough one. But, honesty is the best policy. I suppose you will have to craft your CV to emphasise relevant experience to the position, while demoting the masters (perhaps into the middle of a list, where it might not be as obvious).

It's really a sad state of affairs to be that qualified and not able to get a job. Having said that, I am leaving a position that I was overly qualified for. Working in such a position can be a frustrating experience, I should warn you. Even if it is permanent and pensionable (as mine is).

far2gud

I think your underselling yourself, you have a masters degree. You should go to interviews for good jobs, confident in your abilitys.

AARRRGH

To the people who can't get a job...

Are you actually getting called to interview?

If you are, could it be your interview skills?

If not, could it be your cover letter?

Newaglish

Might I ask what your Masters is in? If it's something really obscure (read: useless), they will understand why you're looking for an unskilled job.

However, they may worry that you'll leave once the right job comes along.

nesf

Newaglish wrote: »

If it's something really obscure (read: useless), they will understand why you're looking for an unskilled job.

I really don't agree, it's got a lot more to do with the person behind the degree than the degree itself in these things.

mari9464

I've been in a similar situation. I finally broke into admin work through temping. I also changed the layout of my cv to include a profile at the beginning, stating briefly my experience and what I am currently looking for. I know most people have that but it took me many changes to get my cv to a decent layout.
Good luck with your search.