How to fight the overqulaified lablel?

Gael23

Im in the middle of doing a job application for a job that is relevant to the area that my degree is in but a more junior position. I have been unemoployed since graduating 9 months ago so would be happy to take this as a first step for a few years.
The issue is that they only ask for a Leaving Certificate and as I have a 3rd level degree, I dont want to be accused as being someone that will jump ship the minute something better comes along. I wont be there in 10 years time but would happily work in this job for 2-3 years.

What I really want to know is how to structure my CV and Cover letter for this? My current CV begins with a brief profile of me: business graduate seeking a career in X area etc. then I have my qualifications before the standard stuff like experience skills etc. Something I read in an old thread was to move the education section down the list so as they see my skills first?
The first section of my cover letter is the same as the profile section of my Cv. Then I have a long paragraph explaining my degree and what I studied and my career objectives. This is the only bit of it which I see a problem with.

eurokev

I can't see why you think you are over qualified. You have zero work experience. A junior position is exactly what you should be aiming at. I don't know why you think a degree shows that you're capable more than an entry level role immediately. You are only as good as you can perform in a job. A degree just shows that you have familiarity with the technical sides of a job, but you will soon learn that there is a lot more to a job than the theory aspect.
You're real learning is only going to start when you get a job, and your career progression will be almost completely based on your job performance

eurokev

I would structure your cover letter explaining that you initially want to learn the industry, how hungry you are, what attributes you possess to be of benefit to company etc.. with a brief synopsis of the competencies attained through your degree

Geniass

It's more often the case that jobs don't go to those meeting the minimum requirements. Some might not get the job even though they may have, for example, higher educational attainment than in the job spec. They may then think they didn't get the job because they were over qualified.

I doubt this is as common as some people think.

My advice, give it socks. Make yourself as attractive as possible. Can you say how you would see yourself progressing in the job? In the cover letter can you say that in 3 years time you'd like to see yourself as X within their organisation. This achievement should be realistic.

Gael23

Yes I could put together a cover letter aimed mire specifically at this particular position. The Job spec does mention a desirable skill that I don't have but I will put it in my letter that I'm committed to achieving this qualification. I was thinking that me having a degree might make up for not having done that yet.

Gongoozler

You're not fighting any label. You are assuming that it's the reason you're not getting any jobs, I think it's more likely that the market is still pretty saturated and since you don't have experience, you're not the best of the bunch.

Also, you might want to check your cv for spelling mistakes.

Gael23

Gongoozler wrote: »

You're not fighting any label. You are assuming that it's the reason you're not getting any jobs,

This particular job I'm applying for only asks for a leaving cert when I have a degree. They do ask for some desirable things which I don't have though

PCX

Gael23 wrote: »

This particular job I'm applying for only asks for a leaving cert when I have a degree. They do ask for some desirable things which I don't have though

So you are underqualified in some areas they want experience in. The fact you have a relevant degree may help make up for this lack of experience in their eyes.

As stated earlier in the current climate jobs rarely go to a candidate that only just meets the minimum requirements - even entry level jobs.

Their preference will probably be for a graduate. They may have stated leaving cert as a minimum as they didn't want to rule out someone without a degree but with a ton of relevent skills and experience (which are normally seen as more important by employers). The job may end up going to someone with a degree and experience.

In short I do not think you are overqualified. And if they think that a new graduate without relevant experience is too good for the job then it doesn't sound like a great job anyway!

Gael23

PCX wrote: »

So you are underqualified in some areas they want experience in. The fact you have a relevant degree may help make up for this lack of experience in their eyes.

I did think about that. Its a finance/accounts job so you need further study after your LC/Degree to fully qualify, which I haven't yet done and its stated as desirable that you have.

PCX

Gael23 wrote: »

Its a finance/accounts job so you need further study after your LC/Degree to fully qualify, which I haven't yet done and its stated as desirable that you have.

Thats the area I work in. Having a degree will not be held against you.

I recommend that you read up on the qualifications if you haven't already. Tell them in the cover letter and interview that you intend on completing ACCA, CIMA or another accouting qualification. Preferably that you have already signed up and are studying for your first paper at the moment. That will show you are serious about the field of work.

Accounts departments like candidates they think might be suitable for moving up the ladder into more responsible roles as they gain qualifications.

Gael23

PCX wrote: »

Thats the area I work in. Having a degree will not be held against you.

I recommend that you read up on the qualifications if you haven't already. Tell them in the cover letter and interview that you intend on completing ACCA, CIMA or another accouting qualification. Preferably that you have already signed up and are studying for your first paper at the moment. That will show you are serious about the field of work.

Accounts departments like candidates they think might be suitable for moving up the ladder into more responsible roles as they gain qualifications.

Will look into it.
The job is for an accounts technician, I don't have any of that done which they say is desirable but I do have ACCA and some other exemptions gained from my degree

Geniass

Gael23 wrote: »

Will look into it.
The job is for an accounts technician, I don't have any of that done which they say is desirable [\b] but I do have ACCA and some other exemptions gained from my degree

So, the leaving cert is the minimum required.

I don't think any employer would discriminate against someone with part ACCA rather than part IATI etc.

I presume it's an industry job rather than a practice job, but the company will still expect a person to develop and take on more responsibilities as time goes on.

Gael23

Geniass wrote: »

So, the leaving cert is the minimum required.

I don't think any employer would discriminate against someone with part ACCA rather than part IATI etc.

I presume it's an industry job rather than a practice job, but the company will still expect a person to develop and take on more responsibilities as time goes on.

No it is a practice job.

Geniass

Gael23 wrote: »

No it is a practice job.

The one question I'd have is whether the person is required to remain at technician level or is expected to progress. If expected to progress, that you have your degree and some ACCA already will be a bonus.

It is possible (quite rare I'd say) a small firm may want to keep a dedicated technician, but that's not usually how practices work.

You might want to head over to the accounting forum and see what they say (it's under Biz[\b]).

Geniass

Gael23 wrote: »

No it is a practice job.

The one question I'd have is whether the person is required to remain at technician level or is expected to progress. If expected to progress, that you have your degree and some ACCA already will be a bonus.

It is possible (quite rare I'd say) a small firm may want to keep a dedicated technician, but that's not usually how practices work.

You might want to head over to the accounting forum and see what they say (it's under Biz).

Gael23

I just applied for it as I would with any other along with a few minor changes to my cover letter