How to Answer Interview Questions - Are You Overqualified?

Getting asked if you are overqualified for the position for which you are interviewing can rattle anyone, and depending on your age, may even lead you to question whether or not your interviewer is implying you're too old for the job. In reality, your interviewer can't afford to spend the time or money hiring someone who is planning to use their position merely as a stepping-stone. Hiring personnel have reason for concern since most people are looking to climb the ladder of success, so how are you any different?

So, when asked this question, think about what they really want to know: Is this really the right position for you? Will you become bored with the job? Will you be satisfied working here?

Ultimately, they want to know how you will be the right fit for the position, and that's what you need to do in your answer: Help them feel good about hiring you, and they will be listening. They will learn a lot about you from your answer.

Here are some suggested responses:

"Yes, I might be overqualified, but you would have the benefit of my experience. You will have an employee who has been successful, understands what it takes to be successful and can do it again- for your benefit."

Remember, an interviewer is always looking to answer the Four Unasked Interview Questions: Does this person understand the job? Can this person do the job? Will this person do the job? and Does this person pose a risk to their own continued employment?

Another possible answer is: "Yes, I am overqualified for this position, but I am still very interested because X, Y, and Z."

X, Y, and Z are your personal reasons why this job fits you (not considering the wage, responsibilities or opportunity for advancement).

And those reasons could be anything. I remember speaking to one gentleman who was clearly overqualified for the job he interviewed for, but who wanted it because the commute was significantly shorter. The company was hesitant about hiring him until he got down to the nuts and bolts of his situation and said, "Hey, my house is paid off so I'm not thinking about the wage. I like where I live, so I'm not interested in moving. I just want to live my life, and my current job requires a two-hour round-trip ordeal every day. I don't want that anymore. Your job is five minutes from my home. Having that extra time at home to spend with my family would be very valuable to me."

Once they understood where he was coming from, they were excited about hiring him.

That's why YOU have to tell them why they are the right fit for you. They might make assumptions about you because they are not see it on their own.

Hiring personnel is a big risk for any employer and they do not want to make a mistake. You can help them see that hiring you is worth the risk.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/how-to-answer-interview-questions-are-you-overqualified-6157525.html

About the Author: Peggy McKee

Peggy McKee is a career coach and the CEO of Career Confidential, a website dedicated to helping job seekers find a job fast. Learn more here => http://CareerConfidential.com

Find links to 101 job interview questions and answers in the entire How to Answer Interview Questions Series here => http://careerconfidential.com/how-to-answer-interview-questions-series/