A discussion I’ve had more than once lately with my clients and have seen recently in forum discussions, on the news and even on twitter is, “what to do when employers tell you you’re overqualified”. You’ve worked your entire career to be known as an expert and now when looking for a new position this has actually become a detriment to your future.

It doesn’t seem fair or even like a smart practice. Employers would rather hire a less qualified employee for $75K then hire an expert in their field, previously making $110K but willing to work for $35K less. Why wouldn’t you hire the candidate with the most experience? I understand the employers might think they’ll be bored or be easily drawn away from the position if something more lucrative comes along. But in reality they need a job and if they were good employees at their previous job, they most likely do this job well too.

Do the employers feel threatened? Maybe they think they’ll come in and make too many improvements, or they don’t want to work with someone at their level?

Reading an article earlier by Michelle Singletary with The Washington Post who agreed with my thoughts on the subject and gave a few suggestions to help deal with over qualification issues up front. First she suggests to simplify your resume. I really understand this but as a resume writer I don’t personally like the idea. If you are going to do this I suggest you keep your real resume as a master and use it when you can. Although it isn’t lying, withholding information may cause problems in your new position if they find out.

Michelle offers other great tips such as addressing concerns of over qualification and pay scales in the cover letter to let the reader know where you stand, often ever before you talk face to face. And finally, one that is so important right now for all job seekers; keep your attitude in check.

Make sure you come across as sincere and humble. You don’t want to have a know-it-all attitude, because you will not be asked back. Confidence is good arrogance is not so good!

Great article and great advice on how to deal with issues of being overqualified and the willingness to take less for a new position. In this economy it shouldn’t be to hard to understand people are more than willing to work in less than ideal conditions if it means they can pay their mortgage and feed their families.

When you go into an interview – do you know what you are worth? Even in these tougher economic times you still need to be prepared when you go into an interview by knowing what you are worth to the potential employer. Most job seekers (me included) are uncomfortable with the possibility of a confrontation but also the possibility of having an employer revoke an offer because of negotiations.

Here’s the thing; employers expect negotiations during salary talks.

They usually have a “range” to work with. It is your job to get into the upper end of their range by letting them know your worth. Ways you can prepare for the salary negotiations:

Hold off negotiations until the end of the interview if at all possible this lets you strut your stuff and really show the value you will bring and potential revenue increases or cost decreases the company will incur by hiring you.

Don’t forget to do your homework. Preparation is crucial for gaining the optimal offer. Know what you absolutely must have to live the lifestyle you want to live. Research the company as well as the industry to see what similar positions are earning. Have a range ready in your head and in your notes when you walk in the interview.

Negotiate! Unless it is an absolutely perfect offer go for a little negotiation even if it only increases annual earnings by $3,000 or $5,000. That is a vacation, a year of car payments or new appliances. So go for it!

During negotiations be respectful and genuine during the talks. Ask questions, sell your value and make them feel like they are getting a great deal by having you join their company at that price. Many times they are nervous too, take the comforting role and make them feel like they are doing the right thing as you negotiate to a higher and higher salary.

With the snow coming down in buckets I am curled up on the couch watching the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings and reading the newest edition of Jack Chapman’s, Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute book. It is loaded with tips, information, facts, and stories of salary negotiations played out the right and wrong way.

The book takes you through the premise, facts and samples for the best way to approach salary negotiations. It is an informative book to review while as you pursue your next job. The number one tip or Rule as Mr. Chapman refers to it, is to wait to discuss your salary requirements until after an offer has been made or at least until the interview is done and you have had time to dazzle the employer with your value and potential.

The longer you wait the more leverage you’ll gain and the better rapport you can build. The four additional rules that follow play into the waiting game. The rules remind job seekers to let the interviewer start the negotiations, and to use silence to gain leverage and give yourself time to review your own range before the negotiations continue.

Researching the industry, company, location and other relevant factors is essential in determining the fair market value of the job. Establishing your bottom line and determining which benefits are “must haves” and which can be used as bargaining chips ahead of the interview, are the final rules and can be used to increase your starting salary.

If you are concerned about your negotiation techniques, and most of us are, I highly recommend the 6th edition of this enlightening book. It is packed with tips for various interview situations, recommendations for handling the different parts of a salary negotiation, finalizing the offer, and even negotiating raises and promotions. If you want to improve your starting salary or next raise check out this book.