Need a boost? Apply for a job you're overqualified for!

Many people apply for aspirational jobs, wanting to challenge their skills and grow their career or income. That means interviews for those jobs are high stakes and stressful. You need to have answers and examples that show what you can do without having done the exact role before. If you've been looking for a job for a while, this can be tiring.

I've found an antidote! Apply for a job you've done before. I find it good to reflect on what I've done and the impact it's had while writing the cover letter. It makes me optimistic that I'm not stuck in my current job. Then when it comes to the interview, it's less nerve-wracking and the questions might be easier to answer.

If this sounds like a good idea to you, here are some tips:

• Re-organise and streamline your CV to highlight skills rather than job title. Focus on those roles, qualifications and skills that are most relevant to this job.

• Explain why you are interested in this job at this time - try to incorporate its alignment with your values and/or long-term goals.

• If the pay is less than your current rate, you might say something about the importance of this job for you that goes beyond salary.

• If you know someone in the organisation, see if they can set up an informal conversation for you with the hiring manager.

• Get a friend or colleague to read your cover letter to make sure the tone isn't cocky, condescending

• Focus on what you can control: how you express yourself, the self-reflection and perspective you gain in doing the application.

One caveat, don’t assume you’re going to get an interview or the job, necessarily. That part is out of your hands so try to enjoy the process.

If you want to talk to us about jobs you might be overqualified for, book a one-on-one session now. Comment below to share your job search tips.

Further Reading:

• How to apply for a job when you are overqualified | Skillset

• How to Apply for a Job You’re Overqualified For | Harvard Business Review

• Overqualified for a Job? Tips for Overcoming This Obstacle | Indeed