TRAPS: The employer may be concerned that you'll grow
dissatisfied and leave.
BEST ANSWER: As with any objection, don't view this as a
sign of imminent defeat. It's an
invitation to teach the interviewer a new way to think about this situation,
seeing advantages instead of drawbacks.
Example: "I recognize the job market for what it is --
a marketplace. Like any marketplace,
it's subject to the laws of supply and demand.
So 'overqualified' can be a relative term, depending on how tight the
job market is. And right now, it's very
tight. I understand and accept that.
"I also believe that there could be very positive
benefits for both of us in this match.
"Because of my unusually strong experience in ( ) I could start to contribute
right away, perhaps much faster than someone who'd have to be brought along
more slowly.”
"There's also the value of all the training and years
of experience that other companies have invested tens of thousands of dollars
to give me. You'd be getting all the
value of that without having to pay an extra dime for it. With someone who has yet to acquire that
experience, he'd have to gain it on your nickel.”
"I could also help you in many things they don't teach
at the Harvard Business School.
For example ... (how to hire, train, motivate, etc.) When it comes to knowing
how to work well with people and getting the most out of them, there's just no
substitute for what you learn over many years of front line experience. Your company would gain all this, too.”
"Most important, I'm looking to make a long-term
commitment in my career now. I've had
enough of job hunting and want a permanent spot at this point in my
career. I also know that if I perform this
job with excellence, other opportunities cannot help but open up for me right
here. In time, I'll find many other ways
to help this company and in so doing, help myself. I really am looking to make a long-term commitment."
