I read a Wall Street Journal article today, titled The New Résumé: Dumb and Dumber - Job Seekers Play Down Their Credentials to Avoid Looking Overqualified,” that really struck a nerve with me. This issue is not exclusive to Baby Boomer and reaches all the way into Generation X. We talk about how it is hard to find the right people for our companies, but we are not willing to think just a little bit outside of the box. Here is a novel idea, why don’t we stop forcing overqualified individuals to hide their qualifications and try to make a deal with them, while the demand is low.
Here is my recipe for hiring and keeping overqualified professionals:
1. Set the proper context in your mind. As a hiring manager, be appreciative that someone with superior skills is willing to take a position “beneath them.” This shows how well their ego is controlled. Keeping this context in mind will set you up to have a more successful conversation. Focus on making sure the candidate really fits the corporate culture and is genuinely interested in your company.
2. Show your excitement that you’re able to have someone with a high level of talent come in and help you solve your current needs and have them willingly take the compensation in line with their current value to the company. Reassure the candidate that as their value to the company increases, so will their compensation.
3. Invest time in showing “overqualified” candidates the roadmap and milestones you want to reach. Think about how this person could contribute to your team in the future, and how he/she could earn their way to the position and compensation more fit to their level. This is how you take care of your future today and ensure you have a good team member.
People have a very good memory. It is an absolute myth that top grade talent can always find a job. Usually this BS is sold by inexperienced recruiters who need to cover up the fact that their candidate pipelines are skimpy. Don’t believe the hype! Find that “overqualified” talent and do the best darn job you can selling them on joining you now! By helping someone in bad times, he/she is much more likely to be loyal to you. Just think about the money and resources you will save once things bounce back up and your competitors will not have the chance to grab that cream of the crop individual!
Photo credit: Kim Kreidler


