CV Writing Tips: 4 Ways To Catch HR’s Attention When Overqualified For a Job

Morris Mwenda* was an Accountant Manager in his previous job which he lost to retrenchment. With the high level of unemployment in Kenya, he has been at home, jobless with nothing to do for about two months. Fortunately, he came across an Account Assistant job which he says he is fully qualified for. “I know it means that I will have to take a step back the career ladder but it’s better than being unemployed.” He says his concern  is that his CV will portray that he is overqualified for the position and the HR will not shortlist him for that one reason”

Truth is,  such scenarios are getting more and more common in the Kenyan job market. You will find that today one has a job as a manager and the next he/she is applying for a job they qualified for two or three years ago.

Here are some CV tips you can use if you find yourself in such a situation:

1. Change your Career Profile.

This is the part where you introduce yourself career-wise. It includes your objectives, what you have achieved, and your specific area of expertise.

If you find that you are overqualified for a job, try and change your profile especially on the achievements as they may be very high compared to what ideally you would have achieved if you were working for the junior position that you are applying for. It’s advisable to use some of the general or common achievements but leave out the very complicated ones.

2. Do not use a too impressive job history.

It’s acceptable to leave information from your CV that might be considered too impressive.

For example, Morris, who was an Accountant Manager applying for an assistant accountant job, can opt to leave the managerial information out.

3. Go Easy on The Education Part

The education background part of your CV matters a lot when applying for a job. However, when you find that you have a higher level of education than what the job description says you can leave it out.

If, for example, you have a Masters Degree, you don’t have to add it on your CV. You can delay the information about the qualification until your interview. This is where you can take the time to explain why you’re looking for a job that doesn’t require as much of academic qualification as you have to offer.

4. Use details about your previous work.

Use some of your previous work details that make you qualified for the job you are applying for.

It’s a great idea to include part of your career that can help you qualify for the position you are applying for.

Take time to think about what made you a great manager at a previous point in your career and what caused you to excel and advance to the level you reached before leaving your last job, and let that guide you.

Well, next time you are looking for a job that you are overqualified for, you now have guidelines on how to write your CV.

Is your Cv getting you interviews, contact our CV writing department for a free professional CV review today. Click here for CV writing