how can I convince them Im not over qualified?

Question

I have worked as a teacher at a college, but now I am applying for a admin assitant type position at an arts center.
I am just worried they are gonna see all my education experience and think 'Why does he wanna do this job, for less money?'
I really want this job, how can I explain that, without saying 'Im sick of teaching'?

-oh, I was made redundant due to budget cuts, but i just saw it as an opportunity for a change.

Answer 1

Just say that you have gone as far as you want to in one career, and are ready for the challenge of another one - and you realise that that means beginning at the beginning all over again.

I should think they'd be delighted to have you. Good luck!

Answer 2

Hi,
I am Dr. Syed Alamdar Ali,

You didn't write in your CV that what subject you have/had been teaching in the college. That is definitely based upon your qualification. If it is different from the present post you are applying for, definitely there is no reason they'll hire you just because you are "sick of teaching" the subject you have qualified. It is absolutely non serious! I personally will never hire you.

Anyways if your education is relevant to the post you are applying you can definitely take a plea that you want to see the practical aspects of your qualification from bottom to top in your field.

Answer 3

Hi Dave, my hubby has this problem. He is continually told he is over qualified for many of the jobs he has applied for.

He is a QA Engineer but has gone as far as being a managing director. He is educated to masters level and is professionally qualified as well.

All he wants to do is be a quality engineer because he enjoys it so much, but he usually gets interviewed by a person not as well qualified or experienced, who will obviously worry that his own job may be on the line.

He gets very annoyed about it, but there is nothing that can be done about it.

Good luck

Answer 4

All you can do is be open and honest. Tell them what you've just said here - at the end of the day its down to whether they like your personality and think you'll fit in. Over qualified is usually a term saved for when they cant say 'You're too old, we dont like you, you wont fit in' etc. It sounds a bit nicer and is easier for them to reject you on those terms. I wish you luck with the new job and hope you get the arts centre one.

Answer 5

Be honest you were made redundant and you have to be able to fund yourself your qualifications well its how you come across at an interview . You will see more people less Qualified than yourself but you don't have to Bragg about it . they will be trying to fill there interviewees with bull you wont .Plain and simple you know you have the experience so they have less time training you up. tell them how it is money end of and good luck

Answer 6

I'm guessing that you are an art lover? If so get your passion for art across at the interview, and reassure them that although you started out as a teacher, you did not feel it was right for you, so they should not worry about you returning to teaching. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Tell them that you made redundant, and you are using it as a chance to change direction while using the people skills you developed while teaching. And at a later date you may decide/want to go back to teaching.

Answer 8

You've just answered your own question.

Their main concern is that you'll quit and go back to teaching as soon as better jobs become available. Tell them what you've said in your question and that you see the post as a long term career.

Answer 9

You can't really I've had this so many times it ridiculous! if you apply for a job surely that means that you think you are able to do it and want to and would be good at it regardless of your qualifications, why would you bother applying if not! sorry to rant on i feel your frustration.

Answer 10

What's wrong with telling them the truth about your teaching job? It should be phrased tactfully, but telling them that teaching was not for you seems like the best solution.