34 replies to this topic

[robberry]

I'm looking for a better job and 80% of people I meet with say I'm overqualified, and am afraid I'll quit in three months if they don't promote me.

The other 20% insinuate that even though I'm qualified for the job, I am too young to fit in with their staff and clients who are 40-60 years old.

[TEO]

Blah, although perhaps they are right and those jobs would not be a satisfying fit for you.

[B. Diddy]

Are you still applying for art gallery positions?

[Jabadoodle]

http://gatheringofth...ead.php?t=67936

[Lazy Lightning]

Yup. Same problem here.

It fucking sucks. Whoever thought it could be a problem to be "overqualified?"

[Lazy Lightning]

And Jabba, being able to find a gig so that one can keep a roof over one's head and food on the table hardly qualifies as a "first world problem" - as someone who is struggling with the same, I find that assumption to be a little insulting.

[MeOmYo]

And Jabba, being able to find a gig so that one can keep a roof over one's head and food on the table hardly qualifies as a "first world problem" - as someone who is struggling with the same, I find that assumption to be a little insulting.

Although I understand your sentiment, I beleive robberry has a gig and doesn't seem to be struggling. He just wants a better gig.

[gregoir]

Welcome to my world. have a master's but there is too much competition in my field in the Northeast. Have tried to get jobs that only require a BA and I am convinced no one calls me because of my stupid Master's degree. It is fun to make student loan payments on it every month though:lol:

[Lazy Lightning]

Although I understand your sentiment, I beleive robberry has a gig and doesn't seem to be struggling. He just wants a better gig.

Ah.

And I just want a gig. A good one that I could sink my teeth into would be awesome, but really, I just need some stable income more than anything right now.

Here's hoping one happens soon. I met up with a placement agency today, so maybe that will assist me in my search. I honestly never understood the that being "overqualified" would work against a person. Guess I am getting to learn all about that first-hand now.

(side note - I had actually thought about posting this sort of thing to the first world problems thread, but since it is a real concern with serious consequences that are kind of sucking right now, I figured it's just bring the whole mood of that thread down.)

[Jabadoodle]

And Jabba, being able to find a gig so that one can keep a roof over one's head and food on the table hardly qualifies as a "first world problem" - as someone who is struggling with the same, I find that assumption to be a little insulting.

Yea, I can see that. I identify with it too; I'm unemployed and my
background could easily lead some to think I'm overqualified or
wouldn't be a fit for some jobs that I'd take, while that same
background shows skills that are under-qualified (out of date)
for jobs I'd want.

Rob has a job. If I'm not mistaken, you've got the resources to be
buying a house. And me, while I'm unemployed and don't have all
the options I'd like...I certainly have options. None of us are worrying
about where we'll get our next glass of clean water or which
militant group is going to come and kill a family member.

I don't mean to offend, but I do mean to remember that even
the things that are real problems for us, don't need to worry us
quite so much as we sometimes let them.

I'd post it again, but am also sorry if I've offended.

[TEO]

Welcome to my world. have a master's but there is too much competition in my field in the Northeast. Have tried to get jobs that only require a BA and I am convinced no one calls me because of my stupid Master's degree. It is fun to make student loan payments on it every month though:lol:

I would hire you.

[MeOmYo]

you'll get one soon.. suckas be karazey not to hire you

[Lazy Lightning]

Welcome to my world. have a master's but there is too much competition in my field in the Northeast. Have tried to get jobs that only require a BA and I am convinced no one calls me because of my stupid Master's degree. It is fun to make student loan payments on it every month though:lol:

Have you considered dumbing-down your resume for jobs where having the Masters is considered less than ideal?

I am seriously at the point where I am considering re-working my resume and pretending I was a home-maker for the past 15 years to try and shake the whole overqualified thing... Ugh. Seems so distasteful to me to have to do something like that.

[Joker]

I'd be in porn if I wasn't so goddamned overqualified

[Lazy Lightning]

you'll get one soon.. suckas be karazey not to hire you

If that was for me, thank you.

[gregoir]

I would hire you.

I am a very good errand boy. Though I will admit I often drive the long way:pimp:

[TEO]

Have you considered dumbing-down your resume for jobs where having the Masters is considered less than ideal?

I am seriously at the point where I am considering re-working my resume and pretending I was a home-maker for the past 15 years to try and shake the whole overqualified thing... Ugh. Seems so distasteful to me to have to do something like that.

Although not currently looking, I have often wondered the merits and pitfalls of such an approach. At the end of the day though if I were not desperate for a job I think I would stick with honesty.

[Lazy Lightning]

That's my train of thought, TEO. And yet, my experience seems to be doing more harm than good in a region where my industry is not supported.

Of course, something good will come along at some point, I know that, but right now I really just need to find a way to make rent and buy food. I don't have a phone b/c I can't afford to buy one plus the monthly bills of maintaining service. I am thinking I may have to give up the game for just getting *something* going and then jump on to the better opportunity when it presents itself.

[jnjn]

best of luck to all those looking for a job (whether you currently have one or not)
yes, any job is better than no job, but working a job that you completely despise & that doesn't have any growth potential can be incredibly draining & depressing.

[Slave Self Promoted]

((((lola and rob's unicorn jobs)))) i have faith that you both will score bigtime and be happily employed somewhere that appreciates you, your talents, and your age.

[PeaceFrog]

When they say you're overqualified, in my opinion, I think it just means they don't want to pay you what you're worth.

Then again, I get my jobs through a hiring hall so I haven't had to go out looking for quite some time now and haven't had to face that problem...

[Jersey Thug]

i agree with what PeaceFrog said about not paying you what you're worth. if you're willing to accept less than your asking price, you should probably tell them so (and give solid reasons why, ie: for experience in a new sector or location, for future growth opportunities, etc) rather than dumb down your qualifications.

i have an interview next week for a job that on paper sounds like it might pay less than i'm used to making, though they didn't disclose the salary range. i did tell them my salary requirements and experience up front, so i'm hoping i'm wrong. but we'll see.

[Rionach aka Spec K]

I never discuss salary until the 2nd or 3rd interview, nevermind disclosing it before an interview.

[Jersey Thug]

nor would i under normal circumstances, but when this particular corporation asks as a condition of my application, i do.

[Royal]

I wish I was able to work full-time. I am not. I work 12 hours week plus the occassional special event, and that's about all I can do with my mental health condition and medication load. I make about 1/4th of what I made when I was working. You people dont know how well you have it.

I do however want it to be known while I havent been blessed in health, relationships or work; I am rich in friendships, and there's no amount of money I would trade this for.

Sorry if I seem harsh, this is not really directed at you Rob or Lola.

[gregoir]

I never discuss salary until the 2nd or 3rd interview, nevermind disclosing it before an interview.

I'd rather be up front about it. Most of the jobs I apply to are out of state and would require travel/hotel to get to an interview. I don't want to waste my or their time if they can't cover what I need to live. Of course I don't need much. The most I ever earned in a year would make most people cringe.

[kramer]

networking is everything. find some industry events and start talking to people in your field! i think the placement agency route is a great way to go, too.

[Lazy Lightning]

There is an event I am going to attend in March that should be good for meeting up with folks in my line of work. And yesterday I had a really good meeting that may being about some leads as well - at any rate, I met someone really cool who I'd like to collaborate with on future projects. The agency folks were really great, and I think may be able to find a good match for me, hopefully someone will be willing to pay my minimum rate, which is less than half of my usual rate, but I figure it's a decent living wage for this region.

I told them I'm most interested in my recruiting or events co-ordination if placed outside of my field, but could also do office stuff if something applicable comes along in that line of work.

Honestly, I just want to get some ground under my feet. I also need to find somewhere to live for March 30th, which may be easier to accomplish being employed first and all.

[Lazy Lightning]

I'd rather be up front about it.

Myself as well - otherwise it's just a waste of both of our time.

Most places I have spoken to have asked my rate up-front anyways. We can always negotiate, but in the end, the numbers have to work for both parties if it's really going to be the right fit.

[robberry]

Are you still applying for art gallery positions?

Yes; the only area of the art world doing well are the auction houses, and I only have primary and secondary experience. I "could" take get a $5,000+ Christies or Sotheby's certification, but that will not guarantee me anything when tons of people get them every year. My current students loans are bad enough.

Yup. Same problem here.

It fucking sucks. Whoever thought it could be a problem to be "overqualified?"

I think it's all about the, "this job is below you, and you WILL LEAVE when you find a new job or they ask you do something that is FAR below your skill set."

Although I understand your sentiment, I beleive robberry has a gig and doesn't seem to be struggling. He just wants a better gig.

I don't have a full time job. I've been working independently (technically unemployed) for many months now. Some months are good, others I have 30 meetings and don't see a dime. If I had the capital to invest in a brick 'n' mortar gallery location; I know I could be making bank. I have too much in student loans, and can't afford the taxes needed to "incorporate" myself, to be qualified for a business loan; even with a seemingly solid and realistic business plan.

Welcome to my world. have a master's but there is too much competition in my field in the Northeast. Have tried to get jobs that only require a BA and I am convinced no one calls me because of my stupid Master's degree. It is fun to make student loan payments on it every month though:lol:

I've removed my masters and dumbed down my job history for positions below me, and I'm still overqualified.

Yea, I can see that. I identify with it too; I'm unemployed and my background could easily lead some to think I'm overqualified or wouldn't be a fit for some jobs that I'd take, while that same background shows skills that are under-qualified (out of date) for jobs I'd want.

Rob has a job. If I'm not mistaken, you've got the resources to be buying a house. And me, while I'm unemployed and don't have all the options I'd like...I certainly have options. None of us are worrying about where we'll get our next glass of clean water or which militant group is going to come and kill a family member.

I don't mean to offend, but I do mean to remember that even the things that are real problems for us, don't need to worry us quite so much as we sometimes let them.

I'd post it again, but am also sorry if I've offended.

I don't have a job; I work my ass off to make as much money as possible. If I worked at a gallery, I should be making $70k+ right now. I'm not close enough at all. I definitely don't have the resources to buy a house; if I did, I'd buy a building where I could have a gallery and sleep upstairs.

Have you considered dumbing-down your resume for jobs where having the Masters is considered less than ideal?

I am seriously at the point where I am considering re-working my resume and pretending I was a home-maker for the past 15 years to try and shake the whole overqualified thing... Ugh. Seems so distasteful to me to have to do something like that.

I have about 20 versions of my resume for different positions and titles.

When they say you're overqualified, in my opinion, I think it just means they don't want to pay you what you're worth.

That too.

i agree with what PeaceFrog said about not paying you what you're worth. if you're willing to accept less than your asking price, you should probably tell them so (and give solid reasons why, ie: for experience in a new sector or location, for future growth opportunities, etc) rather than dumb down your qualifications.

i have an interview next week for a job that on paper sounds like it might pay less than i'm used to making, though they didn't disclose the salary range. i did tell them my salary requirements and experience up front, so i'm hoping i'm wrong. but we'll see.

I never discuss salary until the 2nd or 3rd interview, nevermind disclosing it before an interview.

I'd rather be up front about it. Most of the jobs I apply to are out of state and would require travel/hotel to get to an interview. I don't want to waste my or their time if they can't cover what I need to live. Of course I don't need much. The most I ever earned in a year would make most people cringe.

I definitely try to avoid the "salary expectation" part of the conversation, except when talking to out-of-state galleries. There was a Florida gallery that wanted me, and had a decent salary, but they pulled the old, "we will have a three month trial period..." bullshite. There's NO WAY I'm uplifting my life for that. I have just started discussions with a Philly location, and if that worked out, I'd be living in Philly Tue - Sat, and NYC on Sun and Mon. That would probably be draining, but I couldn't pass it up if the salary is right. I'd also have to get a car, when I finally got rid of the last one.

[Royal]

Homebody should consider being a profesional multi-quoter. That's some damn impressive multi-quoting.

[robberry]

Homebody should consider being a profesional multi-quoter. That's some damn impressive multi-quoting.

I don't want to be any more overqualified than I already am.

[CreekFreek]

I think it's all about the, "this job is below you, and you WILL LEAVE when you find a new job or they ask you do something that is FAR below your skill set."

I think that's exactly it.
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It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Keep your chin up.
<o:p></o:p>
I had an interview today for a job that I am seriously considering. I don't know that it's my ideal position and definitely more sales based than I would have liked but seems like a strong company with a great new marketing/business plan.<o:p></o:p>

I've been out of work since Nov. I just need .... purpose. <o:p></o:p>

[robberry]

I just need .... purpose.

I know the feeling! Making money alone isn't enough for me.

[PeaceFrog]

well what position are you underqualified for? Maybe they can underpay you to do that. It does seem like that is the going trend... people rise to their own level of incompetence.