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I have moved to a smaller but growing city in Washington State, where the norm is mediocre (not something I'm used to, coming from a larger area) in the workplace .... and apply for jobs that are pretty much lower than my skill level, since that is what seems to be available. How do you convince an employer that you ARE the best candidate for the job because you have lots of experience, more than they are really needing ..... and WIN?! Any advice, ideas, etc.??! Thanks!





 

First thing, present your qualifications without giving the impression that you are over-qualified.  Employers generally do not want to hire someone who is going to be bored or who will leave them in six months when another job comes along that pays better and requires more skills.



Second, if you have examples of some of your work: correspondence you have composed, reports in Excel - - of course, not providing anything that would have been confidential at your previous employer - - work up some forms you have designed in Word or Excel.  Bring some examples that show you know your way around in different types of software.



Third, be friendly but professional.  Show an interest in the company, asking about the product or service it provides.  Try to find out something about the company before you go for the interview.



Fourth, dress appropriately.  Conservative, professional dress is best, even if the position allows jeans and t-shirts once you start.  Interviewers are interested in seeing someone who takes the time to present a professional appearance.



I am part of the interview team for all employment candidates at our company (admin, sales, field techs, engineers, all positions).  Two of the major items (after qualifications, of course) that are always brought up by our team members are dress and interest in the company.



The most negative impression is always given by those who 'bad-mouth' their current or former employer.  That is a no-no under any circumstances.  If you need to explain why you left a job or are looking for a job, think this out completely before you go to the interview so you will be prepared to give a good answer without bashing your former/current employer.  



If you are interviewed by a group, make the effort to shake each person's hand and make eye contact during the interview.  Do not be too friendly or 'chatty'; answer each question to the best of your ability, but be concise and to the point.  When you are asked if you have any questions about the position or the company (and you will be asked that by any decent interviewer), make sure you are ready with some good questions.   I am always impressed about any candidate who asks about company activities (bowling leagues, softball teams, company functions for families, etc.).  This indicates to me that the candidate is looking for a home, not just a job.



Practice your interview with someone who can help you.  Get a friend or relative to ask you questions to get you prepared.  This practice can often give you the right place to reach for an answer when you are caught off guard by some of the silly questions some interviewers ask.



Good luck!  You will find something soon, and once you get into the position, even if it does not stretch your skills as much as you would like, there's always the chance for advancement in the company or even making the position more than the employers intended it to be.



Go get 'em!!



Robbie

kab-what city did you move to? I live in Tacoma. The job market here has never been considered "great," though it has improved somewhat in the past couple of years, especially with the UW branch being built.

I agree with Robbie's advice on how to impress potential employers and I wish you the best in finding employment that is up to your skill & experience level!  

The Spokane area, does that surprise you?! With high-tech just starting to move into this area, I think I should wait to find the right opportunity; it's the mindset and skills that new companies coming into this area will be looking for ... and here I am!  



For right now I am satisfied working temporary.



Thanks!

 

18K. Surprisingly, they have bitten, and I am getting interviews for jobs that just four months ago I wouldn't have dreamed of applying for.

Strange world, ain't it?

18K in U.S. dollars?



Vini

Rate of exchange fluctuates daily (sometimes I think hourly) so a comparison is difficult, but on average it equals around $36K.