How to Find a Job if You are Overage, Over Qualified and Unemployed: See Yourself as an Asset to a Potential Employer

In a time of global, economic decline, finding a job may seem almost impossible. If you are an overage, overqualified and unemployed baby boomer or senior, who must return to work in order to cover the cost of living, it may appear to be even more difficult to find appropriate employment.

Being overage and overqualified are two major obstacles that you as a realistic job seeker may have to deal with. You know how old you are and what this can mean in terms of possible employment, but you should not let this deter you.

When an employer confronts you with the reality of your age, this can prove to be an age discrimination issue and thus, understanding what age discrimination means may prove beneficial to you.

What is age discrimination?

The businessdictionary.com suggests that age discrimination refers to “unfair treatment in recruitment, promotions, or granting of privileges on the basis of the age of the recipient.” 

'Can you do the job?' is the real question. You probably would not apply for a job that you feel you cannot do because of health or physical limitations associated with your age. Researching your prospective job ahead of time and applying for only suitable jobs will prove to your advantage.

What does it mean to be overqualified?

Dictionary.com suggests that the word overqualified refers to “having more education, training, or experience than is required for a job or position.” 

In the past, the problem used to be a lack of qualifications with respect to potential job seekers. The current era has to address the issue of a multiplicity of job applications by candidates who are overage and overqualified. Because there are so many job seekers, employers can be more selective in terms of hiring. In other words, with numerous over-age and over-qualified unemployed people on the job market, the competition is fierce.

Consider the following guidelines with respect to finding possible employment.

A carefully written, cover letter and resume can prevent a lot of concern on the part of a potential employer. A professional resume reflects your honesty, integrity and ability, as well as your suitability for potential employment.

Personal references are important, as these reflect your previous academic and employment experience, skills and training.  

Your attitude and comportment are major factors in terms of potential employment. Be positive, proactive and pleasant. Speaking and acting professionally when interviewed as well as dressing appropriately, are vital.

Do upgrading or skills training as required. Technology changes rapidly and what you feel may be adequate may not meet the current needs of an employer, in spite of your previous qualifications or experience. 

Being realistic about your age and qualifications will help your potential employer to see you in the same light. 

Be aware that many employers are willing to hire those who are over-age and over-qualified, although they may not be able to able to pay them an appropriate wage. The demands of the actual job you are applying for may be a determining factor in your wage level, more so than your age, experience or qualifications.      

With any job there is always the opportunity for advancement so initially, being hired is what is the most important. 

Those who are over-age and over-qualified have a distinct advantage over young, inexperienced employees when it comes to promotions, as employers can draw from their wealth of education, training, skills and experience.

Seeing and presenting yourself as an asset to a potential employer rather than a liability, will help him or her to see you that way.