I was reading your article about Fighting the Overqualified Label: 10 Tactics for a Successful Job Search. I wanted to ask a question that pertains to my situation. I was a director at a major healthcare organization until 2008, when I was outplaced due to an organizational downsizing. At the beginning of 2009, my dad took very ill, so I went to care for him (leaving the state) until his passing in late summer. I began looking for a position within my area of expertise. My challenge is that I made in the upper $80s as a salary, looking to stay within the area where I live, and feel that whatever I apply for, looks like they cannot afford me, or I am overqualified. My question is how can I get noticed?
The Career Doctor responds:
I think you may face multiple challenges. You are limiting yourself to a specific and limited geographic area, you were downsized, and you have been out of work. What kind of jobs and in what industries are you looking? Was healthcare a passion — or was the job of directing it your passion?
The first thing you need to do is deal with the gap. Have you been doing any kind of consulting or volunteering? Taken any classes? Because we are talking two years here, you want to show that you have been still active at some level. If you have not done any of these things, now is the time to do so.
The second thing is to evaluate the types of jobs, companies, and industries that interest you. Since you are looking at a specific geographic area, this should be an easy task. While doing so, you should be reconnecting and building your network. At this level, your network is crucial to getting good job leads. I would also suggest talking with at least one executive recruiter who specializes in your geographic area.
The third thing is to work on your job-search techniques. Your resume will need work, and because you are open to mid-level positions as well as senior positions, you should work on your interviewing skills as well. You should appear open to opportunities, but not desperate.
