You’re overqualified for most jobs. How do you handle a layoff?

Handling a layoff when you're considered overqualified for most jobs can be a challenging situation, but with the right strategy, it can also be an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. Here are several steps to navigate this period effectively: Process Your Emotions: First, it's important to give yourself time to process the emotional impact of a layoff. It's normal to feel a range of emotions, from sadness and frustration to relief or even excitement for what's next. Acknowledging these feelings can help you move forward more effectively. Assess Your Financial Situation: Review your finances to understand how long you can afford to be without work. This includes looking at savings, severance packages (if any).

Please assess Your Skills and Goals. Take this time to reflect on your skills, experiences, and career goals. Consider if there are new directions you'd like to explore or if there are areas where you'd like to further develop your skills. Please update your resume and online presence. Ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up to date and accurately reflect your skills and experiences. You should reach out to your professional network for support, advice, and potential job opportunities. Networking can open doors to new opportunities. You should be open for Freelancing or Consulting. Remember, experiencing a layoff is a common occurrence in today's job market, and it doesn't define your worth or abilities.

Losing a job is tough, especially when you're overqualified for most positions. However, it's important to stay positive and leverage your extensive skills and experience to find a new opportunity. Networking, tailoring your resume, and expanding your job search can help you land a role that's a good fit for your qualifications.

When facing the challenge of being overqualified for available positions, thinking outside the box can open up new possibilities. For example: 1) Use your expertise to offer consulting or training 2) Leverage your experience by offering mentorship or coaching services on a freelance basis to build/strengthen your network with others who will recognize your creativity 3) Consider volunteer opportunities to contribute your skills and expertise. This not only provides a sense of fulfillment but also keeps your skills sharp and expands your network. 4) My response to a recent & unexpected layoff: Consider a career pivot to explore new career paths. Nothing about this situation is easy, yet we must regroup and reassess to move past the layoff.

In response to the layoff, I'm taking proactive steps to navigate this transition effectively. Firstly, I'm revising my CV to ensure that my projects and achievements are prominently featured, showcasing my skills and contributions. Additionally, I'm reaching out to my network of contacts to explore potential job opportunities and gather recommendations. By leveraging my existing connections, I hope to tap into hidden job markets and uncover potential leads. Furthermore, when applying for roles, I'm ensuring that each application is personalized to highlight why I'm interested in the position and what value I can bring to the table, increasing my chances of securing interviews.

If you're "overqualified" and worried about that disqualifying you from applications, there are 3 main things to do with your resume: 1. Remove your graduation year 2. In your summary, instead of saying "more than 25 years" say "experienced in XYZ" 3. Consider removing some older and less-relevant experience (i.e. only list your experience back to 2010 or 2015 etc.). You are NOT obligated to list ALL of your experience on your resume. Basically, keep it vague how much more experience you have than the job description is asking for. Doing this will lower the likelihood of your resume being thrown out for being "overqualified".

- Don't just update but build you best resume and portfolio to put forward. - Be smart while doing it, using effective communication and having done sufficient research prior to acting on the same. - Remember that numbers talk whereas the rest is just fluff. Communicate your success backed by data which conveys your capability to go above and beyond for the greater good of the company. - Most importantly, don't just sit back and let time pass by. Get out and go after that which you want.

After a layoff, refine your resume and portfolio to highlight your senior stakeholder management expertise. Emphasize your proficiency in leading teams, effective communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and decision-making. Utilize specific examples and measurable achievements to illustrate how you've delivered results and added value in previous roles. By showcasing these leadership competencies, you'll position yourself as a standout candidate for leadership positions, setting yourself apart from others in the job market.

Always share details of relevant experience. No one is interested to know how many years of experience you have, rather how much 'relevant experience' you have.

Networking is a skill like any other and requires practice and consistency. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't be afraid to network virtually. Reach out to folks on LinkedIn, engage in their content, and start conversations with people. The unfortunate reality is that many jobs come from who you know, not just what you know. It is never too late to join communities and start networking. And don't be afraid to make mistakes and trip up if you are new to networking.

- Your network is your net worth. - It's not about who you are but rather whom you know. It is one thing to network but to build trust and credibility across that network and putting in the effort to make it profitable is something else.

Networking strategically requires a multi-pronged approach to tap into suitable opportunities particularly when you are highly qualified and searching for that next role. Some ideas to consider: 1/ Reach out to colleagues and senior leaders you have worked with before 2/ Seek referrals to trusted recruiters if you don’t have established connections 3/ Consider perm and temp agencies – great opportunities present via both 4/ Participate in events within and outside your chosen industry 5/ Elevate your profile through Linkedin, speaker events, article contributions, industry groups

Work With Linkedin ( I highly Suggested ) Genuine and Reliable ,trustable resource all the time . Share your knowledge ;) that's the key

Find out how you can contribute to discussions and webinars online as a participant and panellist - offer your time in return for exposure. Share your expertise publicly and remind your network of the value you could bring to where they are now. Join in person events where you reconnect with people and clarify clearly the roles you are looking for so that people think of you first and put your name forward. If applying for a role direct then do ask for a referral from people connected to the organisation.

I recently posted on this - and in part on how it is up for candidates to decide if they are overqualified, and also what other factors could be influence the decision to work at a level (family/life/other factors). It’s also on candidates to demonstrate the benefits the experience can bring to the role delivery and wider - and to be direct and honest on motivations for application. A strong cover letter can be important in a lateral or downwards move - or skill broadening. Careers to do not have to be purely linear

During my recent redundancy, I attempted to branch out and go for multiple jobs. A number were a grade under what I was on previously. I was getting repeat rejections and one I was told after interview that I was too experienced. Part of the issue is that businesses currently want exact fits and a recession is on. I could not get Operational risk roles, third party risk or Information Security. Despite holding qualifications and previous experience. What worked? I limited my applications to those I had the direct skills for and amended my CV. I started to get interviews and finally landed a role as an IT Risk Manager, to build a risk environment. I have done this a fair few times in my career and enjoy it.

We have seen this cycle over the years certainly in digital tech where senior roles are made redundant and the number of jobs to facilitate the movements don’t match, hence a rounded “consultant” CV and profile steering away from the people management and more on industry and skills focus will attract a broader range of roles, particularly interim assignments 👁️✨🙏🏼

Some Jobs are more than money but it will help to build your career to achieve your target Good to be matches your skill and educations but if Company offers a good market reputations ,salary and growth good to consider as well. Most importantly if you passion to the job you like to work there is nothing will stop you to gain it

When facing the challenge of being overqualified, adopt a strategic approach to target suitable job opportunities. Research companies and industries are aligned with your expertise and career goals. Customize your applications to emphasize how your skills and experience align with their needs. Address potential concerns such as salary expectations or career progression in your cover letter or during interviews. By focusing on roles that match your qualifications and aspirations, you'll enhance your chances of finding a fulfilling position that utilizes your abilities effectively.

As an OUTSIDE-IR35 only contractor (NB: I will never be an employee, or considered one, ever again!), this situation, along with COVID, has meant c40months with only 3 months of assignments. My solution was to establish and operate secondary business(es) within my the existing LTDCo setup. It simply allows the bills to be paid! From my perspective the OUTSIDE-IR35 assignment market is essentially broken, which leaves many people like me in similar situation(s). Also rates, in general, only match those from c2000-2010, massive tax increases, associated with IR35, essentially makes assignments less than acceptable. This way I continue to work for myself, but, just need to keep an eye on the VAT limit.

Homework's ;) Researching about Company STAR method to successful interviews Put in your personality heart & soul in and learning for each interviews to deliver better . ''Interviews are journeys to achieve your goal not the end of the road '' ( Yonca Yadigar )

When you get to the presentation stage of an interview practise in front of a mentor/ex colleague/valued confidante/coach who can give you honest feedback on any gaps and help you hone - just as you would with your team if pitching for business/funding or presenting to clients

Do a thorough research about the role and the organization. A disinterested candidate is likely to strike a chord with the interviewer. Often the devil is in the details, so pay attention to the job description.

In my experience, whenever I had been made redundant it has been the best thing - it’s pushed me into doing something else which I might not have done.

Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Take this opportunity to update your resume and LinkedIn profile with your latest skills, experiences, and achievements. Tailor them to the types of roles you're interested in pursuing.

Sometimes layoffs are a great opportunity to re assess your skills and passions and go after something that you wanted to forever but never had the time for. Maybe that business you have been meaning to start or that course you wanted to take or something as simple as a sabbatical.

It is always about the value you bring to the table. Overqualified is feared as said person may not stay for long in company or at position. If we can demonstrate the passion for particular role and value you bring it should be okay to be overqualified.

Handling layoffs when you're overqualified for most jobs can be challenging but manageable. Here are some tips to handle this situation:Stay Positive: It's important to maintain a positive attitude despite the setback. Use this time as an opportunity to reassess your career goals and explore new possibilities.Update Your Skills: Take advantage of this downtime to upgrade your skills or learn new ones that are in demand in your industry. This can enhance your marketability and open up new job opportunities.Networking: Utilize your professional network to stay connected with industry contacts, attend networking events, and explore potential job leads. Networking can often lead to hidden job opportunities that may not be advertised publicly.

Be prepared for a layoff situation well in advance before it happens.Even if you have a stable fulfilling job stay on touch with recruiters,do not hang up the phone when they call you and use these chats to assess your market worth and employability.You can also ask them to assess your CV (sometimes they will be willing to do so).If it turns out that your qualifications are not in line with the market take steps to address the gap by taking courses, gaining professional qualifications or taking on projects at your workplace that will help you brush up your CV. Finally manage your personal balance sheet , make sure you repay all liabilities quickly (even by foregoing some discretionary spending),keep 6 salaries’ worth of savings etc.