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How do I address both being overqualified, and unable to perform at past levels?
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I have been working in IT for over 20 years now, and had another career before that.
My problem is that I don't want, and can't take the stress of the positions I am qualified for. The stress will literally kill me. I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
Of course, they want to know why someone who could command a much higher salary seems to be "settling" for their company and position. I know this sets off one of two red flags in either "What's wrong with him" or "He's just looking for a filler position"
How can I handle the "over qualified" quesitons for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Since this has been flagged, let me explain how this is different. I do not merely have to account for being overqualified but deal with the reason being that I suffered a stroke, and the stress from continuing on the level I was on would likely trigger another one. While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to ask about being overqualified. So this question is BOTH about being overqualified AND about having medical issues which require me to take a step back in job level.
interviewing resume hiring-process
edited May 31 at 13:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.8k1397187
asked Feb 16 '16 at 22:29
Richard U
77.5k56201308
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
26
down vote
favorite
I have been working in IT for over 20 years now, and had another career before that.
My problem is that I don't want, and can't take the stress of the positions I am qualified for. The stress will literally kill me. I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
Of course, they want to know why someone who could command a much higher salary seems to be "settling" for their company and position. I know this sets off one of two red flags in either "What's wrong with him" or "He's just looking for a filler position"
How can I handle the "over qualified" quesitons for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Since this has been flagged, let me explain how this is different. I do not merely have to account for being overqualified but deal with the reason being that I suffered a stroke, and the stress from continuing on the level I was on would likely trigger another one. While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to ask about being overqualified. So this question is BOTH about being overqualified AND about having medical issues which require me to take a step back in job level.
interviewing resume hiring-process
edited May 31 at 13:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.8k1397187
asked Feb 16 '16 at 22:29
Richard U
77.5k56201308
Even if this fact is true, I would avoid using the phrase "the stress will literally kill me" when you give your explanation to a would-be employer.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:42
1
Well, I'm not trying to tell this to employers, just asking for advice and explaining to the group why I cannot go back to doing what I was doing.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 13:14
1
I looked at the overqualified question, it's not the same issue for me.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 14:37
2
I also don't think this is a duplicate of the "overqualified" question. I'd be interested in answers, too, as I'm in a somewhat similar situation, where I simply can't work at my previous (very high) level any longer.
– jamesqf
Feb 17 '16 at 18:53
1
Related question: Convincing a prospective employer about taking a “lower†ranked job
– sleske
Jun 1 at 8:15
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
26
down vote
favorite
up vote
26
down vote
favorite
I have been working in IT for over 20 years now, and had another career before that.
My problem is that I don't want, and can't take the stress of the positions I am qualified for. The stress will literally kill me. I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
Of course, they want to know why someone who could command a much higher salary seems to be "settling" for their company and position. I know this sets off one of two red flags in either "What's wrong with him" or "He's just looking for a filler position"
How can I handle the "over qualified" quesitons for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Since this has been flagged, let me explain how this is different. I do not merely have to account for being overqualified but deal with the reason being that I suffered a stroke, and the stress from continuing on the level I was on would likely trigger another one. While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to ask about being overqualified. So this question is BOTH about being overqualified AND about having medical issues which require me to take a step back in job level.
interviewing resume hiring-process
edited May 31 at 13:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.8k1397187
asked Feb 16 '16 at 22:29
Richard U
77.5k56201308
I have been working in IT for over 20 years now, and had another career before that.
My problem is that I don't want, and can't take the stress of the positions I am qualified for. The stress will literally kill me. I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
Of course, they want to know why someone who could command a much higher salary seems to be "settling" for their company and position. I know this sets off one of two red flags in either "What's wrong with him" or "He's just looking for a filler position"
How can I handle the "over qualified" quesitons for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Since this has been flagged, let me explain how this is different. I do not merely have to account for being overqualified but deal with the reason being that I suffered a stroke, and the stress from continuing on the level I was on would likely trigger another one. While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to ask about being overqualified. So this question is BOTH about being overqualified AND about having medical issues which require me to take a step back in job level.
interviewing resume hiring-process
edited May 31 at 13:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.8k1397187
asked Feb 16 '16 at 22:29
Richard U
77.5k56201308
edited May 31 at 13:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.8k1397187
edited May 31 at 13:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.8k1397187
edited May 31 at 13:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.8k1397187
43.8k1397187
asked Feb 16 '16 at 22:29
Richard U
77.5k56201308
asked Feb 16 '16 at 22:29
Richard U
77.5k56201308
asked Feb 16 '16 at 22:29
Richard U
77.5k56201308
77.5k56201308
Even if this fact is true, I would avoid using the phrase "the stress will literally kill me" when you give your explanation to a would-be employer.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:42
1
Well, I'm not trying to tell this to employers, just asking for advice and explaining to the group why I cannot go back to doing what I was doing.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 13:14
1
I looked at the overqualified question, it's not the same issue for me.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 14:37
2
I also don't think this is a duplicate of the "overqualified" question. I'd be interested in answers, too, as I'm in a somewhat similar situation, where I simply can't work at my previous (very high) level any longer.
– jamesqf
Feb 17 '16 at 18:53
1
Related question: Convincing a prospective employer about taking a “lower†ranked job
– sleske
Jun 1 at 8:15
 |Â
show 3 more comments
Even if this fact is true, I would avoid using the phrase "the stress will literally kill me" when you give your explanation to a would-be employer.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:42
1
Well, I'm not trying to tell this to employers, just asking for advice and explaining to the group why I cannot go back to doing what I was doing.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 13:14
1
I looked at the overqualified question, it's not the same issue for me.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 14:37
2
I also don't think this is a duplicate of the "overqualified" question. I'd be interested in answers, too, as I'm in a somewhat similar situation, where I simply can't work at my previous (very high) level any longer.
– jamesqf
Feb 17 '16 at 18:53
1
Related question: Convincing a prospective employer about taking a “lower†ranked job
– sleske
Jun 1 at 8:15
Even if this fact is true, I would avoid using the phrase "the stress will literally kill me" when you give your explanation to a would-be employer.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:42
Even if this fact is true, I would avoid using the phrase "the stress will literally kill me" when you give your explanation to a would-be employer.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:42
1
1
Well, I'm not trying to tell this to employers, just asking for advice and explaining to the group why I cannot go back to doing what I was doing.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 13:14
Well, I'm not trying to tell this to employers, just asking for advice and explaining to the group why I cannot go back to doing what I was doing.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 13:14
1
1
I looked at the overqualified question, it's not the same issue for me.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 14:37
I looked at the overqualified question, it's not the same issue for me.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 14:37
2
2
I also don't think this is a duplicate of the "overqualified" question. I'd be interested in answers, too, as I'm in a somewhat similar situation, where I simply can't work at my previous (very high) level any longer.
– jamesqf
Feb 17 '16 at 18:53
I also don't think this is a duplicate of the "overqualified" question. I'd be interested in answers, too, as I'm in a somewhat similar situation, where I simply can't work at my previous (very high) level any longer.
– jamesqf
Feb 17 '16 at 18:53
1
1
Related question: Convincing a prospective employer about taking a “lower†ranked job
– sleske
Jun 1 at 8:15
Related question: Convincing a prospective employer about taking a “lower†ranked job
– sleske
Jun 1 at 8:15
 |Â
show 3 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
34
down vote
accepted
The truth sounds like your friend here. You're not settling, there isn't some problem that you're hiding, you're just making a work-life trade-off that makes sense for you today.
I've seen plenty of people that have taken a step back from the career ladder perspective to get a better quality of life. It's perfectly reasonable to say something like "I enjoyed my X years as a Senior Widget Maker and I learned a lot but doing that job well meant that I was spending a huge amount of time focused on widget making. At this point in my life, I'm really eager to move into a role where I can spend more time outside work with my family/ enjoying my hobbies/ whatever floats your boat. Working as a Widget Polisher here at Acme lets me leverage all the widget making skills I've built up while giving me the freedom to leave widget making in the office at the end of the day."
answered Feb 16 '16 at 22:44
Justin Cave
34.8k9112136
4
Does not it sound like "I do not have it in me anymore" or "I burnt out"?
– PM 77-1
Feb 16 '16 at 23:01
1
@PM 77-1, well It sounds like the OP doesn't want it to sound like that which is why this is an excellent answer!
– Octopus
Feb 16 '16 at 23:10
4
@PM77-1 I think the key here is to avoid sounding negative. Don't say "I don't have it in me to do X", instead say "I want to do Y (instead)". The meaning may be the same, but the impression you leave is different.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:44
6
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'. We are not now that strength which in old days. Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -Tennyson
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
12
down vote
I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at
all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I
actually do want as a permanent position?
You simply tell them the truth about your medical condition forcing you to look for a lower-stress position.
That way, you'll get feedback as to if this lower-level position is indeed lower-stress, or just lower-pay. In which case you'll need to look elsewhere.
If you don't tell them the real issue, they can't help you, and will suspect your motives.
While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to
ask about being overqualified.
It's not illegal for an interviewer to discuss your medical condition with you, if you tell them about it.
answered Feb 17 '16 at 22:09
Joe Strazzere
222k103649915
1
Don't share your medical information with anyone except your health care provider. There's a reason medical questions aren't allowed in job interviews.
– empty
May 31 at 22:16
1
@empty The reason that medical questions are not allowed is because it could lead to unfair discrimination. Joe recommends giving medical information yourself because it puts you into a better light.
– gnasher729
Jun 2 at 22:20
@gnasher729 understood. Medical info in this case would be a very bad idea. One more reason for disriminating.
– empty
Jun 3 at 2:25
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Some comments have mentioned that you should not disclose your medical information with your employer or interviewer, so I will be answering with that in mind.
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Explain to them that you have a medical issue that can be triggered by stress, which is why you decided to leave your senior position. Keep it generic and don't reveal more than you have to. This avoids the possibility of them thinking that you have burned out and not hiring you because you might be more of a liability to them.
The interviewer doesn't want to hire someone who is overqualified that just sits around doing nothing in the name of a better work/life balance. You should be convincing the interviewer that you will perform to the best of your ability even in this "lesser" position, and that you're not going to be using this position as a filler position.
answered Jun 1 at 17:43
TheRealLester
1,982619
gratz! you get the prize
– Richard U
Jun 6 at 20:06
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
34
down vote
accepted
The truth sounds like your friend here. You're not settling, there isn't some problem that you're hiding, you're just making a work-life trade-off that makes sense for you today.
I've seen plenty of people that have taken a step back from the career ladder perspective to get a better quality of life. It's perfectly reasonable to say something like "I enjoyed my X years as a Senior Widget Maker and I learned a lot but doing that job well meant that I was spending a huge amount of time focused on widget making. At this point in my life, I'm really eager to move into a role where I can spend more time outside work with my family/ enjoying my hobbies/ whatever floats your boat. Working as a Widget Polisher here at Acme lets me leverage all the widget making skills I've built up while giving me the freedom to leave widget making in the office at the end of the day."
answered Feb 16 '16 at 22:44
Justin Cave
34.8k9112136
4
Does not it sound like "I do not have it in me anymore" or "I burnt out"?
– PM 77-1
Feb 16 '16 at 23:01
1
@PM 77-1, well It sounds like the OP doesn't want it to sound like that which is why this is an excellent answer!
– Octopus
Feb 16 '16 at 23:10
4
@PM77-1 I think the key here is to avoid sounding negative. Don't say "I don't have it in me to do X", instead say "I want to do Y (instead)". The meaning may be the same, but the impression you leave is different.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:44
6
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'. We are not now that strength which in old days. Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -Tennyson
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
34
down vote
accepted
The truth sounds like your friend here. You're not settling, there isn't some problem that you're hiding, you're just making a work-life trade-off that makes sense for you today.
I've seen plenty of people that have taken a step back from the career ladder perspective to get a better quality of life. It's perfectly reasonable to say something like "I enjoyed my X years as a Senior Widget Maker and I learned a lot but doing that job well meant that I was spending a huge amount of time focused on widget making. At this point in my life, I'm really eager to move into a role where I can spend more time outside work with my family/ enjoying my hobbies/ whatever floats your boat. Working as a Widget Polisher here at Acme lets me leverage all the widget making skills I've built up while giving me the freedom to leave widget making in the office at the end of the day."
answered Feb 16 '16 at 22:44
Justin Cave
34.8k9112136
4
Does not it sound like "I do not have it in me anymore" or "I burnt out"?
– PM 77-1
Feb 16 '16 at 23:01
1
@PM 77-1, well It sounds like the OP doesn't want it to sound like that which is why this is an excellent answer!
– Octopus
Feb 16 '16 at 23:10
4
@PM77-1 I think the key here is to avoid sounding negative. Don't say "I don't have it in me to do X", instead say "I want to do Y (instead)". The meaning may be the same, but the impression you leave is different.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:44
6
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'. We are not now that strength which in old days. Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -Tennyson
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
34
down vote
accepted
up vote
34
down vote
accepted
The truth sounds like your friend here. You're not settling, there isn't some problem that you're hiding, you're just making a work-life trade-off that makes sense for you today.
I've seen plenty of people that have taken a step back from the career ladder perspective to get a better quality of life. It's perfectly reasonable to say something like "I enjoyed my X years as a Senior Widget Maker and I learned a lot but doing that job well meant that I was spending a huge amount of time focused on widget making. At this point in my life, I'm really eager to move into a role where I can spend more time outside work with my family/ enjoying my hobbies/ whatever floats your boat. Working as a Widget Polisher here at Acme lets me leverage all the widget making skills I've built up while giving me the freedom to leave widget making in the office at the end of the day."
answered Feb 16 '16 at 22:44
Justin Cave
34.8k9112136
The truth sounds like your friend here. You're not settling, there isn't some problem that you're hiding, you're just making a work-life trade-off that makes sense for you today.
I've seen plenty of people that have taken a step back from the career ladder perspective to get a better quality of life. It's perfectly reasonable to say something like "I enjoyed my X years as a Senior Widget Maker and I learned a lot but doing that job well meant that I was spending a huge amount of time focused on widget making. At this point in my life, I'm really eager to move into a role where I can spend more time outside work with my family/ enjoying my hobbies/ whatever floats your boat. Working as a Widget Polisher here at Acme lets me leverage all the widget making skills I've built up while giving me the freedom to leave widget making in the office at the end of the day."
answered Feb 16 '16 at 22:44
Justin Cave
34.8k9112136
answered Feb 16 '16 at 22:44
Justin Cave
34.8k9112136
answered Feb 16 '16 at 22:44
Justin Cave
34.8k9112136
answered Feb 16 '16 at 22:44
Justin Cave
34.8k9112136
34.8k9112136
4
Does not it sound like "I do not have it in me anymore" or "I burnt out"?
– PM 77-1
Feb 16 '16 at 23:01
1
@PM 77-1, well It sounds like the OP doesn't want it to sound like that which is why this is an excellent answer!
– Octopus
Feb 16 '16 at 23:10
4
@PM77-1 I think the key here is to avoid sounding negative. Don't say "I don't have it in me to do X", instead say "I want to do Y (instead)". The meaning may be the same, but the impression you leave is different.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:44
6
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'. We are not now that strength which in old days. Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -Tennyson
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
4
Does not it sound like "I do not have it in me anymore" or "I burnt out"?
– PM 77-1
Feb 16 '16 at 23:01
1
@PM 77-1, well It sounds like the OP doesn't want it to sound like that which is why this is an excellent answer!
– Octopus
Feb 16 '16 at 23:10
4
@PM77-1 I think the key here is to avoid sounding negative. Don't say "I don't have it in me to do X", instead say "I want to do Y (instead)". The meaning may be the same, but the impression you leave is different.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:44
6
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'. We are not now that strength which in old days. Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -Tennyson
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 15:19
4
4
Does not it sound like "I do not have it in me anymore" or "I burnt out"?
– PM 77-1
Feb 16 '16 at 23:01
Does not it sound like "I do not have it in me anymore" or "I burnt out"?
– PM 77-1
Feb 16 '16 at 23:01
1
1
@PM 77-1, well It sounds like the OP doesn't want it to sound like that which is why this is an excellent answer!
– Octopus
Feb 16 '16 at 23:10
@PM 77-1, well It sounds like the OP doesn't want it to sound like that which is why this is an excellent answer!
– Octopus
Feb 16 '16 at 23:10
4
4
@PM77-1 I think the key here is to avoid sounding negative. Don't say "I don't have it in me to do X", instead say "I want to do Y (instead)". The meaning may be the same, but the impression you leave is different.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:44
@PM77-1 I think the key here is to avoid sounding negative. Don't say "I don't have it in me to do X", instead say "I want to do Y (instead)". The meaning may be the same, but the impression you leave is different.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:44
6
6
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'. We are not now that strength which in old days. Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -Tennyson
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 15:19
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'. We are not now that strength which in old days. Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -Tennyson
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 15:19
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
12
down vote
I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at
all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I
actually do want as a permanent position?
You simply tell them the truth about your medical condition forcing you to look for a lower-stress position.
That way, you'll get feedback as to if this lower-level position is indeed lower-stress, or just lower-pay. In which case you'll need to look elsewhere.
If you don't tell them the real issue, they can't help you, and will suspect your motives.
While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to
ask about being overqualified.
It's not illegal for an interviewer to discuss your medical condition with you, if you tell them about it.
answered Feb 17 '16 at 22:09
Joe Strazzere
222k103649915
1
Don't share your medical information with anyone except your health care provider. There's a reason medical questions aren't allowed in job interviews.
– empty
May 31 at 22:16
1
@empty The reason that medical questions are not allowed is because it could lead to unfair discrimination. Joe recommends giving medical information yourself because it puts you into a better light.
– gnasher729
Jun 2 at 22:20
@gnasher729 understood. Medical info in this case would be a very bad idea. One more reason for disriminating.
– empty
Jun 3 at 2:25
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
12
down vote
I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at
all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I
actually do want as a permanent position?
You simply tell them the truth about your medical condition forcing you to look for a lower-stress position.
That way, you'll get feedback as to if this lower-level position is indeed lower-stress, or just lower-pay. In which case you'll need to look elsewhere.
If you don't tell them the real issue, they can't help you, and will suspect your motives.
While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to
ask about being overqualified.
It's not illegal for an interviewer to discuss your medical condition with you, if you tell them about it.
answered Feb 17 '16 at 22:09
Joe Strazzere
222k103649915
1
Don't share your medical information with anyone except your health care provider. There's a reason medical questions aren't allowed in job interviews.
– empty
May 31 at 22:16
1
@empty The reason that medical questions are not allowed is because it could lead to unfair discrimination. Joe recommends giving medical information yourself because it puts you into a better light.
– gnasher729
Jun 2 at 22:20
@gnasher729 understood. Medical info in this case would be a very bad idea. One more reason for disriminating.
– empty
Jun 3 at 2:25
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
12
down vote
up vote
12
down vote
I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at
all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I
actually do want as a permanent position?
You simply tell them the truth about your medical condition forcing you to look for a lower-stress position.
That way, you'll get feedback as to if this lower-level position is indeed lower-stress, or just lower-pay. In which case you'll need to look elsewhere.
If you don't tell them the real issue, they can't help you, and will suspect your motives.
While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to
ask about being overqualified.
It's not illegal for an interviewer to discuss your medical condition with you, if you tell them about it.
answered Feb 17 '16 at 22:09
Joe Strazzere
222k103649915
I can handle lower stress/responsibility positions with no problem at
all, but I keep getting hit with "Aren't you overqualified".
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I
actually do want as a permanent position?
You simply tell them the truth about your medical condition forcing you to look for a lower-stress position.
That way, you'll get feedback as to if this lower-level position is indeed lower-stress, or just lower-pay. In which case you'll need to look elsewhere.
If you don't tell them the real issue, they can't help you, and will suspect your motives.
While it is illegal to ask about medical issues, it is NOT illegal to
ask about being overqualified.
It's not illegal for an interviewer to discuss your medical condition with you, if you tell them about it.
answered Feb 17 '16 at 22:09
Joe Strazzere
222k103649915
answered Feb 17 '16 at 22:09
Joe Strazzere
222k103649915
answered Feb 17 '16 at 22:09
Joe Strazzere
222k103649915
answered Feb 17 '16 at 22:09
Joe Strazzere
222k103649915
222k103649915
1
Don't share your medical information with anyone except your health care provider. There's a reason medical questions aren't allowed in job interviews.
– empty
May 31 at 22:16
1
@empty The reason that medical questions are not allowed is because it could lead to unfair discrimination. Joe recommends giving medical information yourself because it puts you into a better light.
– gnasher729
Jun 2 at 22:20
@gnasher729 understood. Medical info in this case would be a very bad idea. One more reason for disriminating.
– empty
Jun 3 at 2:25
suggest improvements |Â
1
Don't share your medical information with anyone except your health care provider. There's a reason medical questions aren't allowed in job interviews.
– empty
May 31 at 22:16
1
@empty The reason that medical questions are not allowed is because it could lead to unfair discrimination. Joe recommends giving medical information yourself because it puts you into a better light.
– gnasher729
Jun 2 at 22:20
@gnasher729 understood. Medical info in this case would be a very bad idea. One more reason for disriminating.
– empty
Jun 3 at 2:25
1
1
Don't share your medical information with anyone except your health care provider. There's a reason medical questions aren't allowed in job interviews.
– empty
May 31 at 22:16
Don't share your medical information with anyone except your health care provider. There's a reason medical questions aren't allowed in job interviews.
– empty
May 31 at 22:16
1
1
@empty The reason that medical questions are not allowed is because it could lead to unfair discrimination. Joe recommends giving medical information yourself because it puts you into a better light.
– gnasher729
Jun 2 at 22:20
@empty The reason that medical questions are not allowed is because it could lead to unfair discrimination. Joe recommends giving medical information yourself because it puts you into a better light.
– gnasher729
Jun 2 at 22:20
@gnasher729 understood. Medical info in this case would be a very bad idea. One more reason for disriminating.
– empty
Jun 3 at 2:25
@gnasher729 understood. Medical info in this case would be a very bad idea. One more reason for disriminating.
– empty
Jun 3 at 2:25
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Some comments have mentioned that you should not disclose your medical information with your employer or interviewer, so I will be answering with that in mind.
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Explain to them that you have a medical issue that can be triggered by stress, which is why you decided to leave your senior position. Keep it generic and don't reveal more than you have to. This avoids the possibility of them thinking that you have burned out and not hiring you because you might be more of a liability to them.
The interviewer doesn't want to hire someone who is overqualified that just sits around doing nothing in the name of a better work/life balance. You should be convincing the interviewer that you will perform to the best of your ability even in this "lesser" position, and that you're not going to be using this position as a filler position.
answered Jun 1 at 17:43
TheRealLester
1,982619
gratz! you get the prize
– Richard U
Jun 6 at 20:06
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Some comments have mentioned that you should not disclose your medical information with your employer or interviewer, so I will be answering with that in mind.
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Explain to them that you have a medical issue that can be triggered by stress, which is why you decided to leave your senior position. Keep it generic and don't reveal more than you have to. This avoids the possibility of them thinking that you have burned out and not hiring you because you might be more of a liability to them.
The interviewer doesn't want to hire someone who is overqualified that just sits around doing nothing in the name of a better work/life balance. You should be convincing the interviewer that you will perform to the best of your ability even in this "lesser" position, and that you're not going to be using this position as a filler position.
answered Jun 1 at 17:43
TheRealLester
1,982619
gratz! you get the prize
– Richard U
Jun 6 at 20:06
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Some comments have mentioned that you should not disclose your medical information with your employer or interviewer, so I will be answering with that in mind.
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Explain to them that you have a medical issue that can be triggered by stress, which is why you decided to leave your senior position. Keep it generic and don't reveal more than you have to. This avoids the possibility of them thinking that you have burned out and not hiring you because you might be more of a liability to them.
The interviewer doesn't want to hire someone who is overqualified that just sits around doing nothing in the name of a better work/life balance. You should be convincing the interviewer that you will perform to the best of your ability even in this "lesser" position, and that you're not going to be using this position as a filler position.
answered Jun 1 at 17:43
TheRealLester
1,982619
Some comments have mentioned that you should not disclose your medical information with your employer or interviewer, so I will be answering with that in mind.
How can I handle the "over qualified" questions for positions I actually do want as a permanent position?
Explain to them that you have a medical issue that can be triggered by stress, which is why you decided to leave your senior position. Keep it generic and don't reveal more than you have to. This avoids the possibility of them thinking that you have burned out and not hiring you because you might be more of a liability to them.
The interviewer doesn't want to hire someone who is overqualified that just sits around doing nothing in the name of a better work/life balance. You should be convincing the interviewer that you will perform to the best of your ability even in this "lesser" position, and that you're not going to be using this position as a filler position.
answered Jun 1 at 17:43
TheRealLester
1,982619
answered Jun 1 at 17:43
TheRealLester
1,982619
answered Jun 1 at 17:43
TheRealLester
1,982619
answered Jun 1 at 17:43
TheRealLester
1,982619
1,982619
gratz! you get the prize
– Richard U
Jun 6 at 20:06
suggest improvements |Â
gratz! you get the prize
– Richard U
Jun 6 at 20:06
gratz! you get the prize
– Richard U
Jun 6 at 20:06
gratz! you get the prize
– Richard U
Jun 6 at 20:06
suggest improvements |Â
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Even if this fact is true, I would avoid using the phrase "the stress will literally kill me" when you give your explanation to a would-be employer.
– Brandin
Feb 17 '16 at 11:42
1
Well, I'm not trying to tell this to employers, just asking for advice and explaining to the group why I cannot go back to doing what I was doing.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 13:14
1
I looked at the overqualified question, it's not the same issue for me.
– Richard U
Feb 17 '16 at 14:37
2
I also don't think this is a duplicate of the "overqualified" question. I'd be interested in answers, too, as I'm in a somewhat similar situation, where I simply can't work at my previous (very high) level any longer.
– jamesqf
Feb 17 '16 at 18:53
1
Related question: Convincing a prospective employer about taking a “lower†ranked job
– sleske
Jun 1 at 8:15