Should You Dumb Down Your Overqualified Resume

Should You Dumb Down Your Overqualified ResumeDumbing Down Your ResumeShould You Dumb Down Your Overqualified ResumeIf your work experience stretches back into the 1980s,you may have felt that dreaded overqualified tag hovering over you each time you read a job posting.Maybe you wanted to send a resume, and you either did, knowing you had more than what they were looking for, or you didnt, thinking it would be a fruitless exercise.But the bottom line is you need a job, and youre willing to take a step backward in order to move forward. Or, you may actually prefer a job at a lower level than one youve held in the past. When you believe youre overqualified, it may mean you have to dumb down your resume and cut some stuff, no matter how proud you may be of what youve accomplished in your career.But what would you be willing to cut? Heres a list of things hiring managers might find on resumes that come from overqualified applicants.ITEM ON RESUMEAPPLYING FOR JOB ASPrevious job title Exec utive Vice PresidentMid-level mangerDegree Masters in Information TechnologyNetwork administratorAccomplishment Reorganized 50-person departmentAdministrative assistant in 30-person officePrevious job title Executive AdministratorManager of small clothing storePrior role 15 years as international currency traderTeller at a small local bankThese people may have the skills to do the work, but hiring managers might be concerned about their level of commitment Would they do the job only until something better comes along for which they would not be overqualified?Its a legitimate concern. But if youre overqualified for a job youre interested in, or if you just need a job because of financial reasons, would you dumb down your resume to land an interview? Or, if youve done it before, how did you do it, and why?