With the change in the economic climate, hiring companies are being very specific in what they are looking for in executive candidates. That means that if your resume is not a perfect fit with specific experience for a position, you won’t be considered. How do you overcome that?
Randy advises that when companies are being limiting, pay attention to the details. How old is the job listing? After two or three months, companies usually drop some of their limits and are more open to candidates that aren’t a perfect match. If they had found the candidate with the perfect skill set, they would have hired them. So they are more flexible and more willing to look at options. The real challenge is making sure hiring managers are ready to listen. If they are stuck in the parameters of the job they are not ready t hear about alternatives. You may see the long-term problems and goals, and understand what they need six months from now, but you need to address their immediate needs. Get your foot in the door, explain that you have the minimal skills, and engage in dialogue to make your case.
Part of the problem could be title translation. If you were president or CEO of a smaller company, and seeking a vice presidency at a large organization, that could be perceived as a problem. The hiring manager could look at the title and say, “Hmm, president. Won’t be satisfied in this job.”
Randy pointed out that in the 1990s, when there was high demand and a limited supply of candidates, the 70 percent rule was in operation, and you could attract people if they had 70 percent of what you needed. They would change the hiring companies to develop their career and increase their marketability. Today, the 30 percent rule is in place. Companies are looking for no more than 30 percent more skills than they actually need. If the scope of the function is understood, then being overqualified makes you a flight risk.
Note that you can’t focus on the title. Ignore the titles because they will throw you off. The scope and function of the position is more important. And be sure to check your ego at the door. The size of the company, the corporate culture, and other factors dictate title.
And be sure you don’t sell yourself short. If you are overqualified, you won’t be happy in the role, and your bosses won’t be happy with your performance. Fit is the key.
