Many experienced, high-level executives are facing a new career challenge—unemployment, said UPI.com. In the third quarter, 3.4 percent of CEOs were unemployed. Among managers in general, the rate was 5.1 percent. In general, “managers have fared better than lower-income workers,” but many face a long job search in a tough market. “Every hiring manager tells me, ‘You’re way overqualified,’” said Fred Cecala, a former marketing director from Mount Prospect, Ill.
Some employers may be turned off by “too much” experience, but taking a step down isn’t as easy as doctoring a résumé, said Alina Dizik in The Wall Street Journal. “Any distortion of the facts is unwise and unethical.” Instead, streamline your résumé by emphasizing skills and expertise and by describing your experience “more modestly.” During the interview, don’t wait for the recruiter to express concern about your overqualifications. Address the topic head-on, by emphasizing “why the job is so compelling,” despite the fact that your previous position may have been higher on the totem pole.
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