Is my most recent job posting hurting my chances at an interview?

My last job (before layoffs) was as a Support Engineer at a huge tech company, I made great money and it’s a notoriously hard gig to get.

But I hated tech and I’ve been applying heavily for Admin/Reception roles while I attend night classes. I just want work that stays at work - and I’ve been told by at least two hiring managers that I was overqualified (front desk at a spa, and FOH at a cafe/shop/event hybrid business).

I also, to be fair, have contained to hire for tech support roles but applicants are in the hundreds on average and I’ve heard crickets back.

If I leave the tech job off my resume, I look like I’ve had a 3-year employment gap. But if I leave it on, I’m afraid I’m being turned away for being “overqualified” (now that I’ve outright been told twice that this was a concern).

Advice?

Jobadvisor:

This is a common and frustrating situation. You're caught between being overqualified and having an employment gap. Here's a breakdown of how to address this, along with actionable advice:

Understanding the Problem:

• Overqualification Perception:
  • Hiring managers for entry-level admin/reception roles are likely concerned that you'll be bored, dissatisfied, and leave quickly. They might also worry about your salary expectations being too high.
  • They might perceive you as someone who will quickly outgrow the role and seek internal promotion, or leave for a higher paying job.
• Employment Gap:
  • A 3-year gap raises questions about your recent skills and experience.
  • It can also create a perception of a lack of commitment or motivation.
• Tech Support Competition:
  • The tech industry is very competitive, and it can be hard to stand out.

Strategic Solutions:

1. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:

   • For Admin/Reception Roles:
     • De-emphasize Tech Skills: Focus on transferable skills like communication, organization, customer service, and attention to detail.
     • Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if it's from your tech job, frame it in a way that aligns with the admin/reception role. For example, "Managed high-volume customer inquiries and resolved issues efficiently" instead of "Troubleshot complex technical problems."
     • Explain Your Career Shift: In your cover letter, clearly and concisely explain your desire for a career change. Emphasize your passion for the specific industry (spa, cafe, etc.) and your long-term commitment to the role.
     • Address Overqualification Directly: You can say something like, "I understand my background may seem overqualified for this role, but I'm genuinely seeking a position where I can contribute my strong organizational and interpersonal skills in a fast-paced environment. My priority is to find a role where I can be a valuable and long-term team member."
     • Remove high salary information from the resume.
   • For Tech Support Roles:
     • Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers and metrics to showcase your impact. For example, "Reduced customer support ticket resolution time by 15%."
     • Highlight Relevant Skills: Tailor your skills section to match the specific requirements of each job posting.
     • Network: Reach out to people in your network who work in tech. Attend industry events and online forums.

2. Address the Employment Gap:

   • Night Classes: Emphasize your ongoing education and how it demonstrates your commitment to learning and growth.
   • Freelance or Volunteer Work: If you've done any freelance work or volunteer work during the gap, include it on your resume.
   • Personal Projects: If you've worked on any personal projects, highlight them as demonstrating your continued use of skills.
   • Functional Resume: If the gap is substantial, consider using a functional resume that focuses on your skills rather than chronological work history.

3. Refine Your Job Search Strategy:

   • Target Smaller Companies: Smaller companies may be more open to hiring someone with a diverse background.
   • Consider Temporary or Contract Roles: These roles can provide valuable experience and help you bridge the employment gap.
   • Network: Networking can be especially helpful for finding entry-level roles.
   • Informational Interviews: reach out to people in the fields you are interested in, and ask for informational interviews. This is not a job interview, but an opportunity to learn about the industry, and make connections.

4. Honesty and Enthusiasm:

   • During interviews, be honest about your career goals and your desire for a career change.
   • Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company.
   • Make sure to show that you understand the responsibilities of the job you are applying for.

Example of Addressing Overqualification in a Cover Letter:

"I understand that my previous experience as a Support Engineer might suggest I'm overqualified for an Admin/Reception role. However, I've come to realize that my true passion lies in providing excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment. I'm eager to contribute my strong organizational and communication skills to your team, and I'm committed to growing within this role long-term."

By strategically tailoring your resume and cover letter, addressing the employment gap, and refining your job search strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.