I really want a job I'm overqualified for, can you help me apply?

[letmehelp]

It's 16 hours pw, term time only as Assistant Finance Officer at the school aross the road.

I took voluntary redundnacy from a job in the finance industry 3 months ago. It was a job which involved long hours, tough sales targets, managing 45 people, presenting to board and complex financial calculations and negotiations. I was good at it, but towards the end I hated it, especially the feeling that whenever I was good at work, I was letting people down at home and vice versa. I have 2 degrees in finance related subjects. The pay was 4 times what the FTE salary of the school job would be, but TBH that became immaterial at the old job, I never had time to spend it!

Anyway the redundancy opportunity came up and after long discussions with DH, I decided to take a year outwhile I looked at possible career changes. I've been loving it, am finally feeling in control at home, have been doing loads of exercise and volunteer for approx 8 hours pw, with 4 different organisations (some children, no finance!) But this opportunity, doing something I think I would enjoy, close to home with lovely hours seems too good to pass up and maybe could lead to a bursar type role at a bigger school later on.

As part of my package I had a careers consultant help me with my CV, which is strong and would give me a good chance of getting a job similar to the one I left. I think it will also show I'm more than capable of doing the job advertised, but I'm concerned they might consider me overqualified.

What are my chances and what can I do to improve them?

You need to play down your old role (Finance Manager/Bursar might feel threatened!), and make it clear n your covering letter than being made redundant has given you the opportunity to look at your work/life balance and that you have decided you are now looking for a role that fits in around your children's needs.

Good luck!

I pitched recently for a contract where the strength of my experience brought an interview, only to be told later that the package I offered was far in excess of what they required, yet it was this experience which enticed them to meet with me.

They did not have the foresight to see what I could do for them nor how I could enhance their operations. They were paying well but wanted simple "can do" monkey. Yet I bet if I pitched at that level they would never have seen me.

So I know it is hard. I'd focus on the part time nature of the position and the contribution you can give to the school whilst retaining control over your domestic situation, which is why you left your previous career.

They will be anxious not to have someone leave after only a short amount of time so play up your kids, the strategic shift in your own desires and ambitions and tone down any change management / go getting / power CV and job titles.

Consistency and dependability are the name of this game I would imagine.

Phone them and talk it through - explain your situation and see what they say then tailor your application accordingly.

I think that sometimes, people who are overqualified don't get jobs not because they are overqualified but because they are seen as someone who won't stay the course. If you make it clear that this is the perfect job for you and you want to keep it for a long time (not until something better comes along), I think they may be more willing to take you seriously.

Good luck.

I have had this problem - its tricky..
ringing them is a good idea -or you could even pop in as its just across the road
and also look at the application process - probably a form - if its a CV - do NOT use the CV you have in its current form - you need to tailor it to this role - highlight the skills you have that match the job spec - don't over sell the things you have done which are not relevant and agree emphasise why you want the role and that you are prepared to stay for a while-
I think the other concern is that you might find dull and/or try and "take over" so highlighting some of your voluntary work - especially if its not too "high powered" might help

You wish to reduce your hours and responsibilities at work in order to free up time to increase your hours and responsibilities at home. Why not say that? Sounds good to me!

Ok, thank you all, I'm going to go for it as as the closing date is Friday, I need to get a move on!

In terms of the reason for leaving my old job / wanting this one, I'm planning to say something like;

I'd been there for a very long time, it was time for a change and new challenges and I was made a very good offer to take voluntary redundancy which would enable me to become more involved in the local community, something I've wanted to do for a long time. To this end, I've since been volunteering regularly with the followiung organisiations...and I see the opportunity to contribute to the work the local school does as an excellent way of extending this.

OK, I know the wording needs work, but is the sentiment right do you think?

The ad asks you to either apply on-line through a central website or direct to the Headteacher. Which would you do? On-line demonstrates some of the IT skill they've asked for, but the control freak in me thinks I could present myself better by handing in a written application/CV to the school.

Great - in terms of leaving your old job - probably a few too many words - but the sentiment is on the right lines

your experience will demonstre the IT skills I am sure so as long as they are on your CV I don' think it matters either way

I would say you need to put some thing specific about the organisation and the role itsself