How do I handle underemployment question?

[MaggieAtwood]

I have a second interview tomorrow for a position which is much more junior than I have had previously. I have been a SAHM since April 2010 when I was made redundant from a job I had only been in for 8 months. Prior to that I was a SAHM for 4 years.

In a way it does bother me that I have the qualifications and experience for a more senior role but I realise that after such a long break I cannot expect to walk into a job at the level I was previously at (I was lucky to get my last role). I know that the question about the seniority of the role will come up and I would appreciate any tips on how to handle it/what to say. I can't let them know that it bothers me but likewise I don't want them to think that I will leave when another more suitable position becomes available.

I'm no expert on this, but the kind of thing I'd say/want to hear if I was interviewing someone would be along the lines of 'wanting to get back in to the world of work/catch up on what's changed'.

Will the new post involve anything you've not done or not done much of before? If so, you could say that you're looking to get more experience in whatever it is.

Depending on the type of job/organisation (ie if they're big in their sector or have a really good USP) you could say that it's as much about wanting to work with them than what role you do.

Thanks for the reply MrsCog. The new job will not involve anything I've not done before but they are quite big in their sector - hopefully other opportunities will come along when (if) I've got my foot in the door.

Well, the question did come up.....it was actually one of the first ones asked! I said that it is only a job title and that essentially I will be doing the same role as before but at a supervisory not management level. I stressed how keen I was to join the organisation regardless of the role and that I can bring a lot of experience.

However, I have a feeling that I won't get the job because I am 'overqualified'. I really hope this isn't the case - I really need to work!:( I can't get a job that I am qualified for because of the break I've had yet I can't get a more junior role because of the positions I've had in the past - catch 22.

Anyone else found the same when returning to work?

I wonder if the issue of underemployment is actually stopping you being offered the job, after all you have only worked out of the home for eight months in the last 5.5 years - I would have thought the reason would be more in connection with that. How many years were you working in a more senior role - working, not on maternity leave / career breaks etc. before you had a break from work and how have you kept up with developments in your industry / area while not working?