Should i underplay my qualifications?

[lucyellensmum]

I want to get a part time job, i have to be realistic that they will probably not exist in my field of "expertese" although i have looked about. If i wanted to get a job doing admin or something general like that, should i underplay my qualifications? The trouble is, i only actually have One GCSE and a GNVQ (science) then i did an access course and degree then PhD. Do I/should I put all my qualifications down on job applications, i would they either laugh or think im being arrogant?

its a tough one..I've been in that position before. I decided the best thing to do was to be honest about my qualifications but then say something in the covering letter about why I wanted the job and why I didn't necessarily want to follow what I'd done at university. Imagine if you played down your qualifications and got the job, in a sense you'd be living a lie every day you were at work not being able to mention the small mater of having a PhD!

Hi Lucy, On most application forms there is a section at the bottom where you have to declaire you have been honest on the form.. I would include your qualifications and in the supporting info section once you have written how you meet the job description and person specification explain reasons for wanting the role in regard to your personal circumstances and wanting part time. Good luck

I agree with BF, just write a covering letter. After I was made redundant last year I was looking for a new job but just wanted manager level and not regional manager as I had done previously, I was constantly questioned at interviews as to why I was taking a step backwards!

Good luck with the job hunt!

Be honest. And as BF said, write a covering letter explaining your situation so they know you're not a timewaster.
I'm a SENCO and part of my job is appointing Teaching Assistants. I get applications from people from all walks of life - some very highly qualified, sometimes they're trained teachers but have been out of the profession for a while and want a way back in. I never see it as a problem in itself that some one is 'over qualified'. It's a question of finding the right person to fit the job.

DH had this problem when he started to look for part time work after being a SAHD for 5 years. In the written statement part he was honest about how he wanted to downsize for family reasons and had no intention of going back to the higher status job he had before.

In his field (science) there's a lot of suspician about people with high qualifications and experience wanting to downsize. What we have found is when he started putting the paragraph in about his family commitments he started getting interviews.

slug, science is my field too and it is very competitive as you know. I am giving serious thought to the idea of teaching assistant as this will take into account the school holidays and allow me more time with DD, which to be fair, is my absolute priority. Also, it will tell me if i will like a career in teaching. Hmmmm, i wonder if they offer part time positions? Gotta be worth sending a CV isnt it?

I started out as a teaching assistant. It was a far better introduction and training ground than the PGCE I did later.

Part time positions are easier to get in FE colleges, where you might also find an opening as a lab technician and move upwards internally. TES.co.uk is the best starting point.