overqualified for a job (kinda long)

sorry, this is a bit long, here's the situation: i've been interviewing for a new job at a law firm library. i've gone on 2 interviews so far, one w/hr, one w/the people i'd be working with. while on vacation this past week i got an email asking me to call when i returned. so i called today.

the hr lady told me that i am their first choice and that i seem like a really strong candidate. however they have some reservations that i may be overqualified. this came as a shock to me b/c i've never worked in a library before and that fact has kept me from getting many a library job in the past. plus i've never worked in a law firm before, although my previous experience is all in intellectual property research jobs. so i have some legal knowledge.

anyway, they want me to come in again on monday to discuss with the 2 library people some other projects that i could work on in the future and sort of the possible progression of the job. this firm seems great, the people were really nice, it's walking distance from my apt., and i think it'd be a great step for me as far as starting my career as a librarian. my question is: how do i convince them that i'm not overqualified and wouldn't be bored w/o selling myself short?? has this ever happened to anyone else before?

Re: overqualified for a job (kinda long)

well, it's great that you're highly qualified and I giess it's better to be over rathar than under qualified. I would just tell them that I'm really interested in the position and it's something new and exciting for you. They think you would know way too much??

Re: overqualified for a job (kinda long)

I have been on plenty of hiring committees, and usually when we turn down an applicant for being overqualified, we are worried they will not stay in the position for long and any training would go to waste. I've had PhDs apply for entry level positions making $30,000...I'd just explain your commitment to that specific firm, how you'd like to grow with the company (maybe they are concerned you would continue looking for a public library position and wouldn't feel bad about leaving them?).

Re: overqualified for a job (kinda long)

Re: overqualified for a job (kinda long)

definitely interesting. it's just funny to me that they would think that since every other library job i've applied for has thought i'm under-qualified. i guess i will just have to work on convincing them that i plan on staying for a while.

Re: overqualified for a job (kinda long)

Good luck! Hope you get the job. Keep us posted.