Too many skills?

QUALIFICATIONS: Perhaps you’ve moved to a new area or even to a new country. Or perhaps you are getting back into the workforce after raising children. Especially if you’ve been out of work for a long time, you may have to compromise. That could mean applying for jobs for which you are overqualified.

“Don’t be apologetic or embarrassed about your qualifications,” advises executive coach Peter Shaw of Praesta in London. “It will sound like you don’t want the job. But don’t draw unnecessary attention to them or oversell yourself either,” Shaw told the Financial Times. “Show that you’ll be a good team member and build rapport.”

Ian Gooden, chief operating officer of HR consultancy Chiumento, says you needn’t feel self-conscious about taking a lower-level job. “The career ladder has had its day. Careers now have ups and downs and most people will be faced with a change of direction at some point. Sometimes, you need to go backwards to go forwards,” Gooden adds.

"The career ladder has had its day." Ian Gooden

Hannah Stratford, who is head of business psychology at HR consultants ETS, says it is normal for people to take lower-level jobs to get a foothold at a company they respect. Stratford says it won’t hurt your job prospects to mention this in an interview.

Peter Shaw advises that you should not lie about your commitment to a company, however. “If you don’t plan on staying a long time, be honest. Most organizations would prefer someone good who will stay for a year to someone mediocre who will stay for three.”

Hannah Stratford suggests asking about chances for advancement at your prospective company. “This demonstrates ambition, while reassuring the employer that you are serious about progressing at the company,” she says.

And what about money? Be aware that you are likely to have a lower salary, and be realistic about what this will mean to your lifestyle. “Some people who take a salary cut discover they are far more materialistic than they had realized,” Ian Gooden points out.