Interim executive interview skills

How becoming a “free agent” may help you apply for a role you’re overqualified for

One of the questions I’m asked most by executive-level candidates is how they best apply for roles they’re overqualified for.

In today’s competitive job market, the idea of applying for a role you’re overqualified for might seem counterintuitive. But what if you’re intentionally looking to transition to a less stressful role, change industries, or work for a company you respect? Applying for roles you’re overqualified for can be a great career move. 

The reality is, many hiring managers can be hesitant to hire someone they perceive as overqualified.  How can you frame your extensive experience and qualifications to ensure it will not be seen as a potential drawback?

Five ways to communicate your ‘why’ to prospective employers: 

As you undertake any job search it’s imperative to understand your ‘why’. Simon Sinek popularised this notion with his ground-breaking @TED talk “Start with Why” ten years ago. Today, the concept is just as important as ever.  

Understanding your ‘why’ is central to your message when applying for and meeting prospective employers and when networking. Here are five frames to help you communicate your ‘why’ successfully:

• Seeking Balance: You might be ready to take a step back from a highly demanding role or career path while still enjoying the work you do. If this is the case, Many people from various backgrounds will empathise with and respect this reasoning as a result.
• Giving back to your community: With the current social climate, leadership in community is particularly relevant. Future employers realise that the way you show up for your community will reflect the way you show up for your team. This may be especially well received for those roles in the public sector and for purpose organisations.
• Looking to uplift the capability of a team: Your days as a C-Suite executive may be coming to a close, but you love building the capability of teams. When you add this frame around stage of life, the intention to grow others becomes a valuable asset for future employers. An additional tip here is to show your eagerness for life-long learning and acknowledge the benefit of two-way knowledge sharing with younger generations.
• Aligning with Values: Perhaps you're looking to enter a field or industry that aligns better with your personal values. Even if you lack specific experience in that sector, future employers know that values-aligned employees can be more productive and effective. If you are already clear on your own values and can tell the story of who these match organisational values, you’re in a strong place!
• Company Alignment: You might have a strong desire to work for a company you admire, regardless of the role's level. Increasingly, leaders are asked to speak out on social issues. Employees who can amplify an organisation’s purpose can be valuable force multipliers when employees and employee culture is so often the public face of a company.

Becoming a “free agent” – what does the world of interim executives look like?

In their book ‘The Human Cloud’ Matthew Mottola and Matthew Coatney describe a new way of work in which #AI and the #GigEconomy combine to transform the world of work. The idea of a freelance economy transforming the traditional model of full-time permanent employment raises some interesting questions, challenges, and opportunities. Bernard Marr goes even further in his book “Future Skills” to suggest everyone should consider being “free agents” rather than traditional employees.

Using the concept of a “free agent” you can transform perceived risks of being overqualified for a role into solutions:

• Temporary Fix: you can offer temporary solution, sensibly over-qualified for the roles, for immediate impact and the ability to build capability in the wider team and/or organisation.
• Objectivity: new to organisational culture, enabling a fresh perspective.
• Accountability: unlike advisors, you will be instrumental in delivery and accountable for results.
• Confirmed ROI: based on your previous renumeration package you may be over budget for a potential employer. As an interim executive you get paid on delivery of solution and against clearly defined deliverables.
• Commitment: based upon high professional standards and experience in an executive role you can demonstrate commitment through your past achievements.

Tailoring your approach for job interviews

Upon embarking on your search for interim management and executive appointments it is critical that you tailor your resume to make your experience relevant to the problem the organisation is trying to solve. Focus on achievements and deliverables rather than your job title and number of reports, you can address hiring managers' concerns more effectively. Articulate how your extensive experience can lead to a quicker adaptation to the role and immediate contributions return on investment to the organisation, uplift the capability of the team or bring a program of work back on track.

Considering a move into the Gig Economy?

Whether you're considering a role you're overqualified for or seeking other career opportunities, Gig Executive is here to help. We work with you to understand your needs and can connect you with the right interim management opportunities that align with your career goals.

Reach out to Gig Executive today to start your journey towards a rewarding and fulfilling career path.