Q:  I am definitely overqualified for my present role.  I hold an advanced education degree and have been in the workforce for more than 25 years. I took this job two years ago to keep myself productive. Now, I regret the choice.  My immediate supervisor is a lifer who has learned the job totally on the job.  She clearly resents my superior credentials and wastes no time in putting me down or reprimanding me without cause.  I do an incredible job and have been complimented by everyone — except by my supervisor.  My peers see the dynamic, but no one says anything for fear of being fired.

I have been job searching, and I have gone on three interviews in the past two months but have no offers yet.  What can I do to turn this around?

A:  Kudos to you for keeping busy and for continuing to perform at high levels despite some challenges.  Being overqualified can be difficult.  On the one hand, you have knowledge and experience that could give leadership to your current organization.  On the other, you have to show deference and respect to others who may be intimidated by your background.  Here is how I would proceed:

(1)  Create a Team

Make peace with your current supervisor.  Have a discussion with her in which you outline her strengths, and suggest ways you can support her leadership with your background and experience.  Suggest a team approach.  This way, it will not be your way versus her way, nor will it be you withholding critical information in the hopes that her strategies fail.  Rather, try to pool your strengths.  This will de-escalate the tensions that currently exist.

(2)  Step Up Extra-Curricular Leadership

Find ways outside of work to be the leader that you are because, as it is, part of you is stifled causing you to be unhappy and unfulfilled.  There are many non-profits needing board members, volunteers, strategists and advocates.  Identify six organizations in your area that do good work, and find out which might be interested in your services.  By developing avenues to share your skills and wisdom, you are also decompressing the pressure from work.  As well, this is a viable and valuable way to expand your professional networks and meet new people.

(3)   Focus on Being Interview Ready

An interview is a chance to showcase your skills and experience for a prospective employer.  You have a rich, impressive career history, therefore, you need to ensure the strife in your current role does not make you more hesitant and reticent about sharing new ideas and your strengths.  Hire the services of a professional career coach to make sure you maximize the interview process and that you are psychologically ready to present your best professional self at an interview.  It may also be appropriate to do a wardrobe makeover and to get fresh ideas about how to make a totally positive impression at your next interview.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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Last updated on November 11th, 2013 at 12:29 pm