Why is it bad to have skills and education when applying for a job?

1. 64

   Starr Poetressposted 10 years ago

   Why is it bad to have skills and education when applying for a job?
   
   If people have qualifications and education that are willing to work for less than their worth, why don't employers higher them? I have 15 years sales experience and almost a masters in business management, yet, I get overlooked for jobs. I even will put slightly under asking wage to let them know I am willing to start from the bottom up.

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2. 72

   Rhonda_Mposted 10 years ago

   It's a buyer's market and there is a lot of ageism around (hidden as it is).  People don't want to pay, and they are afraid that you are overqualified for the job and may bolt, the second you get a better offer. They have lots of cheaper, younger less qualified talent to choose from that they can legitimately pay less.
   
   I run into this problem too, I have a Masters, lots of experience, many credentials, but in my field I have become a commodity. Why not hold out for what you're worth. If you can sell, surely you can make someone some money. I think it's OK to step back and start slightly lower than what you made before, but at the same time, you have a lot to offer, so emphasize to the employer that they will get good value for their money, that you can leverage your experience to their advantage, that you won't bolt, and that you want to contribute to their efforts.

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   1. 64

      Starr Poetressposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I am trying to hold out but my unemployment ran out and I am basically working for tips as a volunteer barista at an awesome coffee house that has live music. Technically, I'm getting more experience as we talk because I finally get to use my degree.

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3. 61

   kat_thurstonposted 10 years ago

   There are a lot of factors. Such as the qualifications being equal to the job meaning do the skills match the job being applied for. The same is also for education it should be equal to the what the job is and most employers want a finished degree. Also asking below wage is not necessairly a good thing because it shows uncertainity in your ability.

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   1. 64

      Starr Poetressposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I was hoping that it would show I was willing to work my way up, do you think it could have hurt me? Hmmmm I was over qualified but in town there aren't a great deal of options and, therefore, one has to take what they can get...

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4. 89

   innerspinposted 10 years ago

   It isn't a bad thing. Jobs are hard to find for anyone. If you have sales experience, how about using some of those skills to "sell" yourself to a prospective employer? Check over your application for spelling, a first impression counts. Keep plugging away and you'll find something. Good luck.

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   1. 64

      Starr Poetressposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I make it all the way to the interviews....

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