People think I'm too qualified for a job, but the true reason might shock you.

Dear Fairygodmentor®, I hope this letter finds you well. I have been facing a dilemma and I could really use your guidance. Lately, I have been getting the same feedback from potential employers - I am "overqualified" for the job.

But what does that really mean? Is it just a polite way of saying something else? I am sure you understand the frustration of finally getting feedback and it only leaving you feeling more confused.

I have heard this term from my own clients who come to me for coaching, and it seems to be a common issue. But let me clarify something for you - being overqualified does not diminish your worth. It is simply a reflection of how the employer perceives your fit and the risks associated with hiring you.

In the world of hiring, the term "overqualified" typically translates to "we are unsure of how you will fit into our organization, stay committed, or be managed." It is not a question of your skills, knowledge, or abilities, but rather how well you align with the company's needs and culture. As a former HR professional who has hired numerous candidates, I can tell you that there are certain thoughts that may cross the hiring team's mind when they look at your impressive resume. They may worry about your "flight risk" - will you leave for a better opportunity as soon as it comes along?

Or they may assume that with your experience, you will demand a higher salary than what they can offer. They may even feel uncomfortable with the idea of managing someone with more experience and may question if you will get bored and disengage from the role. And unfortunately, there may be biases at play as well, such as age or identity bias, or a misunderstanding of your leadership presence.

But sometimes, being labeled as "overqualified" has nothing to do with your qualifications and everything to do with the company's readiness. The power to shift this perception lies in your hands. You want to be able to answer the unasked questions and address any concerns that may be swirling in the hiring team's minds.

This requires you to clarify your career narrative - why are you applying for this role, why now, and why this company? Be intentional and strategic in your response. You can also proactively address the elephant in the room by acknowledging the concerns and neutralizing them.

And don't be afraid to showcase your transferable skills and how they are relevant to the role. You don't have to list every single accomplishment, just give them a glimpse of your capabilities. Remember, the goal is not just to get hired, but to be appropriately valued.

And trust me, the right opportunity will not be intimidated by your excellence, it will be built for it. So don't shrink your story to fit someone else's expectations. Instead, tell it in a way that the right people can understand.

Now, I know this may be hard to hear, but not every "no" is a result of misalignment. Sometimes, you may have simply outgrown certain opportunities. You are not overqualified, you are under-placed.

This is a common issue I see with my coaching clients. They underestimate their worth and end up trying to fit into roles that no longer challenge or fulfill them. It's time to stop proving yourself in rooms that you have already outgrown.

To help you overcome this challenge, I have a quick 3-step action plan for you to try out for a week: 1. Rewrite your response to the question "Why this role?" 2. Practice addressing the "overqualified" concern out loud.

3. Apply to two roles that align with your next level, not your previous one. Remember, you are a valuable asset and you deserve to be in a role that recognizes and utilizes your talents.

Don't settle for anything less. Yours truly, Your Fairygodmentor® About Joyel Crawford: Allow me to introduce myself, I am Joyel Crawford, an award-winning career and leadership development professional, and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies - a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. I am also the best-selling author of "Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career." Do you have any questions for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Whether it's about navigating a difficult boss, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or dealing with burnout - I am here to help. So don't hesitate to submit your career and leadership questions to Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!