Downsized? Or just looking for a change? How can experienced meeting planners avoid the “overqualified” trap?
Here are a few job-hunting tips for experienced meeting planners:
Avoid the online “black hole”
Your best bet in finding a position is your network. Tap your contacts within your industry, your LinkedIn connections and your friends. Avoid the black hole of submitting online resumes that go nowhere.
Watch your adjectives
The experts at meetingjobs.com suggest trading in terms like “seasoned professional” or “wealth of experience” for specifics on related experience.
Show off your tech skills
Include specifics on the technology you use to appear relevant and up to date in your skills.
Keep it to 15
Meetingjobs.com suggests that you not include your college graduation date on your resume. Don’t list the length of experience in your objective. Consider using a functional resume or a mixture of functional and chronological. Promote your technology knowledge by listing the latest programs. Include your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter profiles. Also include a VisualCV. It shows you are comfortable with social media.
Prepare for the “overqualified” question
AARP suggests preparing a strategy in advance of your interview to determine how you’ll respond to questions about being overqualified. Proactively explain that your priorities aren’t title or money. Emphasize your attitude, interests, skills and experience that led you to the position. Avoid being defensive, and remember to always have a positive attitude.
