It would be hard to imagine someone like Bill Gates of Microsoft, walking into a temp agency and applying for a job as an administrative assistant. It might make for a funny SNL skit though. He has mega-experience in running one of the most highly successful companies in corporate history. He also doesn’t need the money.

What about you though?  In this “New Economy”, finding a job can be difficult, if not totally frustrating. Maybe you’ve applied at some jobs and either got a call back or were told in your initial interview, “You’re overqualified”.  This comment comes from employers who look at your experience and your training/schooling and think “If I give them this job, they’re going to get bored or lose interest in it. It’s not enough of a “job” for them.” They may even feel that if a “better job” comes along, you won’t stay but will quickly exit. This might be true, but the fact is, you want and need a job now.

I had a situation in my working career where something similar happened to me.  I applied for a job that was possibly 1 to 1/2 step below my previous job, but I needed to get work. During the interview, the employer told me that they thought I was overqualified for the position.  A big part of this position was handling customer service responsibilities. So I told the interviewer that with customers calling in, you never know from one call to the next, who or what situation is going to be on the other line, and that would create a challenge that would not bore me in this role. I got the role and was with the company for some time.

What can that mean for you?  If you’re applying for a job and they tell you the same thing, “You’re overqualified”, think of some ways that you can explain to them how this job really interests you. How you see that you will be challenged by the role and describe your passion and vision so that they can “see” how attracted you are to working for their company and taking on this responsibility.

This isn’t a guarantee that you’ll get the job. Sometimes though a little creative thinking and planning can get you a job that for some, might not have been possible. Work for your work!

When you’re looking for a job, this can be one of the most emotionally difficult comments to ever hear or read. You’ve gone through the entire interviewing process. You met with the head of HR, had a round-table group interview with 8 executives and then did some analytical testing, all to see if you qualified for a position that you’re interested in.

After going though all of that, maybe spending a month or 2 waiting to see if you were good enough to secure this position, and then you find out that they went with a different candidate, you just hurt inside. Feeling dejected, wondering what your worth is.  Going over and over in your mind “I should have said this instead of that.“  It’s like being one of the final 2 contestants on “American Idol”, and you’re the one that doesn’t get the recording contract.

The point is, you are good enough that you were considered.  You are at the top of the heap to have gone through that entire process.  You do have the skills to handle the job.   You just weren’t a match for what the company felt they needed and were looking for. Staying positive and upbeat is not easy in these situations. It’s can be tough emotionally.  What you want is a good fit  for the company and for you. You don’t want to be the square peg in the round hole. You want and need to fit and work together the right way.

So say and think to yourself “On to the next“.  Be that “Diamond in the rough” for another company.  You can do it, and your worth it!

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone and to @girlmeetsgeek as we conduct a Twitterview 2.0 with her today. Lets make like an 80′s hair-band and rock!

Q – #1    Lets start with you and all of your recent “pub” about your work. What’s happened with you recently in your career?

A: I revved up the 7+ year freelancing biz and landed a fantastic gig as the Dir. of Mktg and Recruiting at Brigham Group

(And, I love it.) I work with some of the most passionate and hilarious people daily. Right, @JenniferBrigham?

Q – #2    That’s just awesome! So how were the first few days for you, and what kind of responsibilities do you have now?

A: My first steps were to really figure out strategy and learn about our team. We are expanding rapidly

I focused on the preliminaries. Taking over the recruiting world is next. #Maybe :)

To make any organizational changes, you must first understand, trust and acknowledge your team. :)

Q – #3    In starting a new job, as you did, what advice would you give to people on how to mentally and emotionally prepare?

A: Lose ends need to be tied up. Treat it like a valuable relationship, don’t bring old baggage to the new job.

I remind myself my goal is to be a SME where I’m at, but each company is different. I set myself up 2 listen and learn

Q – #4    Good points! Now as a big Social Media user, how will you use it to connect people to work and businesses to people?

A: We will be unveiling a brand new website soon. Our strategies for recruiting are changing. It’s more HUMAN.

We’ll be sourcing more with SM, but also trying to be more accessible to give resources, guidance and a clear voice.

Q – #5    With all of the recent TECH advances, the HUMAN element cannot get overlooked. So how was your summer? Any travel?

A: Our summer completely flew by. Big trips included… River Falls, Winona and the North Shore. #PhotoTaking

You can check out the ridiculous amount of photos I can’t stop taking here: www.flickr.com/photos/lovelyava

Q – #6    North Shore is ALWAYS awesome! So with your new job, will you continue speaking, and where have you done so lately?

A: I’ll be speaking a few places coming up. Tomorrow is Wordcamp- (http://www.wordcampmsp.org)

Tues. is: You Can Get Hired (www.youcangethired.com) and Tues. Afternoon is http://bit.ly/smjobsearch for the MNPRSA.

Tonight: Speaking for the #NCCC on Cervical Cancer awareness at Rhea Pappas Show: http://526salon.qwestoffice.net/events.html

Q – #7    I see. RE: Blogging – Where do you get inspiration from for your posts from, and are new topics difficult for you?

A: I never blog unless I’m ‘fired up.’ This keeps me from looking back and saying, “what a waste of words.” I draw from life.

My greatest successes in blogging have come when I’ve cracked open my soul and laid it out on the keyboard. #TheBest

Q – #8    At the #MNBlogConf I heard about the #HeartGut. Good 4 you! Any “hot” job fields right now for job seekers?

A: I try to favorite great job leads and articles for searchers. (Feel free to peruse.) Make sure to check POLLEN Group on LinkedIn

Q – #9    Okay. On the personal side, and restaurants or stores that you’ve tried lately that you had a good experience at?

A: I now order everything I can from @SoapDotCom. You could say I’m obsessed. Also, everyone knows what a @LOFT fiend I am.

As far as local goes, I try to shop second-hand…except for food. A secret? I still love Perkins pancakes at 3am. #SoGood

Q – #10    So as we near the end of 2010 and start 2011 soon, what professional or personal goals have you made for yourself?

A: My huge goal is to get the book published by 2012. Most of my goals just revolve around being a good parent, and happy.

Q – #11    Book?!?! What book are you writing, and what is it about? (Sorry if I missed hearing about it.)

A: Had a publisher in college, wanted to wait. Now I think it’s ready. :) I’ll be excited to share more, soon.

@JoelECarlson – Thank you so much @girlmeetsgeek for your comments and time today. I think most will agree that you are a positive force in MN!

@GirlMeetsGeek – It was a honor to Twitterview with you twice. :) Joel, you ROCK. And, I think I speak for everyone, you’re a FORCE in the industry.