The overqualified, or "highly qualified" candidate, as I prefer to call it, is most likely the best person for the job. The key is convincing interviewers of that. The truth is overqualified employees show a better work ethic, stay longer on average, and are actually happy workers as long as they are empowered. But in a job interview, you must prove these points by connecting them to your own experience. Here are a few tips:

1. Get rid of the elephant in the room. If you are worried your level of experience will play against you in an interview, be the first to bring it up but do it tactfully. Be proud of your achievements. Don't dodge them. Just be sure you present them in a way that shows how the skills you have will benefit the company that is considering hiring you.

2. Be honest about why you want the job. Often, and especially in today's economy, hiring managers don't want to hire highly qualified candidates because they think these candidates are just applying because they are desperate for work. Sure, this does happen. Presumably, though, you're not one of them.

Explain why you're applying for the job. Maybe it's a company you've always wanted to work for, or maybe you are interested in jumpstarting a new career. If you have been unemployed for a while, tell them you are absolutely eager to get back to work. Then express two or three points you find interesting about this specific company or industry and a couple of goals you'll immediately set for yourself if hired.

3. Tell the interviewer what motivates you. Most hiring managers do not have the time or inclination to brainstorm how your experience would be great for the job. And because boredom and dissatisfaction are concerns when considering highly qualified employees, expressing the kinds of challenges you look forward to taking on with the position and explaining how you expect the position to build and improve your skill set is a great way to put their fears to rest.

Sign up for The Lead and get a new tip in your inbox every day!

More tips:

Maribeth Kuzmeski is the founder of Red Zone Marketing LLC, which consults to Fortune 500 firms on strategic marketing planning and business growth. Kuzmeski has personally consulted with some of the world's most successful CEOs, entrepreneurs and professionals. For more information, go to www.redzonemarketing.com.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.