It seems at times that I have almost perfected the art of applying for jobs. The past few years haven’t shown a shortage of openings, they have merely shown an over abundance of applicants all vying for the same position. The competition is excruciating and where traditionally, competition is something that I thrive on, in this market, I fear I am at a disadvantage.
I have heard the term “over qualified” before in regards to applicants and as an employer, I scoffed at the notion. In my opinion, you are either qualified, or you are not. Experience was something that I valued and never discounted. I never felt intimidated by those whom I felt may have been more qualified, better educated, or more intelligent than myself. That was never into play when I acted in the role of human resources. These were qualities that I sought out. They were qualities that I could use and I always felt my store, or department, or even myself as a manager, would benefit from their abilities.
It wasn’t until today halfway through an interview for a second assistant manager position (that I could do in my sleep) that I first felt it. I can’t explain the revelation, how it felt, how I just knew what I had been suspecting for some time. Was it possible? Have I truly hit that mark of being “overqualified?”
When it comes to management, retail specifically, I would have to say yes.
Humility aside, I cannot say that I have been the best manager, nor the worst. I have made my fair share of mistakes in handling employee and customer issues alike. I have had employees and customers steal from me. I have recovered countless merchandise from those that tried and failed. I have fired employees, written up more than my fair share for incidences that range from the mundane to borderline criminal. I have been screamed at, had items thrown at me, been threatened with physical violence, hung up on, verbally abused countless times by employees, customers and management alike and still I take it in stride. Not much surprises me any more. I am prepared. I can handle it, have handled it, and am confident that I can continue to handle whatever is thrown at me.
And it is this knowledge above all else, that I feel separates me from the other candidates. I am no longer nervous in interviews. There are no questions to ask when that allotted time comes. I know the drill; I know what the questions are and what answers I am supposed to give. I know because it is the same song I have sung for more years than I can remember and there is nothing left for me to ask that I couldn’t answer already.
And I am stuck. And I feel trapped because there really isn’t a place for me anymore. I have accomplished all that I needed to in those jobs. I know my self worth. I accept my shortfalls. I have nothing to prove to anyone in those positions. I am not now, nor was I ever, looking for a career. It was a challenge once but not any more. I set my goals and exceeded them. I have nothing to prove. But what is frustrating, is that I have so much to give and I fear that there is nobody out there willing to listen and learn and use my experience to help them attain their goals, fulfill their ambitions, and reach the heights that I know they are capable of.
And so I remain: stagnant and over qualified.
Comments
Post a Comment