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Is my master's hurting me?
Hi all,
I am wondering if my master's degree could be getting me eliminated from jobs (I'm getting little to no traction in my job search) - I'm afraid I look like I am over educated for the experience I have (or lack). Is it possible it would benefit me to omit my master's degree?
Trista LarsonSmall town girl pursuing a big dream...
32
10/21/19 at 2:57PM UTC
Hi all! Thanks for posting this question Sam! I too feel that having my JD (Juris Doctor - aka law degree for anyone unaware) is absolutely killing me!!!! I’m stuck between the biggest Rock & solid hard place known - I’ve had my degree since 2012, have senior upper level experience & worked in several areas of law....but I have yet to pass the bar exam for my license (a whole OTHER issue I face!) so I can’t legally give advice or litigate in court. I’ve been interviewing/networking/searching for a job since March 2018 & have interviewed with some of the top law firms in Indiana & in the US, but I am still waiting to hear the magic words of “we’d like to extend you an offer...”
It’s not only frustrating in general, but it has definitely brought my self esteem down & made me question myself and abilities. This of course has only gotten worse interview after interview after interview etc., but I know I still interview with confidence as if I’m going to get the offer. So I’d love to hear yours or anyone’s suggestions on these issues as well & any possible resources of where I could go (and I’ve exhausted all efforts mentioned & then some!)
Joanna GiordanoHBO HR experience. Resume/Job & Health coach.
358
10/15/19 at 8:51PM UTC
FYI - appearing overqualified can hurt you more than being underqualified on paper. I would say "it depends" but you could try and see. I have scored an interview for a job I wanted before by leaving off my Master's
Sam KillingsworthIndustrial Engineer who loves STEM outreach
22
09/25/19 at 10:20PM UTC
Frankly I don't have much of a plan for that. I have reached out to my network and it hasn't turned up much. I have applied (and been ghosted) by a company I worked for in the past after applying with a referral from someone I knew in college so I'm considering that company well dried up (I can't do much more networking than that). Any tips for how to build new connections?
Rose Holland
936
10/08/19 at 10:07PM UTC
Sam,
Have you checked into recruiters for your profession? Ask around. You should NOT have to pay them, companies pay them.
Consider getting the book "The 2-Hour Job Search." This is my favorite job search book as it is all about networking and really helps you focus and be efficient. Networking is key with anything beyond entry level. Just applying to job postings is the least efficient way to try to find a job.
My recommendations - start with alumni chapters for your college(s), professional organizations and any other organizations you belong to.
LinkedIn is a great way to build a network. Connect with alumni and other professionals in your career field as well as recruiters. Follow and read what Michael Quinn writes on LinkedIn - he is mainly focused on veterans, but has excellent advice.
Rose Holland
936
09/25/19 at 1:25AM UTC
How are you networking? Most job (over 80% and some say as high as 96%) are filled through networking.
