Ask Deb: Should I minimize my accomplishments?

Hi Deb:

I recently took an early retirement from the company I’ve worked at since I graduated college. I have a great package and while I don’t need to work for survival, I feel that, at age 55, I still have many more years before I’m ready to fully embrace retirement. With that being said, I’m not interested in going back to another high-pressure role in corporate finance, where I’m working 60+ hours per week and accountable for all reporting and forecasting. To put it another way, I’m done with that grind. On the other hand, I don’t want to go work in a retail setting where I would have to work nights and weekends and spend hours on my feet. I am thinking that what I would really like to do is something like work as a bookkeeper or a payroll specialist for a smallish company. With that in mind, I can’t help but wonder if I shouldn’t refocus my resume on the tasks that I did in my previous role, rather than on my big-dollar accomplishments. I don’t want to be discounted because someone assumes that I’m overqualified and too expensive. I am also considering removing my MBA in finance from my resume. Everyone I ask has a different opinion. Can you give me some solid advice?

Thanks,

Roberto

Hi Roberto:

This is a question that I field not infrequently. First of all, NO, you should not minimize your accomplishments or qualifications at all. Never, ever sell yourself short. What you want to do is write a great cover letter to discuss what you’re looking to do in this next phase of your career. You can use your cover letter to convey the fact that although you have significant expertise in corporate finance, SEC filings, financial planning and analysis, you are eager to share your knowledge and experience to a growing local company. You can further explain that you took that early retirement package, and that what you want to stay abreast of trends in your field, and that such a relationship can be mutually beneficial. 

Another essential thing to do is to network; let your network know exactly what you want out of your next role. Focus the conversation around the value you can bring to another company with your expertise. You will need to acknowledge that you are overqualified for the types of roles you will be pursuing. That’s okay, and you have a reasonable explanation for that. Some professional interview coaching may also help you to guide you as you have these conversations with your network and with hiring managers. It is entirely reasonable to take a step back. People do it all the time. I wish you well.

All my best,

Deb