Sorry, Ann Marie, but (having been on both sides of the "interview table" - hiring people and trying to get hired) I can assure you that there is NO SUCH THING as "overqualified." YOU may think you are qualified, because you have certain credentials and what you think is appropriate experience. But the hiring manager is looking for a certain set of skills as well as a personal profile that is going to FIT into the job as he/she understands the job. Bear in mind that you can never "know" you are qualified for any specific job. Hiring managers want to hire the BEST candidate they think they can get. That phrase "overqualified" is a palliative for disappointed candidates. Unless you are giving out some sort of unintended message that you need/want some sort of salary that is beyond the range they want to pay, the hiring manager would love to hire the best candidate available. Some times the hiring manager may want to wait until a better candidate comes along. Most likely, your applications are being screened out by some underling who is tasked to check for certain keywords or other signs that you have the knowledge or experience (most important, that, the experience). Your best bet is to somehow obtain as much understanding as possible about the specific job requirements and either tailor your resume to show how your background will meet or exceed those requirements, or submit a cover letter that highlights EXACTLY how your background fits the requirements. If you're getting interviews but no call-backs, then you are doing SOMETHING wrong there and need to practice with someone willing to tell you what that might be. Hopefully the last six years' jobs have allowed you to keep up pertinent experience.

Hi Ann, Sorry to hear about your frustration but I wanna tell you that I share your pain if that makes you feel any better. I have an email folder full of these automated messages. Some companies have responded with a little more context to their decision which is helpful but the general response is thanks but no thanks. That's oaky though because I'm confident that I'll eventually make the right connection. Don't quit... someone will recognize your value!!!