Dear Maria, as you said the time you had spent as a GM you must somehow display an illustration of that experience that they needed, through your cover letter, profile, or whatever communication available..., and also be prepared to confront the reality of you called the previous position, you have nothing to be afraid of whatever went wrong, just to speak out they downturn while you display your way of propensity that they did not admit for an adding-value, get the culture and learn from it, Buena suerte!

ITS TOUGH TO DO BUT LESS ON THE RESUME IS ACTUALLY BETTER. IT USE TO BE, WORK HARD IN SCHOOL--- GET GOOD GRADES AND THE MOST QUALIFIED GETS THE JOB. LOL.... NOW, PEOPLE ARE WORIED YOU WILL TAKE THEIR JOB SO THE SECERT IS TO HAVE 6 OUT OF 10 THINGS THEY WANT AND TO SOMEHOW CONVINCE THE PERSON INTERVIEWING YOU----- YOUR JUST LOOKING TO BE A PART OF A TEAM. IF MANAGEMENT QUESTION COMES UP, ITS NOT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE, THEY WANT TO KNOW IF YOUR A CORPORATE LADDER PERSON OR A TRUE TEAM PLAYER. IT A TRAP QUESTION. LET YOUR PERFORMANCE AND ABILITY TO GET ALONG WITH PEERS DEVELOP AND YOU MIGHT FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR TEAM THAN SOMEONE WHO COMES IN WITH BIG IDEAS ON HOW IT WORK FOR THEM AT THIER LAST JOB. MY QUESTION FOR THOSE PEOPLE, IS WHY ARE YOU THEN WORKING HERE? RESEARCH SHOWS why those interviewee are applying for other jobs. Don't be frustrated . if getting a job that meets your needs-- takes time. It will be worth it. your not alone.

If you are in retail, you will continue to be recruited hard to stay in the GM position since no one is breaking down the door to take this position. If you can come up with a plausible explanation (even if it is a white lie) such as caring for a family member, i.e., something that requires more of your time outside work, explain to the recruiter that you need this time at this point since being a GM is so demanding and you do want to ensure that you would be able to give a GM position the time it deserves---an ASM position would work best at this time. You have to at least give the recruiter the impression that you would be amenable to the GM position down the road.

Once you convince the recruiter and get hired, I would then work immediately to change your field of endeavor without hesitation. This may mean learning some new skills, but NOW IS THE TIME--DO NOT WAIT. Trust me---Retail Management is like Hotel California (you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave!). You know and I know that your skills are transferable---some how the outside world never got that message---I have been in it all my life---you look very young---MAKE YOUR MOVE---GOOD LUCK!!

I love to help the needy! My dream is to start a business to help the homeless take showers feed and clothe them

Hello Maria, Hang in there & don't be weak. You have been BLESSED with the position that you have NOW. Coach Barry Switzer said, " Never turn down a challenge". That is a sign of weekness for you. Show them what YOU are Made of. Be STRONGER than your opponent. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Maria. YOU CAN DO IT.

This is most certainly a frustrating situation, and unfortunately, an occurrence which is presenting all too often these days! Honestly, it's anybody's guess as to why this is such an ongoing trend, however, in all likelihood the issue is the almighty dollar. In my opinion, the potential employer is thinking about your qualifications and the salary/ pay rate that you may request based on those qualifications versus what their budget for the position will allow. For this reason, I would recommend making a point of this matter during the interview process. Be sure to ask about the average historical pay of the position for which you're applying; and be sure to discuss what you're willing to accept, were you to be offered the position.

Additionally, there is a potential that others my feel threatened if you were to come onboard in a subordinate position if your superiors have less qualifications than you. They may foresee the possibility that you may begin to attempt to take over or "steal" positions; or appoint yourself into a status of more authority than your position provides. In this instance, I would recommend making sure to voice your ambitions and reasoning for wanting to take a step back in your career. Simply explain that you only want to go to work, do your job, and go home without all of the added stress and responsibility that upper management positions require.

Ultimately, the base issue for your conundrum may be completely different from these possibilities, however, when it comes down to it, just show that you're ready and willing to work in a subordinate capicity, and follow the policies, procedures, and protocols already in place for thier company. Best of luck to you!!

Go for something else..go for another position then as time goes on, you can get your GM position back. Or you start your own business and be the GM of your business..

I have the same problem too

If your over qualified, which I can identify with, then plead your desire for the position. Tell any possible employer or hiring agent what you desire. Why you want the position and finally, tell them your long and short term objectives with coming “on board” GL Rosie

You might be able to step down if you imply and apply for places that just want to consider you as someone who wants to start over and do over. so what you are implying is either directly or indirectly that you're applying to this particular company because it's a do-over for you and you want to pay your dues and you want to learn the job and then work your way up so to speak then it looks like you do want the promotion whether you do or not of course be prepared. So you might apply for jobs that are a little outside of your comfort zone and consider how your experience has lateral application for it and that way that adds Credence to why you're asking for a lower management position because you don't know that type of business for an example