How to Make the Most of a Job Youre Overqualified in - The Muse

How to Make the Most of a Job Youre Overqualified in - The MuseHow to Make the Most of a Job Youre Overqualified in You waltz off your college graduation stage, diploma in hand, just knowing that youre destined for greatness in your career. So, imagine your surprise when a few months later you find yourself as a receptionist with a completely unused bachelors degree. And you end up behind that desk for longer than you ever imagined. Yes, this is a true story. Well, ahem, its actually my story. Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately), I knew I welchesnt alone in those circumstances. Getting the job of your dreams (or even in your field) can be tough. And, you might just wind up working in a position that doesnt make great use of the degree you worked so hard for.Trust me, I know this is frustrating and even a little demoralizing. But, its not the end of the world. In fact, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your seemingly futile and unrelated job. Give these tactics a try to squeeze all that you can out of your current position. Or, just keep complaining. The choice is yours. 1. Ask for More ResponsibilityIf youre stuck in a position that you consider to be beneath you, youre likely bored silly at work. But, as much as you might like to assume otherwise, people cant actually read your mind. So, hows your manager supposed to know that youre feeling antsy at your desk?Never hesitate to approach your supervisor and request additional duties or responsibilities. I used this exact tactic while I worked as a receptionist, and was shocked at the extra things I was allowed to take on. I wound up managing the offices social media accounts and authoring blog posts. Not only did this fill my dragging days, but it also gave me some degree-relevant experience that I could add to my resume. Even if your manager doesnt have too much to offer you, chances are he or she will be grateful for your initiative. A positive impression on your superior? Well, that never hurts 2. Offer HelpSure, maybe your boss doesnt have any additional tasks to give you. But, open that same offer up to others in the office, and Im sure your schedule will fill up in a real hurry.Just because you feel underutilized in your position doesnt mean that everybody else in the office feels that way about their own jobs. In fact, plenty of your office peers likely feel completely overwhelmed by their daily duties. So, be that friendly co-worker who reaches out with an offer to help.Youll develop a great reputation amongst your colleagues. Plus, youll get to try different things and likely pick up a few new skills. (And if nothing else, youll pick up a few ideas of jobs youd never want to do.)3. Network, Network, NetworkMaybe you think youre grossly overqualified for your current position. But, that doesnt mean you cant do anything productive or beneficial while youre there. In fact, there are plenty of things you can accomplish that will actually help your career in the lo ng run- especially growing your network of professional contacts. Even if you know your existing job is just a stepping stone, you should put a lot of effort into networking both internally and externally. Utilize meetings and company events to have thoughtful conversations with your organizations clients, colleagues, and industry peers, and use all your thumb-twiddling free time to take a co-worker out to coffee (or, if more appropriate, drinks). Maybe you think that all youre getting out of your current job is some amazing Minesweeper skills- and you wont be listing that on your resume. But, that well-connected contact you met at the company holiday party? Well, he or she might actually come in handy. So, make sure you leave a great impression. 4. Stay PositiveBeing trapped in a job when you know youre overqualified is frustrating. Like I said, Ive been there. But, its important to keep your chin upYour attitude can have a big impact on the way you actually feel about your positio n. So, sulking into the office day in and day out with a negative mindset will likely only make you feel worse about your job. Also, try to remember that even if this position isnt your ideal, youre still learning new skills- including time management, organization, and getting along with others. When I was a receptionist, I became a master of managing a multi-line phone. Eventually, when I moved on to interview for a marketing assistant position with a new company, guess what I was asked- if I knew how to operate a multi-line phone It was a small office, and they had hopes that the marketing position could fill in on phones when the receptionist was out. Needless to say, I got the job. Sure, my multi-line phone expertise wasnt my only qualifying skill. But, it certainly didnt hurt my chances. So, stay positive and remember that any job experience is still experience- regardless of how mundane or useless you think it is. 5. Organize Your ExitMaking the most of your current job is gr eat. But, nobody is so nave to think that youll never move up- and probably out. So, if you spend your days just twiddling your thumbs or twirling your hair at your desk, why not work on organizing your exit?What exactly does this mean? Well, use your spare time to document your daily tasks and duties. Create manuals and standard operating procedures that detail how you get through your day, so that the person who eventually takes over your job has an easier time getting acclimated. Remember he or she might not be as overqualified as you- and will think fondly about the person who did all this work.This is especially helpful if you end up moving up within the same company. Its just less time youll need to spend training your replacement But, either way, your employer will be incredibly grateful for your initiative and organization. Plus, this will give you something to do- other than staring at the clock and weeping on the inside. Working a job that you feel overqualified for can de finitely be disheartening. But, its up to you to make the best of it Put these tips into action to get all that you can out of your current position- and impress your employer in the process.Photo of bored man courtesy of Shutterstock.