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Local employers continue to share that more and more applicants vying for employment are overqualified for the position. With more people looking for work, and fewer places hiring, applicants are looking for any opportunity.

The issue of overqualified applicants, as with all situations, has two sides. First, there is the employer perspective. Do I consider someone who is overqualified? What will this mean to my business? Second, there is the applicant’s perspective. Should I apply for a job that I know I am overqualified for? Is there anything I can do to increase my chances? There are questions and concerns for both sides.

For the employer, one of the biggest concerns about whether to hire overqualified applicants is the fear that they will jump ship as soon as a more lucrative offer comes along. Employers want to hire individuals who will stay and grow with the company.

We suggest that employers find out why the individual is interested in the position. It may not be what you think. Perhaps the commute is shorter, they will be closer to family, the position offers better benefits or they want to hone their core skills. Any of these reasons should stifle the worries about this being a short-term solution.

Employers also may be concerned that an overqualified new hire may have more experience than his or her supervisor. Resolving this concern lies in understanding your current employees. If you are truly considering an applicant, it is always best to have the manager meet with the applicant and let him or her decide if it would be an appropriate situation.

Finally, many employers are concerned about whether overqualified individuals will feel entitled to higher starting salaries or more frequent increases, even for their lower level position. To ensure this isn’t an issue, employers should map out the organization’s merit increases and promotions process during the interview. It is the employer’s job to set expectations.

For the applicant, it can be very frustrating to be told that you’re overqualified. But it is important to consider the concerns above. Employers have been burned before. Use the following suggestions to increase your chance of landing the job.

Rework your resume to include fewer dates. You don’t want to downplay your accomplishments, but not advertising when you graduated from college may frame your experience a bit differently.

Use a detailed cover letter. If you are aware that the job would be a step down, explain why you’re applying. You may not get an interview to explain, so use the cover letter as your opportunity. Be clear that you are interested in the company for the long term, and list any other reasons that might validate your commitment.

Be sure to follow up. After submitting your resume, contact the hiring manager to confirm they received your resume and restate the reasons why you are perfect for the position.

For employers or applicants the prospect of confronting the “overqualified” label can be daunting. Just remember that in the end, everyone’s focus is the same – the success of the company.