Underemployment v Unemployment

With the current job situation proving difficult is it wise to work in a role that is below your skills and standards but you can do?

Seen roles that I can do but when applied was told I was to senior for this but all I want to do is work?

Also seen people offered jobs that don't take them as they are to junior for them and wait for another role but maybe still waiting?

How can one go about getting an underemployment role other than dumbing down, for want of a better word, their CV?

Looking for users input.

Thanks.

I work for a Recruitment Agency and we have many people at the moment applying for positions for which they are overqualified or have too much experience. Our clients are very wary of offering roles to overqualified / too experienced candidates as they fear that the job satisfaction won't be there and the candidate will leave again as soon as something better comes up.

Had the same problem myself a few years back during the recession in the UK and, after being turned down for numerous jobs for being overqualified or too experienced, I had to resort to dumbing down the CV and I got a good job. I was promoted a few months later to a position I would have been qualified / experienced for in the first place.

The whole thing is relevant to yourself. You're over qualified; you get a job that is "beneath" you. You need the money for use, self-esteem, sanity, independence etc.

I would have no problem working in the galleys even if once I was an officer. I believe cream will always rise to the top no matter what. You have to start or re-start somewhere. The longer you are unemployed the longer it will take to resettle. A half a loaf was always better than no loaf.

When applying for a specific post, tailor your CV to the requirements. Leave out or rephrase anything that would not help your application, without, of course, leaving gaps in your CV. That should get you an interview, and your enthusiasm and ability should then shine out.

Thanks Managed to get a job but its not what I ideally want but it pays the bills. Yes I do tailor my CV to each role. Its a difficult market out there and dealing with agencies can be a strain with them not getting back. One agency arranged an interview for me which I did but in between I got offered a job and took it. Informed the agency after the interview and was told it now puts them in an awkward situation as they have to go back to the employer explaining this and that they may offer role to someone else as I now have a job? I said if I was right for the role there should be no issue and I would be still interested in the role. Felt a bit annoyed as up to now agent has got me a few interviews but did not even congratulate me on my job.