[Jobs] Addressing being out of work for an extended period

[James Pelfrey]

Hello list, Jim Pelfrey here.  I don't post a lot.  Right now I am engaged
in a job search.  My background is in higher education administration.  I
have had recent phone interviews, and have one up coming on Tuesday.  I have
not worked at a University for 3.5 years.  Feedback I am getting is that
this is a factor.  Questions, any advice on how to address being out of the
field?
If I apply for an entry level position in higher ed, or something outside my
area, I get the over qualified excuse.    I have tried to emphasize that I 
am current
in my area, have under gone additional computer training, do public
speaking, and am well qualified.  I am also looking at other training
opportunities like statler which I have previously written about.    Any 
insight you
all can provide will be greatly appreciated.  Many thanks

James Pelfrey and Seeing Eye dog Opal.
 Home Phone: (314)843-0006.
Mobile Phone (573)450-1647.
 Home address, 9429 Mary Glen Drive  apartment A,    St. Louis, Mo.
63126.
  Home email,
jamespelfrey at charter.net

"America is woven of many strands, I would recognize them and let it so 
remain.... Our fate is to become one and yet many." -- Ralph Ellison