Remember that the job of your resume is to get you interviews. If your phone isn't ringing, your resume isn't working.
Rule number 1 is to make sure you adjust your resume for each job you apply for by altering accomplishments (bullets under the job title), skills and experience listed in your summary, the extent of work history you list (really there is seldom a need to go back more than 10-15 years), and anything else that needs to be adjusted or eliminated to create the right level of experience (I am not endorsing lying here).
If you've done all that, you might call it dummying down, however, it really is just sharing the relevant experiences/accomplishments. Focus on what the employer needs.
JT O'Donnell's blog, Career Realism explored this topic the other day. She and Dale discussed the employers logic a bit. What I loved most about this post was that they recommended networking!
If you are networking, you will be much more likely to gain the like-ability advantage and less likely to be seen as overqualified. Why, because, if someone says, "I met a talented X who might be a solution to our problem. They seemed really competent and I enjoyed meeting him". or "I used to work with X, and she's the kind of person who doesn't quit until the job is done. She's had many successes and I think she'd be a real asset here".
When all is said it done, at some point, you are going to have the conversation about why you are interested in the job- be able to speak convincingly about why this is a good career move for you. Also be able to tell them what benefit you will add to the organization as well as know how this job will benefit you (besides financially). You will be asked, why are you interested in this job, and your answer needs to go beyond "I need a paycheck".
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.