Overqualifed for a Job

[doglover29]

I have a graduate degree in a field I didn't want to work in. After I graduated, I applied to jobs in other fields (for example, non-profits) and attempted to make a strong case for why my education/degree would be an asset in the new field. No one would hire me.

I kept being told I was overqualified over and over again. It was so frustrating. In the past several years, I have had the following types of jobs because I couldn't find the kind of job I was looking for: retail, secretary, a couple other entry-level jobs, and currently, a job where I make a little over $10 per hour. And I had to volunteer first in this job in order to get a foot in the door. Being overqualified sucks! Every employer questions your motivations. Everyone tells you that you will just quit as soon as you find a job in your field.

I did leave my degree off my resume a bunch of times, but I didn't really find it led to more interviews that way.

I have now decided to switch fields and go back to school for a whole new career.

[mkfarnam]

I've been considered overqualified. I put it this way:
"If I'm too good for them, then they sure as hell aren't good enough for me"


Also, I think that the word(s) "overqualified" is sometimes used just to make the person being rejected, not feel so bad............or for selfesteem purposes.

[findingmesomeday]

I get this story a lot too.

I just got it about a month ago for a position that was definitely right up my ally. The recruiter called me a few days after I got the standard "thanks but no thanks" letter after the interview process. She said "I never do this but I felt I had to tell you---the reason you didn't get that job is that the hiring authority (the boss) was very threatened by you. This person was afraid you'd walk in and expose her for her lack of knowledge. Everyone else loved you."

So that supports one theory of why we're told we're overqualified.

I just heard it again via email yesterday. I submitted my stats for an out-of-town position and got a note back from the hiring manager saying she was impressed with my credentials but that the position was really too junior for me. Ok, I do have a lot of work experience--more than this particular position would dictate. But I've been out of the work force for a while and quite honestly, with what I've got going on in my personal life (nothing bad, just the chaotic kids/household/stuff), I don't want a top level job. So bottom line, I'd like to decide FOR MYSELF, whether or not I'm overqualified. If I feel I'm overqualfied, I won't send in my resume.

I wish she had called me. I would have said this over the phone. But to write back and say this sounds junvenile.

[11thHour]

I agree with what other's have said: "Overqualified" is just code word for employer insecurity. It points not to faults of your own, but to faults of the employer.

[LoveBoating]

Have to agree!!!

Originally Posted by TracySam

Great comeback for that one!

I personally love to find someone I consider "overqualified" who really wants a job with my organization! If they have benefits elsewhere and seem to want this position because it something they love and will be committed to, I say
"overqualified, schmoverqualified, when can you start?"

[jamesandveybe]

Originally Posted by findingmesomeday

If I feel I'm overqualfied, I won't send in my resume.

Agreed. In parts of the country hit harder by the recession, employers are receiving HUNDREDS of resumes for every one job advertised. For jobs that I could excel at but nevertheless am overqualified in their eyes, knowing employer paranoia, I wouldn't waste the time, stamp or printer ink.

And don't think your superior tenure at your last position will change their mind about you, and soothe their worries about you taking their position until you find a better fit. It won't help.