What does “you’re over qualified” mean?

July 26, 2006 · Filed Under Finding Your Job 

You go through sending your resume, following up and being a good overall job seeker. And then you get to the part where the hiring manager or the recruiter gives you feedback regarding why you weren’t considered for a job. As Dano writes:

“can you tell me what does the phrase “you are over qualified” mean? i have been trying to find employment through a staffing co and after three interviews. this is what the staffing co. told me. i did not get the job. is this a red flag for future interviews??? “

I can tell you what I mean when I say that. Pats got it mostly right: it is an issue of fit. I wouldn’t hire a VP of Sales to mop the floors (however much I would enjoy the sight). You want someone who will like the job, who will do well, and who will stay (i.e. not turnover). People within the range of experience (and not above or below) do the best. That’s why we develop, test and use job descriptions. But there is a dirty side to this comment as well.

Some HR people, in a moment of sympathy for a job seeker they have to reject, will use it as a compliment or a “poo poo” phrase. It’s to make you leave without them feeling guilty or you feeling angry. You can tell this is the case if the jobs you are applying to seem to be well within the range of your experience. If that is the case, try to think of other things that might have happened throughout the process that could have influenced the decision.
To give you a real life example, my father applied for a job after many years of owning his own business. He was staying in the same industry but it was a demotion of sorts from a business owner. He was told the overqualified bit several times before he finally got a job. And guess what? Those people that said he was overqualified (i.e. not a good fit) were right. He didn’t last more than a couple years before he started his own business again.

As a side note, welcome to all the new visitors to this website. I have received a bit of an influx this week and while I am not sure where it is coming from, I am hoping that this site is useful for you. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Check out HRM Today for the latest in the HR blogosphere.

Comments

11 Responses to “What does “you’re over qualified” mean?”

  1. Josh Crowl on July 26th, 2006 12:58 pm

    Your hit increase is probably because you’ve been featured on MY.Yahoo.com. That’s how I found you. Nice site… :)

    [Reply]

  2. Nick G. on July 26th, 2006 1:23 pm

    I also saw your site on Yahoo. I’m an HR professional and get a kick out of the threads. Keep them coming.

    [Reply]

  3. Jamie S on July 26th, 2006 2:01 pm

    Your blog was featured on My Yahoo homepage this week, so I clicked the link. I’m having some issues w/my immediate manager, and your blog immediately peaked my interest. Unfortunately, I did not see any posts that were related to my situation, but I’ll keep checking…

    [Reply]

  4. Lexy C. on July 26th, 2006 2:26 pm

    Yeah, I saw it on Yahoo too and was an HR professional for a few years as well… this is great! Love seeing your feedback!

    [Reply]

  5. Your HR Guy on July 26th, 2006 2:27 pm

    All good to hear. Thanks folks!

    [Reply]

  6. CJ McDonald on July 26th, 2006 2:39 pm

    Yes, I found it on Yahoo too. :)
    …..back to the overqualified guy and things that make you say hmmmm– Might it possibly mean that your salary requirements are too high and they’s rather select someone slightly less qualified, yet capable and not require the high end of a salary range?

    [Reply]

  7. CJ McDonald on July 26th, 2006 2:40 pm

    Yes, I found it on Yahoo too. :)
    …..back to the overqualified guy and things that make you say hmmmm– Might it possibly mean that your salary requirements are too high and they’d rather select someone slightly less qualified, yet capable and not require the high end of a salary range?

    [Reply]

  8. Taryn on July 27th, 2006 1:23 pm

    Hey HR Guy,
    I’m a former HR person too. How did you get featured on My Yahoo? that’s where I found you too

    [Reply]

  9. LC on July 27th, 2006 10:03 pm

    Yeah, this was on my My Yahoo! too, I clicked on one thread & spent about an hour reading. I like it! Am a lowly payroll clerk but no harm in learning some HR stuff. Thanks for the site.

    [Reply]

  10. maxie on July 29th, 2006 7:49 pm

    As an HR generalist, I have certainly passed on applicants due to overqualification. What I have found to be the hardest thing for rejected applicants to grasp is that just because they will “take anything” does not mean that they can “do anything” or that they will “stay anywhere” - and THAT’S the issue. Sure, I bet that many candidates with multiple years of experience and advanced skills would have accepted the entry level positions I didn’t offer them, when they were desperate for a foot in the door with my company or when they have been unemployed for months…and they may have done well in the positions - for a little while. However, that desperation goes away fast…and then what? A bored employee who feels underpaid due to his past experience and qualifications. No thank you! Not good for the candidate, not good for my company.

    [Reply]

  11. Marvin Walberg on December 11th, 2007 2:25 pm

    Happy Holidays!

    Marvin

    [Reply]

Leave a Reply




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