Have you ever been told by a recruiter that you're "overqualified" for the job? That doesn't make too much sense, does it? Either you have the requisite skills and experience to do the job, or you don't. Then what does that word mean?
Many people believe that "you're overqualified" is just a euphemism for "you're too old." That could be one of the ways that "overqualified" is used, but it is definitely not the only way.
Very often, rejecting someone using this word is seen as the kindest thing to do, even when it is not actually the reason. The reason could be anything. Perhaps you are just not the right fit, or you rubbed someone the wrong way during the interview, or simply because the interviewer didn't quite like you.
On the other hand, there are lots of people who apply for jobs that need less experience than what they have. This could be due to a number of reasons. Perhaps the candidate is looking for a better work-life balance. Or perhaps he is exploring a new industry or domain. Or he might be looking at a different role in the industry and so is ready to start at a lower level than he was at. So is it fair to dismiss him with the "overqualified" tag?
But what stops people from hiring people they think are "overqualified" for the job? Some of the reasons are that they think:
- She might get bored.
- The salary is lesser than what she is getting.
- She might be using this as a stepping stone to something else.
- This might just be a temporary thing. She'll leave the moment she finds something better.
- She might not be open to working under someone who is younger/less qualified than her.
- She might prove to be my rival for promotions in the near future.
If you are applying for a job for which you might be considered overqualified, it helps to know what you could do to defend your application.
For example, if someone calls you overqualified, you could say, "How do you think my greater experience will affect my ability to do the job?" Then they will be forced to specify the reason they called you overqualified, after which you can address their concerns with confidence. You need to provide assurance that their fears are baseless, and explain why you are applying for this job even though it might seem like a let down after all the previous experience.
Or you could take their statement and convert it into something positive and say, "Yes! My greater number of years of experience and higher skills will mean that I might bring better value to the job!"
Another way to preempt the "overqualified" tag is through your cover letter. Mention only the relevant skills and experience you have for the job, and even in the interview, downplay your other degrees/skills/abilities (but don't hide them) and just stick to what is required for that job.
But if you are in the job search market, and if you are repeatedly hearing the "Overqualified" word, you might want to sit back, think about it, re-estimate your skills and what you are looking for, and reword your resume and cover letter based on what kind of job you are targeting. (Ask the experts!) In any case, don't let the "Overqualified" tag weigh you down!
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