Why Being Overqualified Can Get You Rejected

Robby

Everyone who is seeking a job knows that being overqualified can be just as bad as being underqualified. But there are tons of reasons beyond the obvious why you may be rejected for knowing too much.

That’s the topic of a list of nine reasons overqualified jobseekers are rejected from JobMob. Most of their suggestions are fairly self-evident. Employers are concerned (#1) they can’t pay you the market rate for your skills, (#2) they won’t be able to keep you long, and (#3) you won’t want to do menial tasks.

© Flickr User Taavi Randmaa

But there are bigger issues at work that everyone should be aware of. To quote from the article:

6. Manager views you as a potential internal competitor

Many bosses and managers are insecure in their roles, regardless of whether they merit them or not. But when along comes a candidate like you who might deserve their role even more – even if that’s not the job you’re currently being considered for – their forward-looking inferiority complex will push them to push you far, far away.

If a potential boss sees you as a future threat, ‘you’re overqualified.’

Another problem I’ve written about here before: age discrimination in the workplace. The blog post explains:

5. Employer concern about younger people managing older people

If your potential boss is younger, especially if they’re much younger, they might be anxious about how you’d respond to their authority. It doesn’t even matter how old you are, or if you’ve even been in a similar situation before.

If employers think your relationship with their younger manager might be a problem, ‘you’re overqualified.’

The best solution is to only apply for jobs for which you are appropriate. Or if you need to find work, consider masking your experience and expertise.

But ultimately, being overqualified can be a curse. Keep this in mind in your job hunt.