What to Do When an Interviewer Thinks You're Overqualified

Have you ever been told that you are “overqualified” for a job?  Recently a Milton resident was told just that. Here is her question and my suggestions to help her overcome this roadblock to employment. 

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A recruiter has gotten feedback about me that employers think that I am “overqualified” for the positions that I’m applying for. I am looking for any full-time job at a State agency, as I am currently working only two part-time jobs, each with limited hours. I am willing to start at the bottom and work my way up. How can I convince an employer that this is true, and that I am the right person for the job?

Your question is an excellent one, and reflects a situation that many job-seekers encounter. When an employer has the perception that a candidate might be overqualified for a job, he or she may be entertaining one or more of the following concerns.  

During your interview, try to listen for what I call the unspoken question behind the question, so that you can address the interviewer’s concerns. For example, an interviewer will rarely say to you that you are overqualified for the job. You may need to ask the interviewer probing questions to find out what he or she is thinking.

If you think that the interviewer is concerned that you will soon become bored with the job or that you are using the job as a stop-gap measure and will leave as soon as you find a more challenging position, you might try saying something like, “I have identified working full-time in a State agency as my goal, and recognize that I need to start at the bottom to get my foot in the door. I am a hard-worker, detail-oriented, and I would be willing to make a commitment to this position. What kind of commitment are you looking for in an applicant?”

If the employer seems to be wondering whether there’s something “wrong” with you because you are applying for a position that appears to be less demanding, prestigious, or responsible than positions that you’ve  held in the past, you need to persuade the employer that it makes sense for you to be doing so. 

There’s nothing wrong with occasionally doing what looks like stepping backward before you are able to move forward, and you can be honest and tell the employer that. You can even take the offensive by saying something like, “You may be surprised that I am applying for an entry-level position when I’ve held positions with more responsibility in the past, but I want to get my foot in the door with the State.” Be clear and convincing about your goals, and assure the interviewer that you will be happy in the position.

You may sometimes meet a supervisor who appears uneasy about job security, and is worrying about being laid off. This is a particularly tricky concern to address. The last person an interviewer who is insecure in their own job wants to hire is the candidate who has the qualifications and capability to do the interviewer’s job! This type of interviewer may feel threatened by experienced candidates and instead want to hire less-experienced applicants who barely meet the entry-level job requirements. 

If the supervisor is truly concerned about job security, there may be nothing that you can do or say that will allay the supervisor’s fears.  But you might try, by interjecting some humor, and saying something like:  “You may think that I am overqualified for this position. But wouldn’t you rather hire someone who is overqualified than someone who is under-qualified?”  If nothing else, you may gain the tactical advantage of a surprise offense – which sometimes is the best defense.

For older workers, being told that they are “overqualified” presents an even more difficult challenge. At times, “overqualified” is simply a code word for “too old."  Of course, most employers won’t come out and admit that.  Age discrimination in hiring does exist – although it is extremely difficult to prove. You need to focus on demonstrating your enthusiasm, energy and youthfulness; your qualifications for the position; and your willingness to work hard.  

The best advice is for you to remain positive and confident about your qualifications and the choices that you are making in the job search.  Good luck, and may be the best qualified – or even over-qualified - candidate win.