What if an Employer Tells You That You’re Overqualified for a Job?

“You’re overqualified for this job.” For many of us, it can be a puzzling reason for rejection from a potential employer. If your job search has been lengthy, the feelings of dejection may be even worse. So what should you do if an employer says you’re overqualified? Move on to the next role or try self-advocacy?

By Mariah Flores

One of the worst things you can hear as a job seeker is, “You’re overqualified for this role.”?

This phrase can be gut-wrenching, especially if you have been searching for a long time. It can feel like there is no hope. You feel dejected, rejected and just plain inadequate. Yes, as contradictory as that sounds, it isn’t always seen as a compliment.

“To job seekers, being told they're overqualified can feel like being told by a date that they're too funny or good-looking — and leaves them wondering why it's a deal-breaker,” according to U.S. News .?

And then your mind starts running wild, spewing all sorts of doubtful thoughts.?

“Is something wrong with my resume?”?

“Why did they interview me, only to reject me?”

“Don’t I at least deserve a chance?”

“Are there any jobs I’m ‘qualified’ for, if not this one?”?

And finally, “What does 'being overqualified' even mean?”

If you are constantly being dismissed as “overqualified” or “highly skilled as a candidate,” it can be tough to know how to potentially advocate for yourself and the position at stake. And with 11.4 million job openings , it’s almost unfathomable to understand why employers are so picky at times.?

Two established LinkedIn members share their advice on navigating this seemingly confusing term and time. They provide insight on what it means to be labeled as “overqualified” and what to do about it.?

What Does “Overqualified” Mean??

First and foremost, a definition is needed before we dive into how to respond to being called “overqualified.”

Jasmine Escalera, Ph.D. , career and confidence coach for women of color and LinkedIn Top Voice 2022 recently spoke with my colleague Helen Harris about what being overqualified truly means.?

“Being overqualified for a job means that you exceed the experience level that is required to perform the actual job,” she said. “In job descriptions, there are requirements and experience that are requested for opportunities. And being overqualified truly means that when you read that job description, you can really do and master everything that that position is requesting — and then probably some more.”?

In short, your skills and experience exceed what’s needed for the position according to the job description.?

Overqualified? Here are Some Reasons Why

Theresa White , a career clarity coach & job search strategist, sheds light on what the hiring manager might actually be thinking when they encounter an “overqualified” candidate.

• Your salary expectations may be too high
• You won’t stay long because you’ll be bored
• Ageism, but this can be expanded to all forms of discrimination
• They are insecure because you are actually more qualified than them

For some recruiters or hiring managers, they also view an overqualified candidate as someone who may not be a good cultural fit, get bored easily and become an attrition risk or possibly doesn’t quite understand the role they’re applying for. The reasons are numerous and vary from company to company.

But, as noted in the Fast Company piece by Emily McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza , it should be on the prospective candidates to decide if they’re overqualified for a role and not companies.?

The Great Resignation has shown that this is still a candidate’s market, with many people rejecting the traditional upward mobility in their careers. Maybe they want to make a lateral move within a company or sector or try something entirely new.?

“[W]hat about professionals who want to move down a peg — or two, or three?” asked McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza.

People have various reasons for applying for roles that may seem out of their league and that’s no else’s business — not their colleagues’ or future employers’. Instead, recruiters, hiring managers and employers should focus on the individual and what they add to the company and its culture , beyond their many qualifications. Time to stop gatekeeping.?

Best Responses to “You’re Overqualified for This Job”

Did you read over White’s list of reasons a hiring manager may call you “overqualified” and think, “That’s exactly what I’m experiencing!” You’re in luck, because she graciously provided me with some ways to respond:

• “You’ll get bored”: Be honest, enthusiastic and upfront about your reasons for applying.
• “We can’t properly compensate you”: Express how you are open to negotiating a salary that fits their budget.
• The hiring manager is insecure: “Talk about your ability to take direction and collaborate with diverse groups of people,” says White.?

Be cautious, as that last point may be a major red flag. You need to think about if you really want to work for that manager.

When asked what to do if an employer says you’re overqualified, senior digital marketing manager and resume writer Maya James provides another useful response that all job seekers can use, especially when responding over the phone or by email:?

“I appreciate you acknowledging that my skill set is advanced and it makes me overqualified for the position.?

However, I’ve researched your company and I applied for this role in particular because I love what the company has built (including a fact about the company that explains why you like the company) and I know the value that I can bring to this role. My career path can be utilized in this way (and explain why you’re an asset).?

And, I know for sure that I can help the company exceed KPIs and company goals based on my extensive work history.”

With a response like the one above, explain your “Why” for applying and directly address their concerns of overqualification.

Your Response Matters

Many employers don’t expect a candidate to push back after being rejected for overqualification. By doing so, you’re actually showcasing grit and willingness to communicate. Make sure you approach the situation with grace and respect, or else it could backfire on you.?

I commonly like to remind myself that career growth and job searching are all about building bridges, not burning them. This sentiment remains steadfast, especially when facing a position I may come off as too qualified for.

So the next time you hear, “You’re overqualified,” look at it as an opportunity to stick up for yourself. It can look like politely explaining why you think you’re, in fact, the perfect candidate or seeking out other positions that can give you the pay and responsibilities you deserve. As the saying goes: one door closes and another opens.

Struggling to build a professional brand, regardless of your experience and qualifications? This #GetHired Live with Diana YK Chan is a must-watch:?

Top Takeaways?

“You’re overqualified for this job or role.” How do you respond??

• Overqualified candidates exceed the experience requirements needed to perform a certain role, but they shouldn’t necessarily be disregarded.
• Reasons for rejection based on overqualification include salary, insecurity, potential for resignation and sometimes discrimination, such as ageism.?
• If you do respond, do so with grace, enthusiasm and all the reasons beyond your qualifications for applying to the role.
• Employers, sometimes job seekers want to travel “down the ladder” .