Years ago, while tidying up our office at work, I came across my own job application. In the top right corner, the recruiting manager had scrawled, “Overqualified??”
At interview, they had clearly decided that I wasn’t, but just weeks into the role I realised that I probably was. Still, I stuck with it, thinking of it as a foot in the door.
There are many reasons people apply for jobs they seem to be overqualified for. Discrimination in the job market, for example. Or the desire to obtain that all-important experience employers demand.
The need to secure an income following a sudden redundancy, perhaps. The disadvantage of introversion or a lack of confidence. They may even be attempting to change direction, in pursuit of more meaningful work.
It’s sad that applicants who may turn out to be their best employee yet are frequently rejected by recruiting managers based on specious reasoning that they have too much knowledge, skills or experience.
Is it not possible that they could be your greatest asset?
Last modified: 22 September 2024
