What to Do When You’re Overqualified for a Job

It’s a given: When hiring, employers look for candidates who are a perfect match for the job—someone with the proper credentials, correct background, adequate experience, and suitable skill set. But what if you have all these and more? What if you want a position but are overqualified for the job?

The scenario is tricky. You work hard to further your education, gain experience, and work your way up in the field only to apply to job openings and find employers dismiss you because you’re “overqualified.” It feels unfair, too—like they want to punish you for being “too good” or achieving “too much.”

On the flip side, it may also be confusing for hirers to see a jobseeker apply for a position beneath their level. But hey! It happens – and there are plenty of reasons why. Maybe you’ve already reached a point in your career where you prefer more meaningful, and not necessarily ambitious, work. Maybe your priorities have changed, and you crave more work-life balance. Or perhaps you’re simply looking to explore a new career path, even if it means starting from scratch.

Sounds like you? Here, we give tips on how you can address this job-hunting obstacle and learn to be the candidate that any company needs to hire, overqualified or not.

What It Means to be Overqualified

In the hiring process, a qualified candidate meets the requirements –education, skills, experience – outlined in the job description. When you’re overqualified for a job, your credentials exceed what the position demands. Your resume likely shows an excess of qualifications better suited for a higher role. Because of this, a hirer may instantly disqualify you from contention.

Why Being Overqualified Can Be A Problem

Here are some things that go through the minds of employers when they see an overqualified candidate.

You’ll be bored, disengaged, and unhappy.

Companies naturally want people who are fully engaged in their work and are happy to perform their day-to-day tasks. When you’re overqualified, you might find the work unchallenging. Eventually, you may want to leave for an opportunity that lets you maximise your talents. Or, you may not be interested at all in doing your duties because you feel you’re “above” them. Either way, the employer suffers.

They’re concerned it might be temporary.

Any hirer would want someone who’ll commit to the company in the long run. But if your resume shows a significant gap—meaning, you’ve been unemployed for some time—an employer might think you want to get a job, any job until you find something for which you’re better suited. 

Your asking salary might be too high.

If you were already earning the big bucks in your previous job because of a higher position, an employer will be concerned that you will be demanding the same – a salary that matches your experience level—versus the range in place for the job you’re applying for.

You might not work well with less experienced team members. 

Since you’re overqualified, an employer may be concerned if you’ll be able to take direction from people who are less qualified on paper but are higher in position than you. Age is a factor, too. An employer may look at you and feel you may be too old to adapt and move quickly in the role like your younger peers.

How to Address Being Overqualified

Still, want the job despite being overqualified for it? There are several things you can do to shift things in your favour despite the above-mentioned challenges:

Be upfront.

If you want (or need) a job you’re overqualified for, it’s best to address the employer’s concerns upfront. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re seeking a lower-level position and be ready to handle the difficult questions during the interview. The key is honesty. 

If you’re switching industries, specify your goals and express your willingness to learn and start anew. If you’re aspiring for an improved work-life balance, be honest about your expectations and your priorities. If you simply need a job but can’t find anything at your current level, communicate that you’re willing to commit to a lower position to have a steady job. Whatever your reason is, make it clear to an employer why they should hire you.

Highlight what you can bring to the table.

While your resume may be impressive, the employer may be worried that hiring you will only bring problems instead of helping the company. Your goal is to debunk these fears by emphasising how your knowledge and expertise can benefit the company. In short, focus on the employers’ needs and spell out what they can gain from giving you a chance.

Commit.

One of the employer’s biggest fears is that you’ll keep looking for better opportunities and leave the company as soon as you have the chance, costing them time and resources. If you want the position and are willing to stay there, consider committing to the company for at least 12 to 18 months if hired. 

Be flexible with the salary.

Most employers assume you won’t be happy with a lower salary than you were previously making. Make it clear that you’re open to negotiation and that you’re only expecting a salary comparable to the position’s current market value. 

If you feel the company can give you more, though, you can also ask to revisit compensation talks after a certain period—when you’ve already shown them what you can do.

Network, network, network!

If you’re overqualified for the type of work you’re looking for, it’s even more important to reach out to your networks for leads on job openings. When people within your network refer you for a job opening, employers are typically more likely to give you a shot and at least allow you to explain why you’re applying for a lower position.

Bonus Tips For Your Cover Letter And Resume

Since the hiring process starts with the submission of your cover letter and resume, ensure that you tailor these to present you as an ideal and appropriately qualified candidate right from the beginning. Here are some tips:

Explain your intentions in the cover letter.

Use your cover letter to communicate why the job is right for you—even if you could be taking on a position at a higher level. Explain your reasons straightforwardly and professionally, putting the spotlight on what you can do for the company.

Customise your resume to suit the exact job requirements and description.

Make sure it shows how your education, skills, and experience match the job you want. Focus on qualifications that strongly suit the position.

Take off advanced degrees and less relevant experiences.

Is one page not enough for your long list of degrees and achievements? Trim some of them off and just focus on relevant studies and positions you’ve held. You can also forego qualifications that surpass the company’s needs for the role.

Use the summary or objective section to tell your story briefly. 

Aside from your cover letter, this is the best spot to briefly explain why you’re applying for the role—including why you’d like to take a lower-level position. Keep the language simple and uncomplicated.

Getting turned down from a job opening because you’re overqualified is just as frustrating as being rejected for not being qualified. With these strategies, though—and the right mindset—you can go from being an undesirable candidate to a brand new addition to the company of your choice.

For more tips on how to navigate your career, check out our Career Resources page or download JobStreet’s app available on the App Store and Google Play. #LetsGetToWork and create or update your JobStreet profile to search for new jobs and find opportunities.