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You are in an interview and the interviewer says "you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position", how do you answer?
Always a difficult question for me, it's why I ask it where this situation applies in an interview.
Surely isn't it a case if somebody is over qualified that it's just a benefit to you?
Alternatively the person might leave, or might not be motivated in the role.
How would you answer?
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Surely isn't it a case if somebody is over qualified that it's just a benefit to you?
Alternatively the person might leave, or might not be motivated in the role.
How would you answer?
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October 02, 2009 12:28 PM
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This is an easy one for me to answer!
I say:
Please continue to consider me for this position. My experience has taught me that there are always new and interesting thing to learn. I would not have applied for <> if I wasn't sure that I would find it interesting and engaging. I don't apply for positions that I don't completely research and not only am I sure that I would enjoy working for <> as <> but I know that my experience would allow me to excel at this position.
However, this is often futile. I've found that when someone brings out the "overqualified" statement, they're often saying "you're qualified, but you're not quite right".
Qualification and experience really is a double edged sword. If at all possible, find out what the salary rage / budget is before applying. This way, you'll be able to trim your qualifications down if need be.
I say:
Please continue to consider me for this position. My experience has taught me that there are always new and interesting thing to learn. I would not have applied for <> if I wasn't sure that I would find it interesting and engaging. I don't apply for positions that I don't completely research and not only am I sure that I would enjoy working for <> as <> but I know that my experience would allow me to excel at this position.
However, this is often futile. I've found that when someone brings out the "overqualified" statement, they're often saying "you're qualified, but you're not quite right".
Qualification and experience really is a double edged sword. If at all possible, find out what the salary rage / budget is before applying. This way, you'll be able to trim your qualifications down if need be.
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• Clearly demonstrated knowledge and experience of the subject matter.
Well done Rob!
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October 02, 2009 02:52 PM
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Rob has a good answer. I have often gotten the overqualified in the past too. It was tough for me, because the truth usually wouldn't have gotten me the job. I had a tendency back when I worked for other people instead of myself, to job hop. I would stay in a job until I got all the 'straightening out' that needed doing done, and then I'd set up new systems, and fix everything, but when it got down to the day to day tasks of just doing the job, I got bored, and I'd move on.
I would look for jobs not so much by what they paid but by what potential they had to keep my mind occupied. I hated stagnation and boredom. Boy, I don't have any of that now.
So the way I used to answer it was to honestly lie... that is, tell a truth that isn't quite completely true but could be.
For example, I once said that I was looking for a less demanding job because I wanted to spend more time focusing on my education. Or... I am changing fields, and I know that in a different field, it's best to start from the ground up. These things aren't necessarily untrue, they just aren't quite the reasons for me.
Anyway, Rob's answer is good about the things to say.... in the end, jobs just aren't as easy to come by anymore, so I think employers are focusing on 'overqualified' less then before. After all, we have people with degrees driving trucks or busses becaues that's what's paying the bills, and I know a guy with a master's who is delivering pizza because he can get 40 bucks per hour doing it on a Saturday night.
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I would look for jobs not so much by what they paid but by what potential they had to keep my mind occupied. I hated stagnation and boredom. Boy, I don't have any of that now.
So the way I used to answer it was to honestly lie... that is, tell a truth that isn't quite completely true but could be.
For example, I once said that I was looking for a less demanding job because I wanted to spend more time focusing on my education. Or... I am changing fields, and I know that in a different field, it's best to start from the ground up. These things aren't necessarily untrue, they just aren't quite the reasons for me.
Anyway, Rob's answer is good about the things to say.... in the end, jobs just aren't as easy to come by anymore, so I think employers are focusing on 'overqualified' less then before. After all, we have people with degrees driving trucks or busses becaues that's what's paying the bills, and I know a guy with a master's who is delivering pizza because he can get 40 bucks per hour doing it on a Saturday night.
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October 02, 2009 09:05 PM
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I think the reason why its considered that your overqualified is that the people interviewing you have a fear that you're going to get bored, or quit in a few months to find a better 'more challenging' job
So what you're looking to do is convince them that its not the case. Why do you really want this job. Is it that you're looking for a career change? Better location that will allow you to spend more time with your family, you really like this company?
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So what you're looking to do is convince them that its not the case. Why do you really want this job. Is it that you're looking for a career change? Better location that will allow you to spend more time with your family, you really like this company?
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October 04, 2009 04:00 AM
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After I graduated from college I was in a bad way. I needed to put food on the table, and with no car, I needed a job close to home. A small convenience store near me was looking for clerks so I got an interview.The manager says if he was leaving he;d hire me but as a college grad I was over qualified to work in the store. I said sir my kids need to eat, and i have a house to pay for. needless to say I left off college info on all other apps after that.
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