DEVJOBS - Feature article

Being Overqualified For The Job
By Armando Gomez
You get to an interview and assume you'll breeze through it because the job requirements seem to match your experience and skills perfectly. But, come the crucial moment when the interviewer pauses to let you know of your potential fate within the organization; he drops a bombshell.

He tells you that although you are the most qualified person for the job, he's still going to have to keep looking for other candidates. After the initial shock, you realize that you've just been passed up for the position, for no valid reason.

Still surprised about the interview you passed with flying colors, he finally says, "You're overqualified and we can't hire you. Thanks for your time, we'll keep a copy of your resume on hand and we'll let you know if anything else comes up." You've just been given the old, "It's not you, it's me" spiel, but still can't find the logic behind this decision.

why won't you hire me?

Like anything else in life, if you analyze a situation carefully, you can explain the source of the problem. So if you know that you are a perfect fit, is there such a thing as being too good for the job? Apparently so!

over and out

Being overqualified is the perfect example of a catch-22; you need qualifications to get a job, but having too many is a problem. So, you educated yourself and got all that work experience, but what are your degree and CV good for if employers won't hire you for a job that's meant for you?

In order to really understand this reasoning, you have to remember that you're trying to enter a business where financials drive the decision-making process. There are a few reasons why being over-qualified can be used against you:

You'll jump ship for a better offer
Since hiring a new employee is like any other investment a company makes, the company has to weigh the decision carefully. Corporations don't throw their money out the window, and especially not into your pocket.

The hiring staff is worried that if another offer comes along (which it may if you're so qualified), you won't think twice about leaving the company and cashing in on a new position.

Why should we pay you more money?
Since we all work for money, employers want to fork over the least amount of money for a given job. So if they can hire a younger and less experienced applicant, they'll be justified in paying him less.

Take, for example, a professional welder who's at the top of his profession after years of practice, and who is passed up in favor of an inexperienced young man. He knows he can do the job better than his younger counterpart, but the corporation doesn't care because it doesn't need perfect work at a high price, but rather good enough labor at an affordable rate.

You won't be motivated
Another major concern is the motivation of a new employee towards his position. Employers want to see drive and interest in the job, and not someone who is simply cashing in his paychecks because he knows he could be doing something better… and for more money.

It's harder to fire an older employee
Because of age discrimination laws and to avoid a potential lawsuit, many companies prefer hiring younger workers for their easier eventual dismissal.

Article Suggested By: Roberto S., Sheldon, MO