Why Overqualified Candidates Get Rejected

Rejection, especially when job seeking, is hard to face. We all experience it within a point in our lives. Applying to jobs… the interview process can be a roller coaster ride. Being overqualified and rejected probably hurts the most, because why wouldn’t they hire you? You have everything they need and more. Does that necessarily mean that an employer doesn’t want you because you are overqualified? No, not really, but there is a perception that overqualified candidates have because of their extra skillset.

So let’s dive into some of the reasons why overqualified candidates get rejected…

YOU’RE NOT IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN

Having skills that are above and beyond is great. The problem with this is that employers may have the impression that you will only stay until you find your next big opportunity. Employers try to hire those that they feel will be in it for the long run (or as long as possible). As soon as they exhibit an impression that you will move on to the next opportunity, they will be hesitant to want to move forward.

Employers don’t want to invest in someone that will leave in the next few months unless it’s a temp position.

Skills higher than average may provide an impression that this is not where you want to be long term.

SALARY REQUIREMENTS

The higher the skill level and experience, the higher the average candidate's salary. Employers don’t want to risk bringing in someone that is higher than the average range they start off with. The whole process is on perception. They see you have a higher level of experience, they might just reject you because you might ask for too much money. They won’t tell you this but will just send you a kind rejection letter, or no response at all.

YOU’LL GET BORED

The point of gaining employment and your next opportunity, in general, is to also have a bit of a challenge, advance more on the skills you have, and take it to the next level. When they see you have already acquired those skills you are not going to be as challenged and therefore less productive. Challenges new opportunities drive engagement, and if you are not going to be engaged it will show through your work and environment.

YOUR INTERVIEW DIDN’T GO WELL

There are cases where the rejection can be the individual’s fault. We may appear overconfident when we know too much and not reflect a personable personality. Therefore, your tone, responses, and behaviors get judged.

HERE ARE 3 THINGS YOU CAN DO…

1) Keep your resume relevant to the job posting/position. Make sure the job description matches what they are asking for. if your degree or a specific job makes you look overqualified, either remove or change it up. Adding extra information doesn’t always mean choosing you above someone else.

2) Explain yourself in your cover letter, if you are looking to downgrade your position due to wanting more balance within your day-to-day or even because you want to make an impact and train up-and-coming talent within the company. Make it known. Don’t be afraid to let them know your reasoning, it will help them to use less judgment

3) Go for companies that are growing or at least known to promote growth. Even if you take a step down and a company can see how skilled you are when that new opportunity is available you will have a shot at just moving up.

I know that sometimes, we just need a self-confidence boost to help prep us for whatever comes our way. What I love to do is dive into journaling, currently, I’m using this one on self-confidence and positive thinking. I love the prompts and the way it’s structured. Check out the positive thinking workbook

We have to understand that sometimes… the employer just doesn’t get how this overqualified person can fit the role. There’s a huge resistance with hiring the individual because what if they expect growth or something from the role, and it can’t be provided. As great as it can be helpful for a business to have someone with all the qualities, we don’t know the longevity and this is a risk most won’t take.

Just remember that companies are looking for people that believe in their mission, that the job and role excite them, that they truly want. It. If you want it as well it’s possible for you. You just need to bring that presence and understanding into your interviews.

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