Its underhand and disingenuous but legal unless you believe the reason for your rejection was a protected characteristic (age, race etc) Sounds like they kinda planned this to be honest

Sorry you have been treated this way but time to move forward.

Hi

Because you were always via an agency sadly you have no unfair dismissal rights

Clutching at straws but you just might be able to concoct a direct or indirect age discrimination claim against the hirer. You'd need a savvy employment lawyer or equivalent though.

Otherwise, it's not looking good for you I fear - sorry

"over qualified and could do better".

I assume they checked with you that this is what you wanted? Not that it makes any practical difference to the issue in hand. Bad luck.

I cannot personally see why anyone would get turned down for being 'over qualified' but then I wouldn;'t have the same  mindset as someone who thinks you can't be doing a job you have more qualifications for than you need.

The 'traditional' reason for this is often companies think you'll leave as soon as you find a 'better' job, but I'd guess the real reason is the management, particularly the line manager may be uncomfortable managing someone whose more qualified perhaps than themselves.

If you've been there for more than 3 years doing the job, it seems pretty unreasonable for them to turn around now and say that you're over qualified - surely you'd have moved on long ago if that was your aim, and you've more than proved your commitment?

Ishbel

"over qualified" probably means that a permanent salary for you is a lot higher than for the junior they've taken on

In reply to Judy Williams:

I think Judy has probably hit the heart of the question.....