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Discriminated against for being over qualified?

Teresa

Over the last three months I’ve applied for 3 roles, been thanked for my application, but told they won’t be going any further as I am ‘overqualified for the role’. One was for a charity with whom I have a personal connection, the other two were small - but growing - companies who I felt I could really help. I am now wondering how many others there have been who agreed with but didn’t voice this opinion.

I made it clear - or thought I’d made it clear - that I wanted to work locally, that I understood the role’s requirements and salary, and that I wanted to feel I was making a difference rather than just being a small cog in a big machine, but no joy. I’m now feeling, to be honest, discriminated against big-time!

I don’t want to have to have long commutes for the foreseeable future - yes there’s the pay and associated benefits but my wellbeing and quality of life is worth more to me. Any ideas on how to sell ‘being overqualified’ as a benefit to the employer?

Thanks.  

Parents

  • You are overqualified can be shorthand for them thinking you are much more likely to leave for a better job sooner than someone less qualified and/or experienced.

    Years ago after I got my DPM and first started applying for HR roles I got turned down for being "overqualified" once by my own local council authority.

    I had a friend who worked there, and they later told me that the manager, didn't want anyone reporting to them who was better qualified/experience or older than them and  I'd also management, training, health and safety experience and qualifications.

    I'm hopeless at interviews, most of the jobs I've got have been obtained by getting my foot in the door long before the interviews by asking about the job, the company/workplace etc., etc., and getting to visit someone with a bit of authority. This gets over the later hurdle of being asked specific questions at an interview, some of which have no relevance to you possibly and often don't allow you to 'sell yourself', properly.

    Good luck

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  • You are overqualified can be shorthand for them thinking you are much more likely to leave for a better job sooner than someone less qualified and/or experienced.

    Years ago after I got my DPM and first started applying for HR roles I got turned down for being "overqualified" once by my own local council authority.

    I had a friend who worked there, and they later told me that the manager, didn't want anyone reporting to them who was better qualified/experience or older than them and  I'd also management, training, health and safety experience and qualifications.

    I'm hopeless at interviews, most of the jobs I've got have been obtained by getting my foot in the door long before the interviews by asking about the job, the company/workplace etc., etc., and getting to visit someone with a bit of authority. This gets over the later hurdle of being asked specific questions at an interview, some of which have no relevance to you possibly and often don't allow you to 'sell yourself', properly.

    Good luck

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