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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.  

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  • Firstly Teresa, I'm sorry to hear this experience and sadly you are not alone. I run a community which is stacked full of (independent) people professionals who regularly get this feedback. It's a sad state of affairs especially if it's coming from the HR function. We need to lead by example in our hiring and that explanation is just not satisfactory or aligned to anything that speaks well on the candidate experience.

    You've got some great replies. I'd echo.
    *Try not to get into the mindset of discrimination even if it's most likely unconscious or conscious bias that shouldn't be tolerated. The mindset will impact you more than the companies.

    *Do position yourself clearly as wanting the role for all the reasons you outline. Do this in the cover letter and the interview. I often specifically cover the potential objections proactively in the interview - you might think I've over qualified, I like to do X and Y to support or I'm keen to support, mentor and be part of a team and this role fits me perfectly or whatever is true for you.

    *Ask for feedback, always and, especially when it appears a little flaky or surface excuse for rejection. Companies need to appreciate that interviews are a two way street so the least they can do is give a better candidate experience when you've spent time with them.

    *Consider coaching. A few of my connections do coaching in this space and it's handy having a support whilst you navigate a choppy job market where many companies think they hold all the cards.

    Keep going. Something will land. Maybe consider the fractional world. They pay for experience and it's not considered a disadvantage or a threat or so much of a concern.
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  • Firstly Teresa, I'm sorry to hear this experience and sadly you are not alone. I run a community which is stacked full of (independent) people professionals who regularly get this feedback. It's a sad state of affairs especially if it's coming from the HR function. We need to lead by example in our hiring and that explanation is just not satisfactory or aligned to anything that speaks well on the candidate experience.

    You've got some great replies. I'd echo.
    *Try not to get into the mindset of discrimination even if it's most likely unconscious or conscious bias that shouldn't be tolerated. The mindset will impact you more than the companies.

    *Do position yourself clearly as wanting the role for all the reasons you outline. Do this in the cover letter and the interview. I often specifically cover the potential objections proactively in the interview - you might think I've over qualified, I like to do X and Y to support or I'm keen to support, mentor and be part of a team and this role fits me perfectly or whatever is true for you.

    *Ask for feedback, always and, especially when it appears a little flaky or surface excuse for rejection. Companies need to appreciate that interviews are a two way street so the least they can do is give a better candidate experience when you've spent time with them.

    *Consider coaching. A few of my connections do coaching in this space and it's handy having a support whilst you navigate a choppy job market where many companies think they hold all the cards.

    Keep going. Something will land. Maybe consider the fractional world. They pay for experience and it's not considered a disadvantage or a threat or so much of a concern.
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