Discriminated against for being over qualified?

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
  • There may well be many reasons you haven’t got these roles and it may just be convenient to say you are over qualified. As it's easy and quick.

    The only thing you can really do is have a cv very tailored to these roles that casts your experience in the style and light they are looking for. Dumbing down possibly but maybe necessary.

    Ultimately however it’s a buyers market. With multiple people applying for every role it’s probably just a question of reviewing every application and keep trying.

    On a personal note I would steer away from thinking in discrimination terms. It’s not a good headspace to occupy and is unlikely to see you approach these jobs in the right frame of mind.

    Good luck.
Reply
  • There may well be many reasons you haven’t got these roles and it may just be convenient to say you are over qualified. As it's easy and quick.

    The only thing you can really do is have a cv very tailored to these roles that casts your experience in the style and light they are looking for. Dumbing down possibly but maybe necessary.

    Ultimately however it’s a buyers market. With multiple people applying for every role it’s probably just a question of reviewing every application and keep trying.

    On a personal note I would steer away from thinking in discrimination terms. It’s not a good headspace to occupy and is unlikely to see you approach these jobs in the right frame of mind.

    Good luck.
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