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
  • Hi Teresa

    Have you tried being pretty blunt in your covering letter? I experienced similar and was getting fed up so was very upfront and acknowledged I was too experienced and qualified for the role on paper and I'd reject me too, but I'd served my time in a full on stressful role and wanted to still be challenged but in a different way, and i also wanted to be able to leave work at work, so give me a chance to prove I was exactly right for the company (I think those were my actual words, nothing to lose and all that!).
Reply
  • Hi Teresa

    Have you tried being pretty blunt in your covering letter? I experienced similar and was getting fed up so was very upfront and acknowledged I was too experienced and qualified for the role on paper and I'd reject me too, but I'd served my time in a full on stressful role and wanted to still be challenged but in a different way, and i also wanted to be able to leave work at work, so give me a chance to prove I was exactly right for the company (I think those were my actual words, nothing to lose and all that!).
Children