Is there actually such a thing as being overqualified for a job? As it turns out, Thrivas, a leader among staffing agencies in Tampa FL, has found that our clients feel there is such a thing. As you learn how to answer interview questions, you’re going to discover that if this statement comes up during your interview, there are two things you need to keep in mind.
In the first place, this isn’t the interviewer being nice. If you’re not qualified for the job, the company isn’t going to be looking to soften the blow. They’re not going to be caustic about it, but they’re not going to go to any great lengths to spare your feelings.
In the second place, being told you’re overqualified for job does not mean you’re sunk. There are indeed interview answers that can be utilized in this situation. There are things you can say that will not only keep you in the hunt, but quite possibly increase your chances of being hired. Learning how to answer interview questions goes well beyond simply knowing what to say. You also need to learn when the time is right to say the things that are going to impress employers, and bring you that much closer to getting the job you’re after.
Being Overqualified
In order to avoid losing out because you’re apparently overqualified for the job, there are things you can do before and during the interview. There are also interview answers that can steer things away from this topic, if it seems like things are getting close to that suggestion, or if the interviewer has already said it.
Keep these tips in mind if you would like to avoid or overcome the “overqualified for the job” interview obstacle:
- Stay away from jobs that are well below your qualifications. Unless you absolutely have no choice, avoid job interviews for positions that are dramatically below you current experience level/salary range.
- Make it clear in the interview that you’re not just looking for a temporary position. Interviewers can become concerned that an applicant is only looking at the job as a means of tiding them over, until something better comes along. Throughout the interview, do not give the interviewer any reason to consider this possibility.
- If the overqualified for job statement does come up, relax. Use the opportunity to calmly and confidently explain why the job is by no means beneath you. Mention the challenges and responsibilities within the position that appeal to you.
- Ask for clarification. If the issue comes up, simply and very politely ask for details, then address those details appropriately.
Thrivas staffing agency hopes this helps!
Find a job by searching below
- Sterile Processing Tech - SPT CSS
UT Southwestern Medical Center — Columbus,OHDetails Client Name Mount Carmel St. Ann's Job Type Travel Offering Allied Profession Sterile Processing Tech...
- Maintenance (8:30am - 5:00pm) - Operations
Educational Service Center Of Central Ohio — Columbus,OHPosition Type: Plant Operations - Classified Positions/Maintenance Date Posted: 2/5/2026 Location: Operations District: Dublin City Schools...
- Production Operator 20-22.50/hr
Aerotek — Plain City,OHAerotek - - Responsibilities: Operate machinery and equipment, including laser and machine operations.; Read and interpret blueprints to ensure accurate production outputs.; Utilize hand tools and power tools to complete...
- Groundperson - UNION
American Lighting and Signalization, LLC — Hilliard,OHGroundperson The groundperson is responsible for gathering and feeding brush & debris into a woodchipper, scanning areas from trip and fall hazards, ensuring other workers stay out of the path...
- Delivery Worker 2
Ohio State University — Columbus,OHDelivery Worker 2 Department:Business and Finance | Receiving. Serves as an active member of a diverse Logistics and Distribution department; performs pickup, sorting and delivery functions for US Mail, Campus...
- Mailroom Associate
Cass Information Systems — Columbus,OHThe Mailroom Associate is responsible for extracting, sorting, and reviewing utility invoices according to the department and customers' procedures. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Extracts mail from an...
- Warehouse Team Member Positions - Hiring Immediately
MyJobResource — Worthington,OHWarehouse team member positions are available in your area. No experience required. Part-time and full-time positions are in high demand. Don't delay, start your exciting new career today!Job Description -...
- Warehouse Attendant
Columbus Staffing — Columbus,OHJoin Our Team At Scottsmiracle-Gro Field! Home of the three time MLS Champion, Columbus Crew! Pay Range: $17.00 to $19.00. We make applying easy! Want to apply to this job...
- Security Officer - Warehouse Location
Allied Universal — Groveport,OHAllied Universal - - Responsibilities: Provide customer service to clients by carrying out safety and security procedures and by following site-specific policies; Respond to incidents and critical situations in a...
- Package Handler - Part Time (Warehouse like)
FedEx — Grove City,OHIMMEDIATE OPENINGS! Come for a job and stay for a career! Federal Express Corporation (FEC) is part of the rapidly growing warehouse and transportation sector that helps keep America, and...
- Warehouse Lead - Weekend Nights - Friday- Sunday 5:00 p.m. -5:30 a.m.
Crane Worldwide Logistics — Lockbourne,OHCrane Worldwide Logistics - - Responsibilities: Directs work of other team members as instructed by the team supervisor.; Ensure customer orders are picked, checked, and packed accurately and in a...
- Seasonal Warehouse Associate 1st Shift
COCA-COLA CONSOLIDATED — Lockbourne,OHSeasonal Warehouse Associate 1st Shift Lockbourne, OH, US, 43137 Requisition ID: 244944 Locations: Lockbourne Pay Range: $21.00 - $22.00 per hour - depending on experience Schedule: 1st Shift Seasonal...
- Housekeeping House Person | Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus/OSU
Shaner Hotel Group — Upper Arlington,OHJob Description Be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and varied shifts. Handle guest complaints ensuring guest satisfaction. Maintains standards of quality and...
- Amtrak Jobs in Reynoldsburg, OH
AMTRAK — Reynoldsburg,OHAmtrak is hiring for various positions including conductors, engineers, and customer service representatives. Competitive wages with comprehensive benefits and travel perks. Opportunities for career growth in a dynamic work environment....
- $16/hour - Housekeeper/Room Attendant
Hyatt — Columbus,OHLocated within walking distance of Nationwide Arena and the trendy Arena District, Hyatt Regency Columbus redefines the modern hotel experience. We offer 633 renovated guest rooms and spacious suites and...
- Front Office Assistant
GEN4 Dental — Columbus,OHCompany Description Job Description Who We Are Looking For We are looking for an experienced, dependable, and patient-focused Front Office / Hygiene Coordinator who takes pride in delivering...
- Data Entry Clerk
US Tech Solutions — Columbus,OHDuration: 05 Months Contact with possible extension Job Description: Responsibilities: Performs advanced data entry duties.Can support multiple data entry...
- Document Production Associate (Sunday-Thursday 6 AM-3 PM)
RRD — Columbus,OHWilliams Lea by RRD is a global business support services company with a strong legacy—over 200 years of experience delivering world-class business solutions. We specialize in delivering skilled administrative support,...
- Warehouse
Goodwill — Dublin,OHJob Summary: We are seeking a dependable and hardworking Warehouse Worker to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for receiving, storing, and distributing materials, tools, equipment, and...
- Warehouse Associate, Columbus - Full time
Macys — Columbus,OHMacy's Inc. - Rickenbacker Parkway West - Responsibilities: Receiving and unloading cartons and merchandise; Sorting and organizing packages; Processing receiving and shipping activities; Inputting data using PCs and handheld devices;...
- Warehouse Associate
Lansing Building Products — Columbus,OHLansing Building Products - - Responsibilities: Greet customers, pick tickets, and load/unload customer and company trucks; Utilize handheld RF scanners to move, track, and manage products through TWL Warehouse Management...
- Retail Merchandiser
Grocery Outlet — Columbus,OHAbout Grocery Outlet: Our Mission: Touching lives for the better Our Vision: Touching lives by being the first choice for bargain-minded consumers in the U.S.
- Order Picker
Staffmark — Groveport,OHStaffmark - - Responsibilities: Pick and pack orders; Stage and organize materials for shipping or production; Inspect shipments and report damage or shortages; Maintain a clean and safe work area;...
- Receptionist
Trinity Health — Columbus,OHEmployment Type: Part time Shift: Description: Position Purpose: Receptionist is responsible for answering phone calls and greeting patients...
- Order Picker
Mid-Ohio Food Collective — Grove City,OHOrder Picker Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) is looking for an Order Picker to perform a variety of manual tasks associated with the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food products. Hours...
- Companionship Volunteers Needed- Columbus, OH
Transitions Hospice — Columbus,OHAt Transitions Care we rely on the support from our volunteers to share their time and talents to provide the highest level of care. We believe volunteers are a vital...
- Lot Associate
The Home Depot — Columbus,OHJob Description Lot Associates assist customers with the loading of their vehicles and also monitor and maintain the entrance of the store. Lot Associates also are responsible for maintaining a...
- Care Partner 7am-7pm $18-$20 (Full Time)
Arrow Senior Living — Hilliard,OHCommunity: Carriage Court Senior Living Starting Rate: 18.00-20.00 Share: Apply Now Save Job Saved Description "After spending 14 years in healthcare, I finally found my home with Arrow...
- Traffic and Weather Reporter
iHeartMedia — Columbus,OHTotal Traffic + Weather Network Current employees and contingent workers click here to apply and search by the Job Posting Title. The audio revolution is here - and iHeart is...
- Front Desk Attendant
City of Groveport, OH — Groveport,OHSalary: $14.35 - $17.94 Hourly Location : Groveport, OH Job Type: Part-time Job Number: 00105 Department: Recreation Operations Opening...
- Companionship Volunteers - LOOK HERE FIRST!! Obetz, OH
Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice — Columbus,OHHospice is a special kind of caring that is person and family centered and seeks to provide support and comfort to those facing a life limiting illness. Volunteers play a...
- House Person
Dreamscape Hospitality — Columbus,OHJob Type Full-time Description Job Summary: The Hotel House Person is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of all public areas within the hotel, including hallways, lobbies,...
- Distribution Center Equipment Operator Cherry PickerStock Picker
Abercrombie and Fitch — Columbus,OHJob Description Our distribution network is built to deliver stock to our stores and fulfill direct-to-consumer orders with speed and efficiency. Merchandise is shipped to our distribution centers ("DCs”), where...
- Receptionist / Front Office
Staff My Agency — Groveport,OHBilly Tecklenburg - State Farm Agency, located in Groveport, OH has an immediate opening for a Receptionist - State Farm Team Member. No insurance experience is required as we will...
- Warehouse Associate
Ingersol Rand — Columbus,OHGlobal Integrated Supply Chain At Trane Technologies and through our businesses including Trane and Thermo King, we create innovative climate solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation that challenge what's possible...
- Inventory Associate - Part-Time
Story Cannabis — Columbus,OHInventory Associate - Part-Time The Inventory Associate is responsible for assisting with the receipt, processing, and organization of inventory at the cannabis retail store. This role includes ensuring products are...
- Merchandise and Stocking Associate
Wal Mart — Columbus,OHProvides member service by acknowledging the member and identifying member needs; providing guidance and support to members regarding self- service technology; assisting members with purchasing decisions; locating merchandise; resolving member...
- Warehouse General Labor Hiring Immediately
Ryder — Columbus,OHPosition Description Ryder is immediately hiring a Permanent Full Time Warehouse General Labor in Columbus, Ohio Warehouse Forklift Operator Positions Pay Weekly Hourly Pay: $16.50 per hour Apply...
- Front Desk Attendant - Summer Season
New Albany Country Club — New Albany,OHSeasonal Front Desk Attendant (Summer) We are hiring seasonal summer associates to support our Fitness Facility, Tennis Center, and Pool Hut during our busiest and most exciting season. This is...
- Distribution Warehouse Associate- Morning
PetSmart — Groveport,OHPetSmart, Inc. - - Responsibilities: Picker & Packer: Picks store specific product from modules into totes and on conveyor belt, pack larger product to stack on pallets, automated WMS; Stocker...