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
- Filling Operator I 1st Shift (6 am-2:30 pm)
American Regent — Hilliard,OHNature and Scope This entry level position is a member of the Manufacturing Team. The Manufacturing Team is responsible for activities associated with the manufacture of safe, effective and sterile...
- Personal Vehicle Driver - Hiring Immediately
UPS — Columbus,OHDeliver from the comfort of your own vehicle! As a seasonal support driver (SSD), you'll deliver packages to communities and businesses from your personal vehicle. This is a friendly, physically...
- Patient Access Representative 1
Trinity Health Corporation — Grove City,OHEmployment Type: Full time Shift: Day Shift Description: Position Purpose: * Patient Financial Specialist I; Ensures the collection of accurate and complete registration/admission information and completion of required...
- Customer Service Agent - Ohio Remote
Contact Center Hiring — Columbus,OHJob Details Job Location OH REMOTE - OHIO, OH Remote Type Fully Remote Position Type Full-Time/Part-Time Salary Range $12.00...
- Help Desk Agent
Cayuse Holdings — Columbus,OH**Overview** **_JOB TITLE:_** Help Desk Agent **_CAYUSE COMPANY:_** Cayuse Commercial Services, LLC **_LOCATION_** Remote **_SALARY:_** $15.00-$17.00 **_EMPLOYEE TYPE:_** Full-Time Hourly...
- Customer Service Representative
Advanced Drainage Systems — Hilliard,OHOverview Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality...
- Warehouse Clerk (1st Shift/3rd Shift)
KDC/ONE — New Albany,OHHiring: Warehouse Clerk 1st Shift Opportunity (6:30am-3:00pm) 3rd Shift Opportunity (10:30pm-7:00am) Location: New Albany, OH Department: Warehouse & Logistics Join our team as a Material Control Coordinator and become an...
- Work from home - Data Entry Specialist (Remote)
Jobcertify — Columbus,OHAbout the job Work from home - Data Entry Specialist (Remote) This position is 100% remote The hours will be Monday - Friday from 9am - 6pm PST. Responsibilities: ESSENTIAL...
- Customer Specialist - Work from Home ($18.50 per hour plus Bonus)
TurboTax — Columbus,OHWork from home with TurboTax Product Expert Get paid $18.50 per hour¹ Get a $405 Certification bonus³ Work from home & set your own flexible schedule between 8am EST and...
- Telephone Screener (Remote)
Hire Standard Staffing — Columbus,OHPosition: Remote Benefits Representative Company: American Income Life (a proud member of Globe...
- Front Desk Clerk
City of Pickerington OH — Pickerington,OHSalary: $15.00 - $17.00 Hourly Location : Pickerington, OH Job Type: Seasonal Job Number: 20201 Department: Parks & Recreation...
- Service Excellence Ambassador
Ohio Health — Columbus,OHWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an...
- Night General Cleaner (Part Time)
The Facilities Group — Columbus,OHWho We Are: CSI International Inc, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, provides integrated building services to clients in real estate, property management, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, higher education,...
- Logistics Coordinator (Work From Home) - $1,800 to $3,500 Weekly
American Logistics Authority — Columbus,OHLogistics Coordinator (Work From Home) - $1,800 to $3,500 Weekly Job Type: Full-Time | Remote (U.S. Only) About the Role: We're looking for motivated individuals ready to join the...
- Food Service Worker - 3 hours/day
Educational Service Center Of Central Ohio — Columbus,OHPosition Type: Food Service/Cook Date Posted: 12/1/2025 Location: Prairie Run Elementary Date Available: Upon...
- Hospital Front Desk
Hospital Jobs — Columbus,OHAbout the Role As a Hospital Front Desk Receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for patients, visitors, and healthcare providers. Your role is vital in ensuring a positive...
- Warehouse Stock Associate
Servpro — Columbus,OHBenefits: 401(k) Competitive salary Dental insurance Employee discounts Free uniforms Health insurance Paid time off Signing bonus Vision...
- Picker/Packer
IWS, LLC — Columbus,OHImpact Workforce Solutions is hiring for Picker/Packers in Union, OH. Impact is proud to offer an industry leading benefits and wellness package, with eligibility for some programs beginning Day 1!...
- Security Officer - Entry Screening
Allied Universal — Columbus,OHAllied Universal®, North America's leading security and facility services company, offers rewarding careers that provide you a sense of purpose. While working in a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative workplace, you...
- 1st Shift Outbound Lead (M-Fr 6:00am - 2:30pm)
DSV A/S — Canal Winchester,OHFRAUD ALERT: Please note that DSV will never request a chat interview or solicit funds from applicants or employees through its interviewing and hiring process. We do not require any...
- Warehouse Worker
SYSCO — Grove City,OHCompany: US2160 Sysco Guest Supply, LLC Sales Territory: None Zip Code: 43123 Travel Percentage: 0 Compensation Range: $19.50/HR The compensation range...
- Mail Processor
Staffmark Group — Urbancrest,OHStaffmark is hiring Mail Processors in Urbancrest, OH. No experience? No problem! Start a fast-paced, rewarding career with DailyPay-get paid the same day you work! Pay: $18/hour 3rd Shift As...
- Cash Processor-Warehouse
Brinks — Columbus,OHPay Range: (Specific to OHI,DEL,NY,CA,CO,WA,MD,CT,IL,NV,,KY,MI,NJ,ME,MO,MA,MT) $17.23 - $20.60 Hourly About Brink's: The Brink's Company (NYSE:BCO) is a leading global provider of cash and valuables management, digital retail...
- Customer Service Rep - Remote
Destinee Travel — Columbus,OHAbout the job Customer Service Rep - Remote Our agents are avery important part of our family. You will be the eyes and ears for our team,fielding customer inquiries and...
- Equipment Picker
LaborMax — Columbus,OHLaborMAX Staffing is hiring an experienced Equipment Picker to join our warehouse team on 2nd shift. This role requires skilled operation of warehouse equipment and attention to safety and accuracy....
- Production Associate - No Experience Required
Remedy Staffing — West Jefferson,OHDescription NO Experience required for this Production Opportunity in West Jefferson! Associates will be working on the production lines, ensuring production standards are met, finalizing products, and preparing them for...
- Online Order Filling Team Associate
Wal Mart — Columbus,OHDo you enjoy shopping? Online orderfillers and delivery associates get to do just that every day. Online orderfillers have the opportunity to shop for our customers and choose just the...
- Packaging Machine Operator- Overnight- Columbus Plant
Abbott Laboratories — Columbus,OHAbbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses...
- Warehouse Order Picker - Days
Uline — Etna,OHWarehouse Order Picker - Days Pay from $26 to $32 per hour with significant growth and earning potential! Ohio Branch 8320 Global Way SW, Etna, OH 43062 New hires earn...
- Patient Representative Opportunities - 2nd Shift
Ohio State University — Columbus,OHThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is committed to enhancing the quality of care provided to patients and families. This position is responsible for providing family support, education, mediation/issue...
- Inventory Clerk - 2nd Shift - $22.00 Hourly
Boar's Head — Groveport,OHHiring Company: Frank Brunckhorst Co., LLC Overview: Reporting to DC Management, the Inventory Control Clerk is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of products stored. Duties include, but...
- Part Time Teller
PNC Bank — Columbus,OHPosition Overview At PNC, our people are our greatest differentiator and competitive advantage in the markets we serve. We are all united in delivering the best experience for our customers....
- Sterile Processor - Sterile Processor
The Fortus Group — Columbus,OHFortus Healthcare Resources is seeking a Travel Sterile Processor Sterile Processor for an immediate opening in Columbus, OH . Processor, Sterile, Process, Healthcare, Staffing...
- Medical Courier (Driver)
Medical Couriers — Westerville,OH[Delivery Driver] - Competitive Pay ($17 - $20 per hour) / Flexible Working Hours / Optional Hybrid Vehicles Available for Drivers / Equal Opportunity Employer - As a Medical Courier,...
- Representative, Support Center
Molina Healthcare — Columbus,OHJOB DESCRIPTION Job Summary Provides customer support and stellar service to meet the needs of our Molina members and providers. Resolves issues and addresses needs fairly and effectively, while demonstrating...
- Plasma Processor
Grifols, S.A — Columbus,OHWould you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global...
- Caregiver / Patient Care Attendant
Claremont Retirement Village — Columbus,OHshift Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 7p to 7a Claremont Retirement Village in Columbus, OH is actively seeking an energetic and empathetic Caregiver / Patient Care...
- Cannabis Processing Technician
Viridian Staffing — Worthington,OHJob Description Viridian Staffing's Client is looking for Cannabis Harvest and Processing Techs to work at their grow operations and processing facilities outside of the Columbus, Ohio, area. You should...
- Warehouse Associate
Goodwill — Reynoldsburg,OHJob Title Dock Supervisor Department Retail Reports To Coordinator, Logistics Warehouse Associates Positions Supervised Warehouse Associates, Dock...
- Merchandiser Small Store Hourly
Coca-Cola Refreshments — Lockbourne,OHRequisition ID: 239115 Locations: Lockbourne Pay: $24.66/HR Click here to experience a Day in the Life of our Teammates! Uncap Your Potential at America's Largest Coca-Cola Bottler - Pour Your...