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
- Sales Manager, Outbound
Imperium Acquisition — Columbus,OHRole Overview Title: Sales Manager, Outbound Division Department: Sales OTE: $10k/Month Reports...
- Software Engineer, AI Agents
People In AI — Columbus,OHSoftware Engineer, AI Agents Compensation: $230,000 - $275,000 base + equity Location: Remote, USA Join an early-stage applied AI company building the infrastructure...
- IT Manager - Business Systems
American Honda Motor Co. — Marysville,OHWhat Makes a Honda, is Who makes a Honda Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it's a joyful one. We are looking for...
- Revenue Cycle Management Consultant - Rural Healthcare Sector
JFS, LLC. — Columbus,OHRevenue Cycle Management Consultant - (Rural Healthcare Sector) Job Description Reports to: Senior Revenue Cycle Manager Date Approved by Human...
- Senior Risk Manager (On-Site Position)
New River Electrical Corporation — Granville,OHPosition Title: Senior Risk Manager (On-Site Position) Location: Granville , OH Pay Range: N/A Application Instructions Please complete the application completely and...
- Cleaning Staff
Pilot Company — London,OHCompany Description Pay Rates Starting between: $13.15 - $19.18 / hour Are you passionate about team building, customer service, and meeting new people? Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where...
- CDL-A Flatbed Truck Driver - $2,000 Hiring Bonus
Koch Trucking — Grove City,OHKoch Trucking is Now Hiring CDL-A Flatbed Company DriversAverage Up to $2,161 per Week* - $2,000 Hiring Bonus (Must have a...
- Senior Frontend Engineer
Tekmetric — Columbus,OHAbout Tekmetric Tekmetric is the all-in-one, cloud-based software helping auto repair shops run smarter, grow faster, and serve customers better. Built by a shop owner and shaped by the needs...
- Director of Sales
Zuma Nutrition — Columbus,OHAbout Zuma Nutrition Zuma Nutrition makes whole-plant herbal supplements built around protocols: targeted cleanses that start a customer's journey and daily formulas that carry it forward. Since 2019 we've grown...
- Electrical Project Control Engineer - PLC and DCS
iLocatum — Circleville,OHElectrical Project Control Engineer - PLC and DCS Circleville, OH | $85,000 to $120,000 per year plus 10% bonus | Full-time, on-site A manufacturing facility in Circleville, Ohio is hiring...
- Metal Manufacturing Engineer
Tracewell Systems — Lewis Center,OHAt Tracewell Systems, we bring together creative minds and cutting-edge technology to engineer solutions that meet tomorrow's challenges — today. For over four decades, we've partnered with the world's leading...
- Sr Business Development Manager
Circle Logistics — Columbus,OHJob Title: Senior Business Development Manager Company: Circle Logistics Location: REMOTE About Circle Logistics: Circle Logistics is a leading...
- Senior Account Manager
Champion Risk & Insurance Services — Columbus,OHAbout Champion Risk & Insurance Services Champion Risk & Insurance Services is a privately held, full-service insurance brokerage providing commercial, personal, employee benefits, and risk management...
- VP – Credit Risk Officer, Corporate & Structured Finance
Madison-Davis, LLC — Columbus,OHTitle: VP – Credit Risk Officer, Corporate & Structured Finance Office Status: Hybrid – New York, NY Base Salary: $180k - $200k +...
- Business Development Associate
iBuyFlowers.com — Columbus,OHBusiness Development Associate United States | Fully remote | Full-time Base salary: 45,000–63,000 + performance-based bonus Know the floral industry and want to...
- Hospitality Team Member
Longhorn Steakhouse — Delaware,OHWE ARE LONGHORN. Legendary food and service begins with legendary people. We believe in earning the loyalty of our Team Members with our strong, diverse culture, well-done benefits and growth...
- Business Development Manager
Connectly Recruiting — Columbus,OHOur client is an established Louisiana learning and development company that has grown for more than 15 years almost entirely on referrals. They build custom online training for corporate and...
- National Sales Manager - Food
Mackenzie Stuart — Columbus,OHAbout the Job Mackenzie Stuart is currently partnered with a Global Leading Manufacturer of Food Processing and Packaging Equipment Job Title: National Sales Manager -...
- Sr. Java Full Stack Engineer
Eliassen Group — Columbus,OHDescription Remote Our client seeks a Sr. Java Full Stack Engineer to lead the design and development of next-generation electronic trading systems within a high-performing Trade Management Engineering group. You...
- Assoc / AVP – Project Finance, Portfolio Management & Deal Execution
Madison-Davis, LLC — Columbus,OHTitle: Assoc / AVP – Project Finance, Portfolio Management & Deal Execution Office Status: Hybrid – New York, NY Base Salary: $100,000 – $175,000 + Bonus (level commensurate with...
- Physician
Management & Training Corporation — Marion,OHPay: $265,000 annual salary Work schedule: Full-time, Days Benefit package includes: Medical, Vision, Dental, and Prescription Drug Benefits Life, Accidental Death...
- Director of Product Management, AdTech
Harnham — Columbus,OHDirector of Product Management, AdTech Remote, USA (New York Preferred) Salary: Up to $220,000 Base + Annual Bonus Harnham is partnering with an established, growing...
- Creative Director | Growth Marketing & Performance Creative
AQUENT — Columbus,OHLocation: 100% Remote (U.S.) Compensation: $120,000–$150,000 base + bonus eligibility Employment: Full-Time The Opportunity: We're...
- Personalization Strategy Director (Adobe + AI)
Better Digital — Columbus,OHUPDATE (October 27): Thank you to everyone who has applied. We're now hiring two people for this role, with a goal of having both in place by year-end. The search...
- Account Supervisor
OPR Communications — Columbus,OHOPR is a public affairs firm with offices in Riverside and San Diego. For more than 25 years, we have helped clients navigate complex governmental, regulatory and community decision-making. Our...
- Branch Wholesale Product Specialist
Sherwin-Williams — Columbus,OHThis position works closely with commercial paint customers to determine their needs, answer their questions about Sherwin-Williams products, and recommend the right solutions. Wholesale Product Specialists are also expected to...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - Owner Operator - Solo & Team
TForce Freight — Hilliard,OHTForce Freight is Now Urgently Seeking Owner Operators - Solos & Teams! LTL Line Haul - 100% No-Touch + 75% Drop & Hook...
- Software Engineer
Remolity — Columbus,OHAbout the Company Software Engineer (SWE) — Remote Company: Remolity, Inc. Employment Type:...
- AI/M Engineer - Generative AI, Agentic AI & MLOps
ScolerTec — Columbus,OH**FULLY REMOTE** ScolerTec is seeking multiple experienced AI/ML Engineers to design, develop, deploy, and operationalize enterprise AI/ML solutions supporting a large-scale cloud data modernization...
- Aviation Electronics, Electrical & Computer Systems Technician
US Navy — Columbus,OHJob Title: Aviation Electronics, Electrical & Computer Systems Technician (AE/AT) Category / Component: Enlisted • Active Overview Aviation Electronics, Electrical and Computer Systems Technicians keep Navy aircraft mission ready by...
- Aviation Electronics, Electrical & Computer Systems Technician
US Navy — Columbus,OHJob Title: Aviation Electronics, Electrical & Computer Systems Technician (AE/AT) Category / Component: Enlisted • Active Overview Aviation Electronics, Electrical and Computer Systems Technicians keep Navy aircraft mission ready by...
- Kitchen Associate
Longhorn Steakhouse — Delaware,OHWE ARE LONGHORN. Legendary food and service begins with legendary people. We believe in earning the loyalty of our Team Members with our strong, diverse culture, well-done benefits and growth...
- Software Engineering Manager
eNGINE — Columbus,OHSoftware Engineering Manager Location: Pittsburgh, PA / Hybrid About eNGINE eNGINE builds Technical Teams. We are a Solutions and Placement firm shaped by decades of...
- Senior HRIS Analyst, Workday Product Owner
Confidential Jobs — Columbus,OHPosition Overview The Senior HRIS Analyst, Workday Product Owner will be the primary owner and subject matter expert for the organization's Workday platform. This role is accountable for the day-to-day...
- Director of Broker Operations – Futures Commission Merchant (FCM)
Robert Half — Columbus,OHHYBRID ROLE – Director of Broker Operations – Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) Sweater weather is delightful, but not as delightful as this new high-paying opportunity! The salary range...
- Automotive Account Development Manager
Acrisure Protection Group — Columbus,OHSalary Range: $150,000 - $225,000 Southwest Dealer Services: Acrisure Protection Group I KARR Security offers automotive dealer clients the industry leading F&I voluntary protection products, reinsurance/dealer...
- Technical Solutions Architect
Orange Logic — Columbus,OHAt Orange Logic, we've been solving complex content challenges for over two decades driven by innovation, curiosity, and a passion for impact, our intelligent Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, Orange...
- To Go Order Coordinator
Longhorn Steakhouse — Delaware,OHWE ARE LONGHORN. Legendary food and service begins with legendary people. We believe in earning the loyalty of our Team Members with our strong, diverse culture, well-done benefits and growth...
- Vice President of Sales
HR Soul — Columbus,OHHere at HR Soul our solutions amplify the performance of people and the soul of company culture. From strategic planning with CEO's, partnering with HR leaders on key projects, building...
- Director of Sales Operations
Neovolta — Columbus,OHLocation: Fully Remote, based in United States Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Reports To: President Travel: Up to 10%, including visits to our Pendergrass,...