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
- Phlebotomist (PRN) Columbus, OH
Pathology Laboratories — Columbus,OHJob Functions, Duties, Responsibilities and Position Qualifications: We're not just a workplace - we're a Great Place to Work certified employer! Proudly certified as a Great Place to Work, we...
- Staff Engineer - December 2025 Grad
Bohler Engineering — Columbus,OHOverview At Bohler, we empower the ambitious to become the accomplished. This greater purpose connects us with like-minded professionals, fosters meaningful relationships, and generates the alignment necessary to produce an...
- Adjunct - Biology
Columbus State Community College — Columbus,OHJoin to apply for the Adjunct - Biology role at Columbus State Community College 2 months ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Adjunct -...
- Field Laboratory Technician
Koloma — Columbus,OHKoloma is a geologic hydrogen company that leverages its technology, proprietary data, and human capital advantages to identify and commercialize these resources on a global scale. We are developing technologies...
- Senior Software Engineer - Java
Ohiox — Columbus,OHVeeva Systems is a mission-driven organization and pioneer in industry cloud, helping life sciences companies bring therapies to patients faster. As one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in history, we...
- Internal Audit Intern (Summer 2026)
Battelle Memorial Institute — Columbus,OHFor brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier...
- Director, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Lead
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical — Columbus,OHPosition Summary: The Director, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Lead, is responsible for leading the strategic development of HTA submissions. This role ensures that evidence generation activities are scientifically...
- Java Software Engineer - Contractor
System One — Columbus,OHPosition Title: IT - Software Engineer - Contractor Position Location: Pittsburgh PA - Two PNC Plaza 620 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Cleveland OH - Strongsville Technology Center 8100 Mohawk...
- Home Health Aide
24-Seven Home Health Care LLC — Reynoldsburg,OHBenefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Bonus based on performance Paid time off Benefits/Perks Flexible Scheduling Competitive Compensation Careers Advancement Job Summary We are looking for a...
- Outpatient Counselor, Social Worker or Therapist
North Central Mental Health Services — Columbus,OHLSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, MFT or IMFT Become a valued member of our team working full-time, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This on-site, hourly position entails...
- Financial Planner
Windward Recruiting — Columbus,OHWe are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Financial Planner to support advisors and clients by ensuring smooth operations, assisting with financial planning, and delivering exceptional client experience for a privately-owned...
- Military Intelligence Officer
US Navy — Columbus,OHTo be eligible to enlist in the U.S. Navy, candidates must be between the ages of 18-34 These careers bring the expertise in all facets of Information Operations, making sure...
- Early Childhood MH Consultant
St. Vincent Family Services — Columbus,OHSUMMARY Responsible for providing consultation services to children ages 0-6, their families, teachers, and other staff/providers at their designated child-care centers. This includes, but is not limited to facilitating use...
- Travel Social Work - Social Worker - $2,606 per week
Rang Healthcare — Washington Court House,OHRang Healthcare is seeking a Social Work Social Worker for a travel job in Washington Court House, Ohio. Job Description & RequirementsSpecialty: Social...
- Sr Associate Data Engineer
RXC RxC Acquisition Company — Columbus,OHMcKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and...
- Phlebotomist
American Oncology Management Company — Columbus,OHLocation: Zangmeister Cancer Center Pay Range: $15.46 - $24.44 Position Summary Responsible for phlebotomy, laboratory testing, quality control, instrument troubleshooting and maintenance. Primary Key Performance...
- Phlebotomist
American Oncology Network Llc — Columbus,OHPosition Summary Responsible for phlebotomy, laboratory testing, quality control, instrument troubleshooting and maintenance. Primary Key Performance Areas Responsible for performing proper quality control...
- Staff Software Engineer
Teradata — Columbus,OHOur Company At Teradata, we believe that people thrive when empowered with better information. Thats why we built the most complete cloud analytics and data platform for AI. By delivering...
- Senior Social Worker - Trauma Recovery Division
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration — Columbus,OHSummary Incumbent serves as a core member of the interdisciplinary Trauma Recovery Division (TRD.) The TRD is a specialized program under the administration of the Behavioral Health Care Line. Incumbent...
- Project Architect
exp — Columbus,OHJob Description At EXP, we're driven to provide innovative solutions for the world's built and natural environments. As a team of engineers, architects, designers, scientists, creators and a community of...
- Become a Gopuff Driver - Sign Up Today
goPuff — Columbus,OHDo more than make ends meet. Deliver with Gopuff and get paid to deliver what your neighbors need from a Gopuff facility near you! With one centralized pickup location and...
- Technology Sales Engineer - Z-Stack
IBM — Columbus,OHIntroduction A Technology Sales Engineer role (what we internally call a, 'Brand Technical Specialist') within IBM zStack will make you a key enabler to how our clients are building modern,...
- Sr Compliance RCM & Coding Auditor
Humana — Columbus,OHBecome a part of our caring community and help us put health first CenterWell Senior Primary Care (PCO) is a growing provider organization that currently operates about 340+ senior focused...
- Infectious Disease Officer
United States Army — Hilliard,OHThe work of a U.S. Army Infectious Disease Officer provides information and research about infectious diseases to benefit the Army. If you are a professional in the field of infectious...
- Instructional Designer
S2U CoverMyMeds Pharmacy LLC — Columbus,OHMcKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and...
- Site Reliability Engineer
Omni Inclusive — Columbus,OHPrimary Skill PCF (Pivotal Cloud Foundry) and Mongo DB Exposure to at least 1 Observability Tool such as AppDynamics, Splunk, Grafana Change Mgmt using CI/CD pipeline. Harness or equivalent tools...
- Project Architect - Water Resource Recovery Market
Jacobs — Columbus,OHAt Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted, so we can shape innovation and lasting solutions for tomorrow. We endeavor to create a connected, sustainable world. If you're interested in...
- Senior Software Test Automation Engineer
Revel IT — Columbus,OHSenior Software Test Automation Engineer This range is provided by Revel IT. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience talk with your recruiter to learn more....
- Senior Tax Analyst
Vaco — Columbus,OHResponsibilities Prepare, review, and file federal, state, and local income and franchise tax returns, along with related estimated and extension payments. Compile and maintain supporting schedules for tax...
- Utilities Environmental Engineer
EnSafe — Columbus,OHEnSafe accepts applications for a Utilities Environmental Engineer based out of EnSafe's client site(s) (location flexible but travel required). EnSafe is an employee-owned, global environmental consulting and engineering...
- Gas Utility Laborer
Npl Construction — Columbus,OHGas Utility Laborer Date: Aug 26, 2025 Location: Columbus, OH, US, 43207 Company: NPL Construction (S4) Description: Pay Range: $29.68/hour Centuri companies consider several factors when extending an...
- Warehouse Merchandise Handler - $17.50/hr
Victoria's Secret — Dublin,OHThe base salary for this position is $17.50/hr. In addition, other benefits include: * Paid holidays beginning on day one * A 40% discount on all of our brands *...
- Accountant-Senior
Huntington — Columbus,OHDescription Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following: Participate in the coordination and preparation of quarterly...
- Software Engineer, IOS
Meta — Columbus,OHSummary: Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta), formerly known as Facebook Inc., builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way...
- Preschool Director
Primrose School of Grandview — Columbus,OHBenefits: Accident Insurance Hospital Insurance Short Term Disability Insurance 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Calling All...
- Software Engineer - Security
McKesson — Columbus,OHMcKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and...
- Senior Network Development Engineer
Oracle — Columbus,OHJob Description The AI2NE Org strives to be global leaders in the RDMA cluster networking domain and enable seamless, accelerated High-Performance Compute (HPC), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning advancements. We...
- Nursing Assistant (STNA/NA) - PRN
Select Medical Holdings Corporation — Dublin,OHObtaining vital signs, height, weight and demographic data. Assisting patients with personal and daily care, such as bathing (bed bath, chair at sink, tub and shower), oral hygiene, shaving and...
- Planning Specialist
Honda — 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...
- Assistant Family Advocacy Attorney
Nationwide Childrens Hospital — Columbus,OHOverview: **THIS IS A TEMPORARY PART-TIME POSITION, WORKING 20 HOURS PER WEEK; THE POSITION IS ANTICIPATED TO BEGIN ON 9/29/25 AND END ON 12/31/25** Valid Ohio driver's license and proof...