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
- Warehouse Specialist - 12-hour Night Shift
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...
- Vaso Server Assistant | Dublin AC Hotel
Shaner Hotel Group — Dublin,OHJob Description Be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and varied shifts. Ensures compliance with and completion of all daily operational procedures by the Food and Beverage...
- Retail Sales Associate – Part Time
AutoZone — Delaware,OHAutoZone's store teams are the frontline of WOW! Customer Service, ensuring that customers find the right parts and solutions for their automotive needs. Store employees maintain well-stocked inventory, assist customers...
- Courtesy Clerk/Grocery Bagger
Kroger — Galloway,OHCreate an outstanding customer experience through exceptional service. Establish and maintain a safe and clean environment that encourages our customers to return. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty,...
- Operator - 3rd Shift
Lancaster Colony Corporation — Columbus,OHAbout UsThe Marzetti Company (Nasdaq: MZTI) manufactures and sells specialty food products. Our retail brands include Marzetti dressings and dips, New York Bakery garlic breads, and Sister Schubert's dinner rolls,...
- Dishwasher
Smokey Bones — Grove City,OHAre you looking for a place that celebrates YOU for being YOU? Do you want to work with people that are fun and work as a team? Where you have...
- VTC Administrator with Security Clearance
Anistar Technologies — Columbus,OHJob Title: VTC Administrator Location: Columbus, OH Salary: $65-75,000 Company Summary: Our client is a proven leader in information technology, innovative strategic technical planning, and program management offering a professional...
- Dock Worker / Forklift Operator, Part-Time
ABF — Columbus,OHJob Description Dock Workers are responsible for loading and unloading trailers for the purpose of transporting a wide variety of cargo, moving cargo, driving a forklift, or using a pallet...
- Dock Worker
Estes Express Lines — Columbus,OH**Job Summary:**+ Properly load and unload freight using a forklift, pallet jack, hand truck or by hand+ Strap, brace and pad freight to prevent damage or shifting+ Responsible for accurately...
- Part Time Food Production
Gordon Food Service — Columbus,OHGordon Food Service Store LLCLocation: 5700 Columbus Sq, Columbus, OH, 43231Now Hiring!Pay: $13/hr* Store Hours - Monday through Saturday 7AM-8PM; Sunday 9AM-6PM* Holidays Off - We are CLOSED on Thanksgiving,...
- Take Out
BJ's Restaurants — Columbus,OHOverviewOpen interviews conducted daily - Walk-ins are WelcomeHiring ImmediatelyWe value Gracious Hospitality in everything we do, it starts with you! Our team members are the not-so-secret ingredient in crafting memorable...
- Field Engineer Technician - Columbus OH
Unisys Corporation — Columbus,OHWhat success looks like in this role: * Serves as Field Engineer for large, complex clients and across the range of company...
- Part-Time Store Cashier/Stocker
ALDI — Pickerington,OHALDI is looking for enthusiastic part-time cashiers and stockers. As a cashier, you'll provide friendly, efficient checkout service, while as a stocker, you'll help keep shelves stocked and organized to...
- Sr. Financial Analyst
Worthington Industries — Columbus,OH...
- Servers
Red Robin — Columbus,OHServer Pay Rate: $5.50 + TipsRed Robin servers also earn variable tips (hourly pay will not be less than applicable minimum wage).Red Robin isn't your typical burger restaurant. We're a...
- Cross Dock forklift operator
CENTERLINE DRIVERS, LLC — Columbus,OHCenterline is your one access point to limitless opportunities. Our job is to connect you with safe, rewarding work at top companies while maintaining your flexibility and work/life balance.What you'll...
- Warehouse Security Officer
Securitas — Columbus,OHWarehouse Security OfficerWage: $17.00/ hourRequirements:* 0-2 years of security experience.* Highly reliable with the ability to adapt to various site demands.* Must be flexible and willing to work at different...
- Peak Season Warehouse Associate
LaborMax — Columbus,OHLooking to earn extra money during the busy season? Join our team as a Warehouse Associate! You'll play a key role in helping with order picking, packing, loading/unloading trucks, and...
- Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift
Abbott — 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...
- Baker Associate
DiBella's — Columbus,OHApplyDescriptionTired of smelling like a French Fry when you go home, rather smell like delicious bread?Apply now to join our team of Baker Associates (part time).At DiBella's our bread is...
- Warehouse Clerk - Weekend Night Shift
Crane Worldwide Logistics — Lockbourne,OHEssential Job Functions* Performs data entry, and prepares standard reports & spreadsheets* Collects, organizes, records, and files information.* Performs Rating & Billing duties* Other duties as assignedOther Skills & Abilities*...
- Grocery Clerk
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market — Columbus,OHIf you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering...
- Forklift Operator Picker
Nesco Resource, LLC — Columbus,OHLocation: West Columbus Shift: 8:30am-5pm Pay: $17.00 Description: Keeps production supplied by retrieving materials and supplies; operating...
- Retail Sales Associate
2020 Companies, Inc. — London,OHJob Type:RegularWork Location:Walmart 5203 - London, OH 43140Overview:Full-Time Retail Sales - Immediate Hire - First Sale Bonus - Paid TrainingOn behalf of our client, NRG, we are looking for Retail...
- Order Selector Forklift Operator | 2nd Shift
RJ Schinner — Grove City,OHBuild your career with RJ Schinner, a growing, family-owned wholesale redistributor with over 70 years of successWe have 20 distribution centers throughout the US, 600+ employees, and provide disposable paper,...
- VTC Administrator (Columbus, OH) with Security Clearance
22nd century technologies — Columbus,OHJob title: VTC AdministratorLocation: Columbus, OHDuration: Full timeClearance : Secret or Top Secret DescriptionWorks under general supervision, providing support for DLA Information Operations AV/VTC equipment, to include CODECs,...
- Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time
Burlington — Grove City,OHIf you want an exciting job with one of the largest off-price retail stores in the nation, join the Burlington Stores, Inc. as a Stocking Associate! Are you looking for...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - Reefer Position
APL CARGO — Delaware,OHAPL Cargo is Now Hiring OTR CDL-A Reefer Truck DriversEarn $78,000 - $109,200 Annually - Comprehensive Health Coverage...
- Grocery Clerk
Fresh Thyme — Worthington,OHIf you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering...
- Local CDL-A Truck Driver
Ryder — Richwood,OHRyder is Now Hiring Local CDL-A Truck Drivers in Findlay, OHGet Home Daily - Earn $1,385+ per Week Pay, Home Time &...
- Dockworker Inbound
A. Duie Pyle — Columbus,OHA. Duie Pyle is seeking a full-time Inbound Dockworker to join our team in Columbus, OH. This role is responsible for safely transporting freight on and off trailers, and verifying...
- Applied Research Engineer 1
Ohio State University — Columbus,OHScreen reader users may encounter difficulty with this site. For assistance with applying, please contact If you have questions while submitting an application, please review these frequently asked questions. Current...
- Customer Service Associate I
Family Dollar — Columbus,OHWeu2019re seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience for every customer. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: + Assist...
- Flex Associate-2
Saks OFF 5TH — Columbus,OHSaks OFF 5TH is the premier luxury off-price destination. In its more than 100 stores in the U.S. and Canada, and online, at SaksOFF5TH.com, the company provides the best names...
- Zone Specialist Part Time
Ollie's Bargain Outlet — Lancaster,OHJoin our team and live the Ollie-tude!: (Ollie's Core Values)* BE A TEAM PLAYER- Associates are expected to be supportive and work together.* BE CARING- How do I treat others...
- Program Manager - General - Lead
Eliassen Group — Columbus,OHDescription:Hybrid 2 days on site in Columbus, OH Our client seeks a Program Manager to support the Settlement Support team. The role delivers operational support for regulated and high-risk manual...
- Pallet Sorter - Night Shift
Rehrig Pacific Company — Grove City,OHShift Details: Tuesday - Friday 4:30AM - 3:00AMPay: $18/hourGreat benefits including: Medical, Dental Vision and Life Insurance; Paid Time Off; Paid Holidays; 401k & ESOP; Profit Sharing; Tuition Reimbursement and...
- Dockworker (Hostler)
XPO — Columbus,OHWhat you'll need to succeed as a Dockworker (Hostler) at XPOMinimum qualifications:* Be at least 18 years of age* A valid driver's license* Able to do basic math calculations, with...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - Earn Up To $90,000/Year
Pioneer — Chillicothe,OHPioneer is Now Hiring CDL-A Flatbed Company Drivers!Earn Up to $90,000 per Year - $5,000 Sign-On Bonus ...
- Travel Retail Team Merchandiser - Giant Eagle
Acosta — Dublin,OHTravel Retail Team Merchandiser - Giant EagleGeneral InformationCompany: ACO-USLocation: DUBLIN, Ohio, 43016Ref #: 65378Pay Rate: $ 15.00Experience/skills and/or location may influence position wage rateRange Minimum: $ 15.00Range Maximum: $...