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
- Remote Text Evaluator - English Speaker
Outlier — Columbus,OHOutlier is an AI training platform owned and operated by Scale AI. Outlier Experts work on a variety of projects, from generating training data to evaluating the performance of models....
- Server
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...
- Auto Transport Claims Specialist
Auto Transport Claims — Columbus,OHAuto Transport Claims Specialist Location: Remote – Greater Chicago Area Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: $60,000–$75,000 annually, depending on experience. Higher...
- Community Manager
Synergis — Columbus,OHTITLE: Community and Social Manager LOCATION: New York, NY; Hybrid ANTICIPATED DURATION: W2 contract role going until 04/25/2027 with possible extension PAY:...
- Package Sorter - Immediate Hire
AD | MatchMeJobs — Columbus,OHNew Warehouse Positions Open. No Experience Required. Hiring Now. Apply Today!
- Apartment Property Manager
E V Bishoff Company — Columbus,OHDescription: Description The Commercial Property Manager oversees and directs all Building Superintendents, Construction Team Lead, in house construction teams and outside contractors. The Commercial Property Manager needs to...
- Utility Operations Specialist
Cavalcade — Columbus,OHCavalcade helps property owners reduce utility costs through billing corrections, better rates, tax exemptions, and account changes. We are hiring a Utility Operations Specialist who has worked inside a utility...
- Grocery Delivery Driver
DoorDash — Columbus,OHWhy Deliver with DoorDash? DoorDash is the #1 category leader in food delivery, food pickup, and convenience store delivery in the US, trusted by millions of customers every day. As...
- Recruiter
MBO Partners — Columbus,OHDuration: 9 months w/ potential for long term engagement Location: Remote Overview Our team is growing and we're seeking an experienced Delivery Recruiter with strong...
- Data Scientist
Inspyr Solutions — Columbus,OHTitle: Data Scientist Location: Remote US Duration:12 months Compensation: $55-75/hr Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or...
- Contract Investigator
Capovilla & Williams — Columbus,OHCompany Description Capovilla & Williams is the leader in military law and justice and represents United States service members in high-stakes criminal and administrative cases worldwide. This position is part-time...
- ASL Interpreters Remote
Kelly Services — Columbus,OHJob Description: At Kelly® Professional & Industrial, we are passionate about helping you find a job that works for you! Our client, an industry leader in the interpreting field, is...
- Part-Time Government & Public Policy Subject Matter Expert (Remote)
Halluminate — Columbus,OHCompany Description Halluminate is an applied AI and data company working with frontier labs to train financial services and knowledge work superintelligence. We build high-quality computer-use and tool-use reinforcement...
- Assistant Controller
TalentSource360 — Columbus,OHAssistant Controller – Multi-Entity Retail Location: Washington DC metro region Schedule: Hybrid Compensation: $120,000-$140,000 Our client, a growing multi-location retail chain with locations...
- Housekeeper Needed
Care.com — Columbus,OHColumbus home needs a part-time house cleaner. Ideal match will meet the requirements below. Standard cleaning Laundry...
- Sustainability Coordinator
Alma Environmental Partners — Columbus,OHCompany Description Alma Environmental Partners is a WBE-certified sustainability consulting firm that supports organizations in aligning sustainability with business performance. The team works across the A/E/C, real estate, and...
- Food Service Worker
Sodexo — New Albany,OHFood Service Worker Location: ...
- Warehouse Clerk
Amazon — Columbus,OHAmazon Robotics Warehouse Associate Shifts: Day, Night, Weekend Location: Etna, OH Job opportunities vary by location. We update postings daily with open...
- Patient Care Technician
The Little Clinic — Columbus,OHUnder the day to day direction of the on-duty nurse practitioner/physician assistant, the general purpose of the patient care technician (PCT) position is to maximize patient flow through the clinic...
- Part-Time Customer Support Representative (Tier 1)
VITG — Columbus,OHJob Title: Part-Time Customer Support Representative (Tier 1) Job Description: We are seeking a detail-oriented Tier 1 Customer Support Representative to provide high-quality, first-level support to...
- Remote Client Care & Sales Representative (No Experience Needed | Full Training | No Cold Calling)
Delaney Agency — Columbus,OHComing from customer service, teaching or retail? If you've spent years helping people, solving problems and keeping customers happy, you already have the core of this role. This is a...
- Prepared Foods Team Member - Groveport Giant Eagle
Giant Eagle — Groveport,OHJob Summary Our Sales Clerks are responsible for help ensuring our guests' needs are met. Our Sales Clerks are assigned to a primary area, but, in addition to your primary...
- Seasonal Customer Experience Associate
Trade Coffee — Columbus,OHAbout Trade Trade is changing the way people discover and enjoy specialty coffee at home. We've built the country's largest marketplace of independent roasters, combining deep coffee expertise with smart...
- Project Manager
Triquetra — Columbus,OHJob Title: Project Manager Reporting To: Project Manager Location: Remote Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are looking...
- Facilities Coordinator
ADMAR OHIO LLC — Columbus,OHBuild Your Career with ADMAR Supply! Are you an experienced Diesel Technician or mechanically inclined professional looking to grow your career? ADMAR Supply is looking for motivated individuals to join...
- Teachers at CDLC of Westerville
KinderCare Education — Westerville,OHFutures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the...
- Elder Care Provider Wanted - Compassionate Elder Care Via Phone Calls. $10 For 15 Minutes, $25 Dollars For 16 30 Minutes. Could Use Several Weekly.
CareGuide — Columbus,OHHello, we are a family in Columbus, Ohio seeking a live-out, part-time elder care provider to support our loved one. The ideal candidate will offer telephone companionship because I have...
- Call Center Representative - Bilingual Spanish
GENPACT — Columbus,OHReady to shape the future of work? At Genpact, we don't just adapt to change—we drive it. AI and digital innovation are redefining industries, and we're leading the charge. Genpact's...
- Amazon Marketplace Manager
Komar — Columbus,OHAmazon Marketplace Manager Komar, a global leader in the design, sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of apparel with a diverse portfolio of owned, licensed and private label brands is seeking...
- Safety Associate
Smurfit Westrock — Columbus,OHSmurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated...
- Retail Receiving Associate
Wayfair — Amlin,OHCome join the team that is reinventing home! Wayfair is hiring a Retail Receiving Associate for our Outlet retail store in Dublin,OH! If you are looking for rapid growth, constant...
- Entry Level Sales || Remote
MITRU & PARTNERS AGENCY — Columbus,OHAbout the job Who We Are Mitru & Partners Agency exists to reach and elevate all US states and helping people build stronger businesses, careers, finances, and relationships. We move...
- Aviation Manuals & SMS Specialist
Mohr Talent — Columbus,OHWashington, DC | Hybrid | $55,000 - $75,000 /yr + Year-End Bonus | Full-Time An industry-leading and growing business aviation safety and compliance company, with a team that cares about...
- Director of Nursing
Bickford Senior Living — Columbus,OHJoin our DYNAMIC team at Bickford Senior Living as a Health & Wellness Director! The HWD is the clinical leader who supports the clinical operations within...
- Airport Driver
The Parking Spot — Columbus,OHShuttle Driver | ...
- Jobs Hiring Immediately
AD | Jobs2Careers.com — Columbus,OHApply to Full Time and Positions Hiring Immediately. Great Benefits. Top Pay. Apply Today!
- Service Technician
Morgan Properties — Grove City,OHService Technician – 120-Unit Community | Grove City, OHFix it. Fine-tune it. Keep a community running right. Morgan Properties is hiring a Part-Time...
- Implementation Specialist I
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 Logic...
- Development Coordinator
Zantaz Data Resources — Columbus,OHLocation: Naples, FL or Williamsville, NY HQ or Global Remote with full Amazon Echo 5 drop-in collaboration. Compensation: $150K USD Annual Contract + performance-based...
- Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist - West Hospital
Mercy Health — Columbus,OHBSMMHPUSR289879EXTERNALENUS *Mercy Health* *About Us* As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional...