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
- Server - Full or Part Time
Friendship Village of Dublin — Dublin,OHMust be 18 years of age or older for this role Full or Part Time Hours Join a team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of our...
- OPENING PREP COOK | CAMERON MITCHELL PREMIER EVENTS
Rusty Bucket — Columbus,OHSummary: Our Premier Events team is looking for a dedicated heart of house associate with a passion for cooking and genuine hospitality to add to our team! The Opening Prep...
- Airline Logistics Coordinator
Forward Air, Inc. — Groveport,OHPosition: Airline Logistics Coordinator Pay Rate: $19.23 per hour ...
- 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 ...
- COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)
Compass Group USA — Columbus,OHCulinary Services GroupCulinary Services Group is hiring immediately for full time and part time COOK positions.* Location: Twin Valley Behavioral Health - 2200 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223.* Schedule:...
- Floor Care Associate
Ohio Living — Columbus,OHIt's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!Our intention is to have employees who are passionate about making their personal mission statement come...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - 99% No-Touch Freight
DART — Grove City,OHDart is Now Hiring CDL-A Company Drivers for Multiple RoutesEarn Up to $80,000 per Year with Consistent Miles Sign-On...
- Inventory Specialist
Walgreens — Columbus,OH* Responsible for executing, monitoring, and training inventory best practices and standard operating procedures for the entire store, including both front end and pharmacy. Supports pharmacy inventory management activities, including...
- INVENTORY LEAD - 1ST SHIFT
Vista Packaging Logistics — Columbus,OHPOSITION SUMMARYResponsible for completing daily, weekly, monthly and periodic inventory control and record-keeping tasks for customers in the PowerHouse WMS system. Includes receiving put-aways, picking, restocking, production usage, shipping,...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - Home Daily - $10k Sign-On
SYSCO — Galloway,OHSysco is Now Hiring Local CDL-A Delivery Drivers in Columbus, OH!Home Daily - Earn Up to $100,000/Year* - Up to $10,000 Sign-On Bonus*...
- Local CDL-A Truck Driver
Ryder — Prospect,OHRyder is Now Hiring Local CDL-A Truck Drivers in Findlay, OHGet Home Daily - Earn $1,385+ per Week Pay, Home Time &...
- Local CDL-A Truck Driver - Home Daily
Tucker Freight Lines — London,OHTucker Freight Lines is Now Hiring CDL-A Local & Flex Company Truck DriversEarn Up to $24 per Hour* - Local & Flex Routes Available...
- Class A CDL Truck Driver
Dollar General Fleet — Reynoldsburg,OHDollar General Fleet is Hiring Experienced CDL-A Truck Drivers — You've Earned This Earn Up To $100,000/Year | Home Weekly | Regional Routes This Is NOT an Entry-Level...
- Travel MRI Technologist - $2,659 per week
Anders Group — Columbus,OHAnders Group is seeking a travel MRI Technologist for a travel job in Columbus, Ohio. Job Description & Requirements Specialty: MRI Technologist Discipline: Allied Health Professional Start Date: 07/13/2026 Duration:...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - Reefer Position
APL CARGO — Hilliard,OHAPL Cargo is Now Hiring OTR CDL-A Reefer Truck DriversEarn $78,000 - $109,200 Annually - Comprehensive Health Coverage...
- Dishwasher
California Pizza Kitchen — Columbus,OHAt California Pizza Kitchen, R.O.C.K.S is our philosophy for a culture that rocks! For over 35 years we've built a culture of Respect, amazing Opportunities, open Communication, acts of Kindness,...
- Full-Time Store Associate
ALDI — Westerville,OHAs a store associate, you'll be responsible for merchandising and stocking product, cashiering, and cleaning to keep the store looking its best. You'll enhance the customer shopping experience by working...
- Weekends Only
Planet Fitness - Duo Fit, LLC — Columbus,OHJob Summary Required open availability on both weekend days Essential Duties and Responsibilities Greet members, prospective members and guests by providing exceptional customer...
- Special Education Paraprofessional
The Learning Spectrum — Bexley,OHAt The Learning Spectrum, we believe every child can grow with the right support. Our teams collaborate across ABA and therapies to build communication, social skills, and confidence—at school and...
- Grocery Clerk
Kroger — Galloway,OHCreate an outstanding customer experience through exceptional service. Establish and maintain a safe and clean environment that encourages our customers to return. Assist the department manager in reaching sales and...
- Travel X-Ray Technologist – OR/Fluoroscopy - $2,377 per week
Arrow Healthcare Staffing — Dublin,OHArrow Healthcare Staffing is seeking a travel Radiology Technologist for a travel job in Dublin, Ohio. Job Description & Requirements Specialty: Radiology Technologist Discipline: Allied Health Professional Start Date: 07/27/2026...
- CDL-A Truck Driver
J.B. Hunt — Delaware,OHJ.B. Hunt is Now Hiring Regional CDL-A Company Drivers in Van Buren, OHGet Home Weekly with J.B. Hunt! Top Pay &...
- CDL A Owner Operator Truck Drivers
Tag Trans — Columbus,OHDrive with TAG Trans as an Owner-Operator Earn $8K - $10K Weekly & Get Up to $3K in Credit at Our Full-Service Repair Shop! Apply now! -https:/intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/tagtrans?r=justcdljobs Are you an...
- Sr Java Full Stack Developer - W2 Role
Svats — Columbus,OH...
- Warehouse Supervisor
Scotts Miracle-gro Company — Marysville,OHHere at Scotts Miracle-Gro there is no such thing as a typical day. Our culture is constantly energized by new and exciting growth opportunities and at a rapid pace. Below...
- Food and Beverage Supervisor, The Market - Hilton Columbus Downtown
Hilton Hotels — Columbus,OHJobID: 208492Category: Food and BeverageJobSchedule: Full timePosted Date: 2026-06-01T17:02:12+00:00JobShift:Equal Opportunity Employer: EOE, including disability/vetsExceptional Hospitality Starts with YouPicture yourself brightening someone's day.
- 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...
- Home Care Aide
Help at Home — Columbus,OHHelp at Home is hiring TODAY in your community! We now offer paid training, no experience required! Caregivers typically work 15–25 hours per week, based on availability and travel requirements....
- Conductor de entregas – no requiere experiencia
DoorDash — Columbus,OH¿Por qué entregar con DoorDash? DoorDash es el líder número uno de la categoría en entregas de comida, retiro de comida y entregas de tiendas de conveniencia en EE. UU.,...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - Recent Grads Welcome
System Transport — Chillicothe,OHSystem Transport is Now Hiring Recent Grad Regional CDL-A Flatbed DriversRecent Graduate Flatbed CDL-A Driver - Most Weekends Off!
- Sr Technical Business Analyst - 10932
Randstad Digital — Columbus,OHjob summary: This role to lead operational support and continuous improvement for an enterprise ArcGIS Enterprise GIS platform. Manage prioritized backlog spanning incidents, security remediation, enhancements, and testing readiness,...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - No-Touch Freight
Ozark Motor Lines — Grove City,OHOzark Motor Lines is Now Hiring CDL-A OTR Company DriversEarn $70,800-$75,600 per Year* - No-Touch FreightMultiple OTR Home...
- Travel MRI Technologist - $2,777 per week
Alois Healthcare — Columbus,OHALOIS Healthcare is seeking a travel MRI Technologist for a travel job in Columbus, Ohio. Job Description & Requirements Specialty: MRI Technologist Discipline: Allied Health Professional Start Date: 07/13/2026 Duration:...
- 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...
- No Experience Needed | Caregiver
CareInHomes — Galena,OHApply for open caregiver positions today! Requirements * Be of legal age * Be eligible to work in the US * Be dependable * Have an active driver\'s license and...
- GUEST SERVICE ASSOCIATE - Store 624
UNITED DAIRY FARMERS — Dublin,OHPosition Title: Guest Service Associate Reports to: Store Manager Schedule: Part Time (25 hours or less per week); may work 1st, 2nd or 3rd shift Pay Range:...
- Administrative Assistant Work From Home - Part-Time Focus Group Participants ($750/week)
Apex Focus Group — Columbus,OHSeeking motivated individuals to participate in National Focus Groups and Clinical Trial studies. Earn up to $750/week in your spare time. Must register and apply to see if you qualify.
- Cook
U.S. Navy — Columbus,OHJob Title : Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories and records,...
- Retail Merchandiser - Weekends
The Retail Odyssey Company — Columbus,OHWe want you to help us shape the future of shopping experiences and deliver on our purpose of connecting people with the products and experiences that enrich their lives. Joining...
- Retail Sales Associate-TAYLOR SQUARE
Bath and Body Works — Reynoldsburg,OHDescriptionCareer Development | Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | 40% Discount | Daily or Weekly Pay | Fun StoresAt Bath & Body Works, everyone belongs. We are committed to creating...