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
- Night Operations Assistant Store Manager
The Home Depot — Canal Winchester,OHPosition Purpose:Night Operations Assistant Store Manager in Training (NOASM-IT) will gain hands-on experience in the key responsibilities and functions of a Night Operations Assistant Store Manager at The Home Depot....
- MEAT/CLERK
Kroger — Galloway,OHPerform general clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide customer service. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.From one tiny Cincinnati...
- Prep Cook
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...
- Benefit Representative | Work From Home
Hire Standard Staffing — Columbus,OHPosition: Remote Benefits Representative Company: American Income Life (a proud member of Globe...
- Entry Level Sales
Spectrum — Columbus,OHThis role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future. Do you enjoy...
- 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...
- Work From Home-Focus Group Panelist Needed (up to $500/week)
Apex Focus Group — Columbus,OHSeeking motivated individuals to participate in National Focus Groups and Clinical Trial studies. Earn up to $500/week in your spare time. Must register and apply to see if you qualify.
- Commissioning Engineer (Data Centers)
Jobot — Dublin,OHData Center Commissioning Engineer This Jobot Job is hosted by: Tony Barhoum Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume....
- FOOD TRANSPORTER/DELIVERY DRIVER (FULL AND PART TIME)
Compass Group, North America — Columbus,OHCulinary Services GroupCulinary Services Group is hiring immediately for part time **FOOD TRANSPORTER/DELIVERY DRIVER** positions.+ **Location** : Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare Hospital - 2200 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223.+...
- MRI Tech
OhioHealth — Columbus,OHWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an...
- Security Software Engineer - Endpoint Security
Anduril Industries — Ashville,OHAnduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the...
- Production Associate
Adecco — Mount Vernon,OH2nd Shift Production Associate Jobs in Mount Vernon, OH | $19.83/hr | Adecco Hiring Now Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio Shift: 2nd Shift (3:00 PM – 11:00 PM) Pay:...
- Warehouse Coordinator
TEKsystems c/o Allegis Group — Columbus,OHDescription Forklift, not required. Experienced in inventory, picking, packing and assembly This is a warehouse professional/ production line product packer/shipper type work Reponsibilities may include and not be limited...
- Manager IT Software Engineering
The Judge Group — Worthington,OHLocation: Worthington, OH Salary: $160,000.00 USD Annually - $175,000.00 USD Annually Description: Engineering Manager (Full-Stack) - Job Description Minimum...
- Summer Seasonal Sales Associate
The TJX Companies — Columbus,OHHomeGoodsAt TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your development. Whether...
- Merchandising Lead
Wal Mart — Columbus,OHPosition Summary...What you'll do...Provides member service by acknowledging the member and identifying member needs providing guidance and support to members regarding selfservicetechnology assisting members with purchasing decisions locating...
- Merchandise Coordinator
Home Goods — Columbus,OHHomeGoodsAt TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your...
- Seasonal Warehouse Associate
Lowe's — Columbus,OHSeasonal/Temporary Warehouse Associate Your Impact The Warehouse Associate II is primarily responsible for working in our Receiving department, picking, pulling, receiving, labeling, and stocking purchase orders within the...
- Busser
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...
- Benefit Representative - Remote (Virtual)
Hire Standard Staffing — Columbus,OHPosition: Remote Benefits Representative Company: American Income Life (a proud member of Globe...
- Retail Sales Specialist
Spectrum — Grove City,OHThis role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future. Earn $18.00/hour...
- 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...
- Mechanical Assistant Project Manager
Jobot — Columbus,OHThis Jobot Job is hosted by: Jeremy Lee Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply Now" button and sending us your resume. Salary: $120,000 - $160,000...
- BARISTA (FULL TIME)
Compass Group, North America — Columbus,OHMorrison Healthcare+ We are hiring immediately for a full time **BARISTA** position.+ **Location** : OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital - 3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214. _Note: online applications accepted_...
- Senior Software Engineer, QualityOS
Anduril Industries — Ashville,OHAnduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the...
- Data Center Audit Network Technician
TEKsystems c/o Allegis Group — Columbus,OHOverview We are seeking a detail-oriented Audit Network Technician to support network validation, auditing, and troubleshooting activities. This role is critical in ensuring accurate network...
- Freight Handler
Wal Mart — Groveport,OHPosition Summary...Are you currently a Walmart associate?Please login to your Workday account and use the Find Jobs report to apply for this job.* Find JobsSchedules...Weekday Day: 0530-1530 MO TU WE...
- Merchandise Associate
The TJX Companies — Columbus,OHHomeGoodsAt TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your development. Whether...
- QA Automation - Advanced
The Judge Group — Westerville,OHLocation: Westerville, OH Description: Job Title: Test Automation Engineer Minimum Qualifications 3+ years of experience with test automation tools (e.g., Selenium, UFT). Hands-on experience...
- Retail Merchandise Associate
Home Goods — Columbus,OHHomeGoodsAt TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your...
- Seasonal Retail Sales Associate
Lowe's — Columbus,OHKey ResponsibilitiesProvides SMART customer service at all times through the daily execution of Lowe's customer service policies, procedures and programsSeeks out customers to understand his/her needs and assists in locating,...
- Cardiac Sonographer Acute - Imaging Float Pool, casual
OhioHealth — Columbus,OHWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an...
- Electrical Assembler
Adecco — Russells Point,OHNow Offering Increased Starting Wages – Join the Honda Team! Adecco is hiring immediately for Entry Level Production Assembler jobs with Honda Transmission Manufacturing Inc. in Russells Point,...
- Customer Enrollment Associate
Hire Standard Staffing — Columbus,OHPosition: Remote Benefits Representative Company: American Income Life (a proud member of Globe...
- Senior Traveling Superintendent
Jobot — Columbus,OHLarge-Scale Mission Critical Data Center Project in Indianapolis! Senior Electrical Superintendent Opportunity! This Jobot Job is hosted by: David DeCristofaro Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the...
- Senior Industrial Engineer, Intelligence Systems
Anduril Industries — Ashville,OHAnduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the...
- Produce Associate
Wal Mart — Columbus,OHPosition Summary...Why do our members choose to purchase fruits & vegetables at Sam's Club? Our members tell us one of the biggest reasons is they get quality & fresh food...
- COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)
Compass Group, North America — 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.+...
- IS Technical Specialist: III (Senior)
The Judge Group — Columbus,OHLocation: Columbus, OH Salary: Negotiable Description: Our client is currently seeking a IS Technical Specialist: III (Senior) This job will have the following responsibilities: Primary...
- Audit Network Technician
TEKsystems c/o Allegis Group — Columbus,OHDescription We are seeking a detail-oriented Audit Network Technician to support network validation, auditing, and troubleshooting activities. This role is critical in ensuring accurate network documentation, circuit mapping,...