Grant and Graham Blog

When a recruiter tells you "you are over qualified for the job"

Written by Andrew Collins | Sep 19, 2023 9:15:04 AM

When a recruiter tells you that you are "overqualified for the job," it means that they believe your qualifications, skills, and experience exceed the requirements and expectations of the position you have applied for.

This can be both a compliment and a concern for the employer, and it may have several implications:

Risk of Boredom: The recruiter may be concerned that you will quickly become bored or unengaged in the role because it doesn't fully utilize your skills and expertise. This could lead to job dissatisfaction and a higher likelihood of you seeking other opportunities.

Salary Expectations: Recruiters might worry that your level of qualification comes with higher salary expectations than the position's budget allows. They may fear that you will expect compensation that exceeds what they are willing to offer for the role.

Flight Risk: There could be concerns that you may view the position as a temporary stopgap until you find a more suitable, higher-level position, which can make you a potential flight risk for the company.

Cultural Fit: The recruiter may also be concerned about how well you will fit into the team and the company's culture. They might wonder if you would be comfortable working in a role that might not be as challenging or dynamic as your previous positions.

Training and Supervision: There may be concerns about the amount of training or supervision you might need. If you're significantly more experienced than the team you would be working with, it could disrupt the balance or dynamics within the group.

It's essential to approach this feedback with professionalism and address the recruiter's concerns, especially if you genuinely want the job. You can emphasize your enthusiasm for the role, explain why you are interested in it despite your qualifications, and even be open to discussing salary expectations to alleviate concerns. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to highlight the specific skills and experiences relevant to the job you're applying for can also help demonstrate your commitment to the position.