How can employers justify denying someone a position for being overqualified?

Graham I

This is a very real problem and I agree that a lot of employers are guilty of being too narrow with their recruitment criteria. Many people are told they are over-qualified for what you might call an entry-level job, but they are told that they don't have enough experience for the next level up - by virtue of their additional qualifications they become virtually unemployable in the sector they're trying to get into. Then when they try to get into a different sector they have to explain why they're changing career path.

Unfortunately in most sectors employers find themselves in a buyer's market, so they are usually looking for excuses to narrow down applicants to a final 2 or 3 they actually make a judgement on. And even then you find that they make judgements on completely trivial grounds - for example Candidate A has used Word 2007 and Candidate B has used Word 2003 (it might be true that all things being exactly equal it would be slightly more efficient to recruit someone who was used to the same version of software you're using, but all other things never are exactly equal enough for something this trivial to make a difference, so IMHO this kind of criterion is always an excuse for something they dare not say, such as "you're too old/young/ugly/pretty/middle class/etc")

old know all

The employer's concern is that the candidate will move on to a more lucrative job after a short time, leaving him to have to start the recruitment process again.

Ye Olde Fasc-Fiter

They're afraid such a person will not be content in the job and leave for something better.

Well Now What

Because the employer want someone
.
That they know will stay and be happy with the job they are given to do
.
If you took a brain surgeon and made him a Nurses aid
.
Well there would always be the atmosphere of
.
He knows more than all of us put together
.

Boo

Because we are free as employers and employees in this country to make that decision. The justification is that the person would not be happy in the position and would become bored and move on quickly at their first opportunity. It costs money to hire and train staff, so the longer you keep them employed the more you get payback from that employee.

Stephen Is My Name

They are afraid that you might take their job.

And yes, it is a private business so they are allowed to deny you a position.

commander c

They probably think you will be off as soon as a better paying job comes along, which they appreciate is not out of your reach. They probably want someone who is dependable, hard working, but with no ambition or ability to better themselves, ensuring they will be in the job for many many years and they won't have to go through the whole recruitment process again.

Killer Queen

Because typically that person would end up being very unhappy working in a job like that. Not true in every case, but most. Esp if there isn't a chance for advancement. Employers don't want to hire and train someone only to have them leave after a few months.

Scouse

Yes it is unfair and there are two at least possible answers.
1. fear for there own job if you are better at it
2. You will become frustrated dong a job fae below your abilities and as a result will not perform your duties as well as someone less qualified.

Dissident X

They don't want to set anyone on who may be using them as a stopgap until they find the job thay REALLY want--and then bugger off.

i've been getting that for 7 months.

i think the employers were thinking i wouldn't be staying for long.

which could be true, i suppose.

got a job this week now so i can stop waiting for rejection letters.

Princess Paradox

Actually, I think they're right. I'm overqualified for my job and I'm so bloody bored that I'm clearly not going to stay in the job much longer. The way they justify it, quite rightly, is that overqualified people often don't stay in jobs long so they have to go through the hassle of hiring someone else quite quickly

Chuck T

There don't think you will stay....

Lily B Talus

Employers wont take on anyone who appears to be more intelligent than they are

*7 Inch Heels*

I dont know? I worked in an office once and i had to pick out all the people that had to much experience and call them to tell them they were denied for the position? I dont understand? But thats what my manager had me do. some of those people had a lot of experience because they were retired and just looking for a part time position even if they werent making much? i dont know its kinda weird?

Ben Gunn

This has happened to me several times for the reasons that 'old know all' gives above. I know much more than my supervisor and my manager (I don't want their jobs). It has become so frustrating seeing everything done wrong that I have decided to retire next month.

Trucky

Simple answer ! They don't want to pay you more !

What ALL employers want, is Scool leavers with 20 years more of experience !

School leavers = minimum wages to pay
Experience= Great benefit for their greedy pockets !

Back to the drawing board

It happens all the time, employers justifiably ask why a person has not been more assertive in trying to get work in the job market that they have the qualifications in.

John T

You may not think it's right but it is commonplace and quite understandable.

People are turned down as being overqualified because of the likelihood they will get bored very quickly and leave.

Omgitshim1

They are just saying to you that they cannot justify their own salaries if they pay you less. The solution is not to employ you, and sack themselves, it is to continue with an overpaid workforce until the company is bust.

Quod erat demonstrandum.

Mike

Over qualified is often a euphemism for saying that they think that you are too old.

That of course is age discrimination.

Robin

they would expect that you will always be looking for a better paying job, and would jump at the 1st good opportunity
then they will waste money re-hiring and re training someone else

Teri ann Sensible.

Employers "do" what they are permitted to do I know it may not be fair to you personally but it happens in life,don't give up this is just the beginning.

Bonnie

t isn't right really, but they will argue that you are likely to just up-sticks and leave as soon as a better job comes along (which is what any moron would do anyway). I have heard of some people actually leaving qualifications off their CV completely because they don't want to be turned down for being over-qualified. There is nothing wrong with having a good education. Some employers may even fear your level of education.

Doethineb

I've been complaining about this for years. It is usually a cover up for something else which they dare not say out loud for fear of being accused of discrimination -- often the fact that you are older than the people you would be working with and used to commanding a higher salary, whereas they like the idea of a young, not very well paid work force.

sir galahad

they can't really,but they do.it's called positive discrimination

caracal

Most people apply for jobs that they are qualified for. If you have been told you are overqualified, the employer has concerns that you are either unambitious, desperate or using the job as a stepping stone. It is quite possible to get a job if you are overqualified, but you have to communicate very clearly the reasons for you taking an apparent 'step down' in salary or challenge - for example that your goal is to get experience in a different field or that the job offers something unique that you couldn't find in a job more closely suited to your educational level AND you have to convince the employer in what ways your greater skill set will be of benefit to the company.

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