Can an applicant really be overqualified or is this code for age discrimination?

A. What does it mean when an employer says you are overqualified for a position? Is it a code word for age discrimination?

In my opinion, no one can really be over-qualified for a position. Either one is qualified and meets the minimum qualifications or one does not. So what is an employer really saying when it says you are overqualified? What are they worried about? Why would the employer want to hire someone with less experience or fewer qualifications.

1. The employer feels it cannot afford someone who is "overqualified" and is suspicious when an applicant will accept a lower salary than previously earned.

2. The employer is worried that the workers will jump ship at the first opportunity to get a job that better fits their qualifications.

3. The supervisor may be intimidated that you have more qualifications or experience than she does and think you may want her job.

5. The employer does not want to hire older workers and knows enough not to say it directly so it says it does not want "overqualified" workers.

B. If you are an older worker, how can you overcome the employer's bias against "overqualified" applicants?

1. The employer feels it cannot afford someone who is "overqualified" and is suspicious when an applicant will accept a lower salary than previously earned.

Explain to the employer why you are willing to accept a lower salary. Here are some possible responses:

a. I am on Social Security (or have a pension) and I have the flexibility to apply for jobs I really want even if the salary is lower.

b. I really want to work in this area (in my case Florida) and I know that the salaries are lower here. I know we take some of our salary as sunshine and good weather.

2. The employer is worried that the applicants will jump ship at the first opportunity to get a job that better fits their qualification.

Of course, a younger less-experienced employee may also jump ship if an opportunity presents itself, but that may not concern the employer. Here are some responses:

a. My family lives in this area and I am willing to take a lower salary to live nearby.

b. This job is the one aspect of my field that I like the most and this is where I would like to spend the rest of my career.

3. The supervisor may be intimidated since you have more qualifications or experience than she does and may think you want her job. Here are some responses:

a. When asked what your long-term goals are, don't say you want to get promoted. Instead say that after a long career in this field, you want to stay put.

b. Try to emphasize that you are a team player.

c. Be careful not to sound like a know-it-all.

d. Don't give advice at the interview on how things could be better based on your experience. Save this for later.

As an applicant, you must try to show that your experience and qualifications are a plus for this position. If you follow these tips, you will be interviewing like a pro.

Mary Greenwood Author of How to Interview Like a Pro, winner of fourteen book awards.
www.MaryGreenwood.org