Do I take this job when I'm overqualified?

Last updated: June 14, 2025
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Ashley Wilson
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Content Manager at Jobcase
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Do I take this job when I'm overqualified?
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Times are tough and many of us are taking on and applying for roles that we may feel overqualified for. Here is how to handle it!

Don’t oversell yourself

Instead of focusing on highlighting all of your accomplishments on your resume if you’re overqualified, focus specifically on roles and responsibilities that align with the potential position. Be specific and straightforward! The goal is to make yourself appear in line for that position.

Address salary concerns

When you’re overqualified you will likely receive a salary reduction and it’s important to convey to the employer that you’re willing to take one. So, be sure to address the elephant in the room! In your cover letter make it clear that the role is an acceptable range for you. If you were a manager for example and you are now looking for an individual contributor role, make it clear you're not expecting a similar salary because you know this role has less responsibility.

Be ready to explain why

During an interview expect questions about why you want the job given your advanced experience and skills. This is likely the first question the employer will ask, so having a great answer prepared is very important. First, acknowledge that you know you're overqualified and next, provide reasons why it benefits the company to hire you. Explain that this role is important to you and your financial stability throughout the COVID-19 crisis and you will bring your best to the team!

Utilize your experience

Make sure to research the company before applying. Show them that you understand their problems and outline what your experience can bring to the organization. You're at an advantage because employers know that hiring someone with more experience means the learning curve for training/onboarding will be shorter and that someone with more experience at a lower price can greatly benefit them.

Have a positive attitude

It’s not necessary to put on the breaks and think it can’t or won’t happen. Instead of seeing yourself as overqualified, view yourself as highly qualified with something extra to offer the company! Make sure NOT to treat this as a guarantee that the job is yours based on your experience. Even though you have all that great experience it doesn’t necessarily mean you will land the job on that alone. You will still need to convince the company what you can do for them!

Remember to stay positive and keep applying even if you feel you are overqualified for the position!

If you don't think that it would be a good fit, remember - you don't HAVE to take the job!

Have questions? Please ask!

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Chardham Tour
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Tours & Travel

Your creativity has been excellent and reading your blog is absolutely fantastic. Keep up the good work. And Must Visit us: Chardham Yatra

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2y
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Stacy Ellis
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Clothing for career training America Near Me - Locations, Branches, ATMs - Banksnear … preparedness. An allowance. Medical care (including counseling and disability support). Educational supplies and books.

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3y
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sheela ki jowani
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Overqualification is a real issue for many job seekers. Need to check this hardie siding and get more of new latest tips for siding vinyl. You've got all these skills, and know just about everything there is to know about you, but your qualifications are simply too good for this job. There are many factors to consider here and it's not always straightforward.

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3y
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Paris Green
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I just went through that experience this is not a coincidence my last job layer me off because my job said I was too quick and worked too hard and my personality was contagious all the way to where the employees there looked like they worked for me. She told me I was too big of an influence and that she couldn't afford me.. she told me that there were better jobs out there for me that would fit me and that I would own my own buisness one day and she said that she felt like I was on a whole nother level that I would be way greater than her.

4y
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Debbie Campbell
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Due to the stress of coronovirus, my job let me work from home, problem was they had never done this before. For five weeks I worked endless hours trying to make a broken system work. They had me come back to office, set me up in a private office, once many workers began to return , my nerves were fried from the broken at home work mess, I just couldn't handle it all. I gave two weeks notice, after discussion with management we decided it was best for me to go ahead and leave that day. I thought I would have gotten paid for that two weeks but I didn't. Any chance I could get unemployment?

5y
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Margaret Owens
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I would like to comment about taking the job. If you take the job with intentions of staying and trying to make a difference then yes by all means take the job. If you plan on using it for a stepping stone to a better job and intend to leave as soon as you get one then I say don’t take the job. Wait till you get what you want if you can. Employers use time, resources and money to train employees because they expect them to stay. I know one person commented that people who were over qualified need a job too but the main reason employers don’t hire these people is for the reasons I quoted. They think it will be a waste of time, resources and money because they will leave when a better position comes along. It is a hard decision to make on both sides- employer and employee.

5y
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Victoria Kells
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Logger Biller at Central Florida Health Alliance

If you're currently unemployed and with the job market right with unemployment issues can you afford TO NOT take the job?

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John Upton
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Fluid Pump Operator at Qes Pressure Control Llc

99.9 % of the time, companies won’t hire an over qualified person, what they don’t understand is, that person is trying to put food on the table for his/her family and being over qualified can be a good thing because he/she Could be a great Mentor for someone in need.

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Carl Baker
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Fork Lift Operator at Republic Services

Thank you 😊

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