I had a similar experience, I was asked some very specific questions regarding some technical skills that i have. Then after discussion my experience, I was then told i would never work on that particular piece of equipment, and that i sounded " overqualified" for the position! I just don't understand why they would ask all that information to tell me .. oh you seem to know too much ?!?!

I'm a recruiter and I agree it's ridiculous when people are told this. I think some employers fear, however, that if something better comes along that you will "jump ship" in a heartbeat. Make sure you acknowledge to them in future (although it sounds like you did but it didn't get passed onto the owner) that sure you may have qualifications that may be beyond the role but that you are wanting to switch gears and do something new for a change and that you're looking for a long term position. Good luck and I hate when employers do this:(

You might want to keep in touch with the owner, lets say in 3 months and see how happy he is with whom he hired. You just never know. Timing is everything. Did you already send a thank you letter? You may just want to send another letter stating how much you were looking forward to working for Kerr Lake Country Club. And that you were disappointed that even though you were more than qualified to do the position, you weren't given a chance to show what a great employee you would make and how much you could have contributed to...(the bottom line, PR, customer service, whatever skills you possess that would make you a great candidate. And that if things don't work out for the person you did hire, you would still like to be interested in this position. Good luck and keep on truckin'. When one door closes, another opens. Just keep your eyes and ears peeled.

You may need to have 2 types of resume's, 1 simple and 1 that would have all of your experiences on it.

Let me tell you something from the perspective of the "hiring side". If we see somebody who could do the job and can actually be a good fit but is "overqualified"-the red flag here is ,this person will not last-meaning if he/she finds something better, we are also back to square one (advertising,interview etc etc and training). The investment we have spent to hire this person will all just go to the drain. The lesson here is do not undersell or oversell-but just give them what they want to see or know.

There thinking rightfully so is that if you are overqualified you will get bored quicker and start looking for a different job. It is the same if your pay was 5 or 6 and hour more for the job you are going for. They would rather hire someone who barely meets the minimum so that they can train them in the way they work there and also more likely to retain this individual.

I have been getting that a lot lately as well. I believe they feel we would get bored and move on for a more qualified position that would offer better pay. I have had to explain during interviews that I want to personally adjust me career life to a less stressful position and one that brings a better balance to my life. Try that it really does help them better understand that you wont just leave the minute a more suitable job comes along. I personally have worked high stress and demanding position for so long that I am willing to take a lesser position so that the pressure is off me and at this point in my life I would like that permanently not just short term! Good luck, I hope that helps you out.

SiMilan situation here. After 20 years in the grocery industry and 3 college degrees I found myself applying for essentially a bagger position at Safeway. Not that I didn't advance quickly I was running my own store within 2 years, bUT I was told that I was overqualified. That job lead to my current role as a district manager.

Darrel, I feel for you and I'm in the same situation. I've been trying to get back to work and I'm an Electronics Technician with 38 years experience (24 of that with the Navy). I go to interviews and get the same thing, OVER QUALIFIED. It's something you don't want to hear because you know they are not going to give you the job.. I wish I had some advice for you, truthfully, I'd like some advise myself. I will tell you this, hang in there, don't get discouraged and give up. If this company won't hire you there is one out there that will. Best of luck!!! Larry

I get this all the time!!!! It is so frustrating. I would rather have a lower paying job that I enjoyed. They should have told you the pay and then you should determine if you want the pay cut or not. I'm sorry you're going through this.