How to Answer, “Are You Overqualified?”

Marcianne Kuethen

Updated March 24, 2022

Our friend Roger* is frustrated in his job search. He’s looking because his company wants him to move out of state. Roger has so much experience in his career that everywhere he goes, they refuse to hire him because he’s so overqualified. Yet he is conscientious, wise, knowledgeable, and a great manager. Can you relate to Roger’s predicament?

The following article contains some great suggestions for how to answer the overqualified question, in light of what the interviewer really needs to know. It’s those “4 unasked job interview questions: Do you understand the job? Can you do the job? Will you do the job? Do you pose a risk to [the hiring manager’s] own continued employment?” (e.g., by leaving as soon as a better offer comes along.)

Great food for thought. So, if you fall into the category of overqualified, prepare yourself by reading this short article before your next interview!

Article originally published on careerconfidential.com by Peggy McKee.

*not his real name, of course!

Marcianne Kuethen

Marcianne Kuethen is a Senior Writer at Amtec, where she has written over 700 blog posts in the past 18 years. Her family has led the company across three generations, from her father who founded Amtec in 1959 to her son Barrett who serves as President and CEO today. Outside of writing, she makes art, music, and gardens.