Over qualified applicants

[Tabby L]

Hi I have been given the task to weed out potential applicants for a position open in our  department.   I have a targeted 10 applicants, but about half of those maybe considered over qualified.  I am going by my compassionate side realizing that these people may need a job regardless.  What would you do?  6 of the 10 have alot more experience that is needed, but not so much I think they would be bored or just go stir crazy.  The big thing is the pay will not be the best for someone who has 10 years of experience over someone just starting to work.  I really really would love to hear what others would say.

[gee4]

I was faced with this situation a lot when in between jobs and I can now appreciate the dilemma when you have to match the job with the right person, not necessarily with the most qualified.

It was a concern by any interview panel that I too would get bored and move on, so I learned to accept that perhaps in hindsight some correct decisions were made.

All I can say is, shortlist and interview those that fit the criteria and who you feel would progress and develop.  Salary will be a determining factor though so take that into consideration.

Can I ask what level the role is at and what kind of tasks that person will be doing?  I assume it's more of an admin assistant role than PA to a Director?

[msmarieh]

It is reasonable to have concerns about someone being bored with a position. Is this a position that will allow any growth and education over time? I wouldn't necessarily screen those people out, but I would raise my concerns with them during a phone interview.

[Katie G]

I don't know that I'd hold "overqualification" against someone right now.  When you've been out of work for month after month, you'll apply for ANY job that will offer a steady paycheck.

At least, that's what I'm hearing from friends and acquaintances who find themselves in this position.  A dear lady I know was let go from her job due to layoffs.  She's a Certified Public Accountant with two masters degrees.   She finally found a job after over a year of searching as an entry level bookkeeper/office manager.  She's making a third of what she was making before.  Does she get bored?  Sure.  But she goes into that job every day with the mindset that this is her job now and she's going to do it to the highest standard she knows because that's the kind of person she is.

Heck, people with just the right qualifications for a job can get bored, if the job is boring.  (And some jobs are just boring by nature.) Will my friend move on when things are better?  Probably.  But lots of people move on from jobs no matter what their qualifications. 

[gee4]

I don't know that I'd hold "overqualification" against someone right now.  When you've been out of work for month after month, you'll apply for ANY job that will offer a steady paycheck.

Well it happened to me Katie.  I guess any company has to hire the right person for the job, someone who is going to remain, grow and develop, not someone who will leave in 12 months time for a better opportunity.

I was still faced at interview with, "why are you applying for this post?"  It was hard not to say, "because I was made redundant".  That very rarely works these days.  What if 10 people you interview are all unemployed?  You still have to choose the right candidate for the job.

Of course I applied for ANY job, but I wasn't always offered them or shorlisted for interview.