Interview Tips: Best Answers To “We Think You’re Overqualified For This Job…’

By Elizabeth Benu,

“Last week I attended a Procurement Officer Position that only required 2 years of experience. However, I have 3 and a half years in the procurement field. The interview was going on well until the Human Resource manager asked me “Do you think you are overqualified for this job?

I completely went blank and I think this led me to losing the job. Please advice on the tips of answering this question in the future,” writes Sabina Olando in an email.

Surprisingly this is a very common interview question. According to Peggy McKee, a HR Manager, she says that this question looks for many things from you.

“The prospective employers may not think you are but they want to see what you think. They are concerned that you will get bored with the job as soon as you get an opportunity outside,” she says

Angeline Jones, Founder of Crystal Clear Interviews, also adds that, “The HR Managers may be potentially concerned that your expected salary may be more than what they are willing to pay. This makes sense because naturally if you have a lot of qualifications you will probably demand higher pay.”

She is quick to give the following tips when handling this question:

1. Acknowledge that you might be overqualified.

“There is no need to hide that fact or act as if your knowledge, skills and abilities do not exceed what they are looking for. Your honesty here will do far more good than harm,” she advises.

2. Be open to discuss their concerns directly

“You can always provide examples that let them know about how you feel about their objections and concerns over your qualifications. For example you could say ‘I know that you may be worried that my salary expectations may be high but the truth is, this job meets my current expectations for the work that I will be doing.’” she exemplifies.

3. Give reasons how being overqualified will benefit them.

She gives the following example ‘I can hit the ground learning quickly with very little training. I can deliver results almost immediately and be productive because I know what I am doing. I am also willing to help out in other areas such as sharing my skills and coaching junior staff.’

4. Don’t show that you are desperate for the job.

“You may be desperate for the job but do not show it even when asked this question. Many candidates say ‘I will start on any job just to be earning money at the end of the month.’ Being willing to take any job often makes the interviewer disqualify you,” she says.

A perfect answer would sound like: “I may be overqualified for this position but I am interested in the position because of A, B and C.”

A, B and C are reasons why you want the job but should not include salary.

She concludes saying, “Even if your skills and experience show that you are overqualified you simply have to be strategic in your answer to demonstrate why you are the right person for the job.

Contact the write at elizabeth@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke

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