To think that being over qualified is a thing

[Amatteroftime]

This isn't me being goady, far from it.

I currently have a very good job title but the job itself is poorly paid, just looks good on paper. I'm looking for part time work due to wanting to work around childcare, and will happily take a pay cut (that's saying something as I don't earn a lot after tax) as I will be saving on expenses in the long run.

I've applied for a couple and not got interviews. But I know people getting appointed to these posts have limited prior experience in the field with little to no qualifications. I have been told this by colleagues.

I have a degree and 7 years experience?

It's driving me mad! Is it looking over qualified for effectively a minimum wage job (not much more) or am I missing something? There's not a lot available in my area at the moment so I'm really trying to work out what I'm doing that might be off putting before applying again.

I’m currently recruiting and would not have a problem recruiting someone who is over qualified as long as they tick all the other boxes
One of which is being able to take direction and work as part of a team
I only employ part time workers as it allows me greater flexibility and am very used to people applying as they want a better work life balance
We are very careful when recruiting and would rather re advertise or make other changes than employ if not 100% sure about a candidate
For example recently I changed the working hours by request of a candidate at interview - ended up with a very odd week pattern (think 2 long 3 short plus some home working) to fit round their personal circumstances - it has worked well and they are perfect for the role and very committed
People tend to stay with me a long time and change role or hours as business needs change
I always offer additional hours or promotion (if suitable) to existing staff team first

Can you frame it as a career change? ‘Having had a successful career in x sector, I want to step back and pursue a career in y, an area which has always interested me, but I have not been able to take the opportunity until now. This role offers the chance to develop new skills and development, and is a much better fit with the work life balance that I am hoping to achieve for the future’.

I have a masters and when applying for local school hours type roles even at mgt level was given over qualified as an excuse EVERY time didn't even get to interview despite meeting every single criteria in JD and PS.

I have recently interviewed for a few positions to move up on the career ladder. For two of those positions I didn't get a second interview as they believed I was "over qualified and too ambitious" I agreed with them having had an initial interview.

I guess in my position it isn't a problem and I have secured a fantastic new contract. In your position it must be infuriating.

Yes. downsizing is hard - and shifting to a new career path as you get older.
I eventually decided to remain in the same profession, but at a far more junior level and part time. The trick for me was showing genuine interest in the role, being honest that I didn't want to 'downsize' to the extent of high volumes of data entry, while still willing to be 'hands on deck' when needed - and being passionate about the non-work interests that mean I don't want to work full time.

It's tricky as what I'm wanting to move to isn't a new sector as such. Much less pressure than what I currently do (my job now is crazy and a lot of responsibility for a low wage - not management though) but the same line of work.

I think some people don't realise that not everyone wants to progress to managing people, leading on complex projects, etc., and are happy to stay at the same level

This. Outside of my 'day job' I am doing things that I am passionate about but I still require a regular income, and I have no desire to climb the ladder in that job. Just want to work and keep my brain in use!

JaceLancs you sound like a lovely employer.

It is somewhat reassuring to see I'm not alone in this, and that you all managed to find a solution in the end

How to pitch it? Well, I'm not the expert but I'd say something like; given your desire for a better work / life balance, and your awareness that local opportunities in your sector are limited, they'd be offering you a really rare and attractive opportunity to keep your hand in and to use your knowledge and skills to useful effect, without taking on all the responsibility of decision-making.

This is very helpful

When over qualified people apply it worries me that it's just a stop gap and it takes so much time and cost to train people it puts me off that they are a risky candidate to leave if something comes along

I’ve experienced this recently.

Although I’m classed as a ‘Senior Manager’ in my current role, I’m still at a level where equivalent roles or slightly senior may or may not require you to manage a team.

I decided a while back that after 6 years of managing teams, the majority of those spent sorting out quite quirky / tricky teams, that I’d like a role that didn’t have any direct reports. There’s plenty going about, so I started applying.

Heard nothing back, even when I matched the job description to a T. Had an inkling if why, and then one contact came back and openly said they didn’t want to recruit an experienced manager into a sole operator role, incase they got bored / left/ tried to change too much.

Just give me a job where I get peace to focus on my own CPD for a few years thanks!

(I have finally managed to secure one!)

I think this is definitely 'a thing'. Several years ago,my Dd graduated from university with a 2:1 BA degree. She was desperate to get a job,any job,as she kept being rejected for ones that she was qualified for on paper,as she lacked 'experience'. She applied to McDonald's,but was turned down as they said she was 'over qualified',wouldn't be happy and would leave in a matter of weeks.

I'm an employer. If someone's historical CV looked good, and didn't fit with their current job (underpaid) I'd query their lack of drive. Ditto applying for a job which they would be over qualified for.

Get a degree and just put it in the bank to do nothing with it? Disappointing. That's just my opinion.

"That's why I get a bit wound up when people accuse graduates of being too snooty to work in shops or restaurants. No, they won't have us."

At least in the UK it's possible. In some continental European countries it can actually be impossible i.e. against the rules for someone to be overqualified. It's definitely a thing, or at least used to be, in the national civil service of some countries.

"Virtually from the first day, I was incredibly frustrated about virtually everything."

You know us under-qualifieds also feel like that in routine jobs, yes? The difference I suppose is that you knew how to do something about it, at least in theory.

I'm a recruiter. Drop me a PM if you want some tips on how to get around being considered 'over-qualified'.

"Can you frame it as a career change?"

Not sure that will come across well if she's applying for non-career jobs. The employer might not be looking for a career-woman because they can't provide that.

"I have a masters and when applying for local school hours type roles even at mgt level was given over qualified as an excuse EVERY time didn't even get to interview despite meeting every single criteria in JD and PS."

Do you have to mention your masters? I suppose you might do if you have to account for the months on your CV. I don't mention qualifications I did part-time if I think they're not relevant, desirable, but it's true that you often have to mention things that were full time otherwise it looks like you were in prison or something.

Have had similar experiences to previous posters, over qualified staff who don't want to actually get their hands dirty and do the job, very prickly about needing training, used to having a PA and expect others to organise for them.... its not an experience I'd like to repeat frequently.