To think people saying “I can’t get a job in a supermarket because I’m over qualified” is bollocks?

[Washyourhands48]

I have a Bsc, my husband has one too.

After years in the Civil Service and a lot of stress, we both took the decision to take voluntary redundancies and have both been very happy in supermarket jobs on a part time basis since. So it really gets my goat when I see ‘this “over qualified” nonsense being quoted on here. Supermarket interviews do not ask you what your PhD is in or anything like that, the fact is that you were hit just right for the job and probably thought it was beneath you which probably cama across at interview.

AIBU?

@TazMac

If it hasn’t been mentioned already, minimum wage is lower for those who are younger. Making it cheaper to employ the young in unskilled work.

I work for a supermarket. Started at lockdown. We all earn exactly the same on the shop floor whether you are 17 or 50. Only team leaders and managers get paid more so age doesn’t come into it. Husband works for a different supermarket. Same situation there.

Good policy, let's start with Johnson Cummins Gove Hancock, the new boyband, no direction
They could be emptying bins, they're well versed in shifting s**t

@swampytiggaa

Not everywhere though. You can’t deny that it is cheaper to employ younger people. The younger you are, the lower your statutory redundancy pay too.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-national-minimum-wage-in-2020

I’ve been point blank told I’m over qualified and that’s why I didn’t get the job. They didn’t believe I’d hang around. You sound a bit silly- not everyone’s circumstances are the same as yours.

I'm sure recruiters can tell the difference between people like yourselves who are genuinely happy to have the job, and those who are marking time while looking for something 'better'.

I understand lots of people have applied since losing their jobs due to Covid. A friend said to me that she was told the supermarkets prefer the under 21s as they can pay them lower wages - why would they take older people and pay more for the same work? It's market forces - things are different now and very hard for anyone looking for work!

[quote TazMac]@swampytiggaa

Not everywhere though. You can’t deny that it is cheaper to employ younger people. The younger you are, the lower your statutory redundancy pay too.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-national-minimum-wage-in-2020[/quote]
I didn’t say everywhere. I’ve worked in retail where the wages were very different according to ages. I commented that the two large supermarkets where I have knowledge of the wages pay the same if you are 16 or 50

You may think it's bollocks but it is bollocks that happened to me - and friends of mine - frequently when we were looking for jobs after uni.

So YADBU

I have always worked in offices and I have a diploma and degree. I have never been able to get a supermarket job and I try all the time. I don't get past the cv stage, I'd love to know if it's because they think this but I'll never know. (I had tons of shop experience in school and college and my cv definitely steers people to show I'm totally a team person and talks baout custormer service a lot but I never get a bite) You and your husband are lucky. Who knows?

I'm sure recruiters can tell the difference between people like yourselves who are genuinely happy to have the job, and those who are marking time while looking for something 'better'.
From a cv/application form?! I'd be thrilled working in a supermarket, it would suit me down to the ground and I love working around people and have never had an interview

@stayathomer

I have always worked in offices and I have a diploma and degree. I have never been able to get a supermarket job and I try all the time. I don't get past the cv stage, I'd love to know if it's because they think this but I'll never know. (I had tons of shop experience in school and college and my cv definitely steers people to show I'm totally a team person and talks baout custormer service a lot but I never get a bite) You and your husband are lucky. Who knows?

This exactly! Without any recent relevant experience or knowing anyone (even if I were a waitress up to restaurant manager donkey decades ago) it's hard to even be considered at the application stage

Years ago I was turned down for a job and the reason given was I was over qualified so YABU

Working in a supermarket is very hard which you both have to have the physical and mental energy to deal with heavy lifting and around customers all day long. I done 8 hours today and I'm shattered. Its not as easy as people think it is. It's a high pressured environment and you are on the go all the time. In this job I've been verbally abused and had things thrown at me. It's draining and sometimes managers do not care. I'm leaving retail soon. You rarely get full time hours but the best is the people I work with. We all support each other. Morale is down atm. So next time your doing your food shop ask how the lady or man is on the checkout or filling the shelves. We have to be nice to you but it works both ways. We have worked hard during covid and many have been scared. I've seen people crying. Now panic buyers have started again and we're understaffed.

@Vivana I agree, people should show you guys more respect for sure. I always say how are you etc when I'm being served it doesn't cost anything to be polite. Being a nurse I know what it's like to work with people and sometimes be verbally/physically abused etc also

I've just handed my notice in today as have a new job and career I start this month and cannot wait to get away from retail