Answering can be tricky. Think of your response as an opportunity to explain why you’re interested in the position, even if it’s a potential step down from previous roles. Plus, look to sell yourself as a candidate, showing how your qualifications will benefit the company. Here’s what you need to know to give a strong response to questions about being overqualified.
What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know
Interviewers ask this question because they want to make sure the candidate they decide upon will stay in the position and not hop quickly to a job that better suits their experience, skills, and abilities. They want to distinguish between candidates who are genuinely interested in the role at hand (versus ones who are just eager for any type of employment, and will quickly move on if they find a role more in line with their experience).
How to Answer “Are You Overqualified for This Job?”
In your response, you’ll want to show that while you have higher qualifications than the job calls for, it’s still a role that you want. There are a few different potential strategies you can use. For example, you can refute the premise, and note that you think you have the precise qualifications the job calls for. Or, you can talk about other motivations—such as an improved work-life balance or the ability to mentor others—that make this role a good fit for you.
Examples of the Best Answers
These examples may help you craft your own answers to this question. Keep in mind that you can customize these answers to fit your particular circumstances and the job you’re applying for.
Answers Emphasizing Quality of Work
Why It Works: In this response, the candidate reframes the question, and pivots to a conversation about their strengths. Why It Works: This response shows that the candidate has a good motivation for taking a position that might be perceived as lower-level.
Answers Emphasizing Flexibility
Why It Works: This candidate provides a clear reason—work-life balance—for why they’re willing to take a position that they’re overqualified for.
Answers Emphasizing Loyalty
Why It Works: This response shows that the candidate will be motivated on the job. Plus, the candidate is able to pivot to talking about what they’ll offer the company if hired. Why It Works: In this response, the candidate shows that they have other work-related motivations besides salary and title, and emphasizes their loyalty.
Answers Emphasizing Experience as an Asset
Why It Works: Here, the candidate shows how their experience will be beneficial to the company. It’s particularly helpful that they provide an example of how their experience and mentorship has been helpful in the past. Why It Works: Here, the candidate owns their maturity and experience, rather than trying to downplay it. This response shows that far from being detrimental, the candidate’s experience will be a good thing for the company.
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
Be honest. It may feel tempting to play down your qualifications, but you should be proud of them. Own your qualifications, even if they’re beyond what’s strictly called for in the role.Talk about how you’ll help the company. Remember, interviewers are always most interested in the benefits you’ll offer as an employee. So one option is to frame your response by showing that your experience is advantageous. Share why you’re taking a step-down. If you are taking a job that you’re overqualified for, it can be helpful to share why you’re doing this. For instance, maybe you want less stress or crave a better work-life balance. Sometimes a lower-level position offers someone the ability to do more engaging work. Of course, if you fundamentally do not believe you’re overqualified you can say so, noting how your current qualifications are a good match for the role at hand.
What Not to Say
Don’t appear lazy. Avoid responses that’ll make it seem like you’re looking for a position where you don’t have to do much, or any responses that’ll make you seem like a clock-watcher. Interviewers are looking for engaged and motivated employees. Or desperate. Maybe you’ve searched so long for a job that you’ll take just about anything. That’s never what you want to convey in an interview, however. Acting willing to take any job, regardless of fit, will make interviewers nervous that you’ll continue your job hunt even if you’re offered a role.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
Why do you want to work here? - Best Answers Why are you the best person for the job? -Best Answers What are your career goals? - Best Answers Where do you see yourself in five years? How long do you plan on working here? - Best Answers
TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER: Look for ways to talk about your skills and experience, and what you’ll be able to offer the company if hired. SHOW YOU’LL BE AN ENGAGED, LONG-TERM EMPLOYEE: Often, interviewers ask this question out of concern that the role won’t be a good long-term fit, leading you to look for a new role shortly after being hired. Aim to reassure interviewers that this is not the case.
