Does being over-qualified hurt?

Question

I know that I have to have good qualifications if I want to get a good job. But is being too qualified for a job seen as a bad thing? Will they want to hire me if I have the stuff not ot just work in that department, but to run it? What do employers think when they see someone who could get a better job somewhere else but is applying for something below their abilities?

Answer 1

If your qualifications are applicable to the non-profit sector, then someone who is more qualified simply costs taxpayers or the employer more money.
I have been seeing this trend in business as well where many things are judged on the botton line, including hiring employees who simply cost more.
You ask what employers think. They are wondering why you haven't or can't get a better job somewhere else. They may be wondering why you are settling for something below your abilities. So, it's important to be ready with a good answer to these questions.

Answer 2

underachiever or tight job market....it will be your job to convince them of the latter.

I also think that if the person supervising you has less qualificiations than you have, you are not too likely to get the job as that person might feel threatened....

Why ARE you applying for jobs that are 'beneath you"?
I dont really care personally, I am asking the question so that you can be ready for an answer if or when they ask you the same thing.

If I were a hiring manager, I would just be fearful that you were using my job as a stepping stone to something else
convince them of something different if you really want the position!