Why do employers deny employment?

Question

Why do employers deny employment when someone in their opinion is "overqualified". To me that means quite qualified. When I tell them that if they hire me, I won't be looking for another job. This happens regularly and so I have deleted my MA from my resume so I might get a chance. What should one with a BA and MA do when they are applying for a job that only requires a HS diploma or GED. I feel I am doing a injustice to myself by not listing my accomplishments, but at the same time it isn't getting me anywhere. I can't see why anyone would need any degree, because I have been told I have too much education and experience so many times. I realize they think I will keep looking for a job if hired, but I can't get anyone to hire me even though I have toned down my resume. Advice?

Answer 1

First off, do not tone down the resume. You worked hard for what you have accomplished and you should be seeking employment commensurate with experience.

Are you looking for the right jobs? Maybe you should be looking for more advanced positions or in a field that values your expertise. When I interview people, "overqualified" is a word i sometimes use. I mean that people may be able to do the job very well, but I'm afraid of them becoming bored since the position may be beneath them. Turnover costs a lot of money and productivity and avoiding it is key. I wouldn't hire someone with a masters degree to answer phones or enter data because i can't imagine them being happy with that position for anything more than a temporary stay.

Answer 2

One weird quirk about employment I've noticed is that it is easier to get a job if you already have a job.
Something about you being hire-able to another company makes you look like a more attractive candidate for their company.
When employers say someone is overqualified, they are mostly worried about you looking for something else while you are with them. But also, if they think your experience is too broad, you might come to the company with the attitude that you will be in charge soon, or that you want to make sweeping changes in the company.
I don't know how you are on the interview, but perhaps you are coming across as too intelligent and well educated. If you are too good for the job in their mind, why would you be trying to get hired at such a low level, maybe there is something wrong with you. Or perhaps they see you as having ambition at a level they don't want in an employee, they may feel you might threaten their own job if they hire you.

Answer 3

You shouldn't be toning down your resume! Why are you looking for jobs that require just a GED if you have a Masters degree anyway? And they don't want to hire overqualified people because they would not be happy at the job- would not find it challenging or interesting enough and maybe bring worker morale down. And yes of course, if you're not happy at the job, they would think you would go look for something else.

Answer 4

When you are "over qualified" it means that... if you were to get the job, you wouldn't be paid what you are worth. You wouldn't be making the kind of money that you should be making. Also... employers don't want to hire someone that can find another job so quickly. They want someone that is going to be able to "stick around" and move up in their company. They don't want to hire someone and then have them find something better and then have to hire someone new. They want to find someone that "has" to stick around.

Answer 5

i qualified - you too much. for the hire and not much - too. believe that too qualified not good- but every day you go and get job to not easy. but you go job not for and easy to get other - you say? but not for qualification. this bad to you. i agree - this why everybody to get job equal. but and not be equal sometime. principle always same - not good forever everywhere

Answer 6

There is a seat for every butt. Find an employer who is seeking someone with your qualifications.