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Annu Sharma, a software engineer at Google, stirred up online discussions by sharing a rejection letter from a startup, which found her “overqualified” for the role. Based in Delhi, Sharma took to X (previously Twitter) to highlight the unusual rejection, humorously commenting, “Didn’t know you could be rejected for being too good.”
Link to the post: https://x.com/O_Anu_O/status/1846864062371811408
It was pointed out in the startup’s letter that Sharma’s qualifications were much higher than what was necessary for the vacant position. They worried that such candidates are usually not able to perform up to their expectations and quit shortly after they are hired. This clarification raised a lot of eyebrows and within no time, she made her post go viral.
People’s Reaction
In a span of almost 24 hours, Sharma garnered around 55000 views on the post, which made news on social media. A lot of users recounted their experiences of having faced similar rejections.
One user writes, “Recently, I was also in such a situation, but not because I was overqualified, but because I have a degree from a better ranked university. They felt that I won’t survive.”
Others came in with tales about acquaintances or workmates who experienced the same things. A user said that a friend who left work to study for a Masters after working for 10 years applied for a graduate job. And was told he was too experienced for this position but was then offered a more senior role.
Indicators That You’re Being Turned Down for Being Overqualified
The salary is always too low
If your excitement for potential job opportunities constantly fades because the salary is always lower than what you currently earn, it’s not because companies aren’t paying well anymore. It’s a sign that you’re pursuing roles that don’t align with your seniority level.
Applying for jobs that are beneath your salary level seems unrealistic and varnishes hopeful chances of employment, no matter how far into the interview process you get. This is because the selecting executive fears that being overqualified could backfire. They are likely to speculate that it won’t turn into a sustainable relationship and that you will soon leave when a better opportunity arises, which is probably valid if you are also dissatisfied with the pay offered.
You receive compliments and it’s like all the concerns vanish.
If you often wonder why you are showered with compliments in interviews, you need to think about the type of responses you are actually getting. Do interviewers often look at your CV and wonder why you even want to work with them? When expressing amazement, do they have to question you about your objectives much bigger than this job in your eyes?
In case these comments are common in your interviews, you are probably underestimating the positions you should be applying for. The first warning sign is that a recruiter directly indicated that you are too experienced for this role. He seemed derogatory but in reality, it does leave one with an impression that this candidate is not suitable for this position.
Sometimes, for instance, an interviewer may appreciate probable future potential in you, however it’s a possibility that they pass on you because you are too good for this position or may lose interest very early on.
