What Do You Mean I am Over-qualified?

In my previous post about when I nailed my first big girl job, I mentioned how I was finishing my Master Degree. My first, and only, interview before I graduated in 2016 seemed like a sign that I needed to blow the interviewer away with how eager I was to work in social services that my lack of applicable experience should be overlooked. During my first interview with my soon to be program manager, it was pointed out to me that I was "over-qualified" for the position. This interview is still ingrained in my brain because it was such an odd and somewhat abrasive interview that it should have been a red flag to me and my family/friends when I retold the details of the interview. During this interview, my interviewer discussed my work experience in education then discussed how this agency had very limited opportunities for upward mobility so I would not become a program manager in the future. I was surprised to hear this being told to me let alone during the first interview. The interview proceeded with peppering me with why I did even apply for this job when I have a Master Degree. I had to explain how undergraduate degree was not going to help me work in social services so I had to obtain a degree that would help me land career opportunities in the field. I remember asking my interviewer "would you have hired me for this job based on my bachelors degree in History?" The answer he gave me was "no", which I knew already hence why I went to grad school. At the end of my first interview, the impression made me feel I was not going to be considered for the job because I had a Master's Degree so I was over-qualified and presumably would be looking for greener pastures in a higher paying and positioned job. This made me look at my degree as a threat instead of an asset. I was not prepared to be approached with questions on being over-qualified. This interview was candid and slightly off-putting. I eventually went on to the second interview with the Executive Director whom also brought up my Master's degree in regard to salary. These don't sound like major red flags because we do live in a world where employers don't want to give you a cent over what they stated is the salary description for the position, or there are limited career development and growth opportunities in the organization. These were/are professional development red flags that I am more cognizant of and other should be too.

I was in my mid-20s when I got my first job with "benefits" that I was just ready to get off the hamster wheel of government aid and was willing to take anything because I was getting no calls for interviews. My feelings of desperation set me up for failure in my present and future as I was not prepared for what I wanted from a career in general outside of paying my bills and having some money for extras. I deserved to explore employment because it is a major commitment working 40 hours + per week for a year, let alone longer. I needed to value myself higher than any employer will because they do not care about my (your) best interests.

Takeaway One

An interview is for both parties to show off their charm and attractiveness for why either the potential employee or potential employer should be chosen. It is just as much up to me (or you) to select the employer as it is up to them to send an offer letter. Be clear on what you want out of employment. I know there are persons who are very mission driven on why they work in their chosen field and that is enough to sustain their commitment. Figure out your time horizon for employment in a particular role, like 1 year to 5 years, as well as work/life values. It is important to be honest with yourself on what you really want in this season of your life. If you want an attractive salary and don't care about a toxic work culture/environment, or lack of growth opportunities then that is a work/life value for you to be paid well over the work conditions. If you don't mind an employer who can provide the minimal salary for the position but has several opportunities for professional development through trainings, partnerships/collaborations, tuition reimbursement, upward mobility opportunities, etc. then that is a work/life value to learn new skills over compensation. If you value flexibility then aim for remote work or hybrid schedule or even modified work weeks like 4 days a week or flex days.

Takeaway Two

Reflect on your non-negotiables (work/life values) and don't take a job that does not align with those. When I mean non-negotiable these should be appropriate and reasonable values for the position you are seeking. For example, if you want to be a preschool teacher it is unrealistic to expect to be paid $100,000 dollars a year. It would not be unrealistic to look for employers who can offer flexibility in your schedule. Non-negotiables are what will help you feel you were true to what will maintain you professional sanity. Fingers crossed! The hard truth is you may feel you "need" the job but you will not feel good about yourself and the nagging feeling will get louder and louder. These non-negotiables can help you sift through possible red flags as well. If you value flexibility and it is reasonable for the position and the employer has an "all employees in the office during business hours" type of stance then this will not be a good fit. Don't try to move an unmovable force. Do not waste the energy; just move on. Making decisions from a place of desperation is the same as having a scarcity mindset. Decisions are made based on feeling there is a lack of opportunity or that you are undeserving to ask for more. Those thoughts will not help your career, it will leave you deflated and unworthy of asking for what you want and more.