Overqualification refers to a situation where a candidate possesses qualifications, skills, or experience that exceed the requirements for a particular job position. This often results in concerns from employers about the candidate’s potential dissatisfaction with the role, higher salary expectations, or a possible lack of long-term commitment. For instance, if a company is hiring for an entry-level administrative position, but the applicant holds an advanced degree and extensive experience in high-level management, they may be considered overqualified. While overqualification can sometimes lead to a mismatch between the candidate’s capabilities and the job’s responsibilities, it also has potential benefits, such as bringing advanced skills and innovative perspectives to the role.
Employers may address overqualification by ensuring that job roles align with the candidate’s expectations or by providing opportunities for growth and development within the organization.
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