Overqualified’ and Overlooked? Why Experience Still Deserves a Seat at the Table

"Trevor, I keep getting told I’m ‘overqualified.’ I don’t get it. I’m reliable. I’m committed. I’ve got experience to offer, and I’m not chasing the top job anymore. Why am I being overlooked? What now?”

This question hit hard. Because it’s one I hear all the time - especially from brilliant, experienced professionals who’ve hit a career plateau, stepped away from leadership, or simply want to contribute in a new way.

While it affects a lot of people, they often don’t talk about it publicly for fear of judgement and retribution.

So today, I’m going to talk about it on behalf of those who can’t.

Why do employers and recruiters reject “overqualified” candidates? Here’s the real reason - even if it’s rarely said out loud:

 They assume you’ll leave as soon as something better comes along.

 They assume you’ll want more money later.

 They assume you’ll be bored, hard to manage, or too set in your ways.

 They assume you’ll outshine the manager.

 They assume you’re not genuinely interested in this role.

It’s all assumption, generally without a conversation. And it’s built on risk aversion, not reality.

But what’s the worst that could actually happen?

- You stay for 18 months. You contribute deeply. You mentor others. You build capability, reduce stress on the team, and bring calm to the chaos?

Wouldn’t most hiring managers love that outcome?

But instead - many pass you over because they’re trying to avoid imaginary risks, instead of seizing real value.

The result?

- Incredible people are overlooked.

- Older professionals feel invisible.

- And our industry - especially IT - loses out on stability, maturity, and leadership when it needs it most.

So what now?

If you’re a job seeker, don’t shrink to fit. Reframe your story. Be clear about your “why now,” and don’t apologise for your experience. Be active, get visible and get noticeable!

If you’re a recruiter or employer, stop defaulting to “too senior.” Seek to understand. Ask better questions. Get curious. What if they actually want the job? What if this is the right fit?

Because here’s the truth:

Overqualified doesn’t mean overpaid, overbearing or over it.

It often means:

 ready,

 capable,

 steady,

 low-risk,

 and seriously underappreciated.

Let’s rethink the way we hire. Let’s start giving experience the respect it deserves.

 At Talentology, we see this every day - and we want to change the way the industry sees talent.

Because no one should be rejected for having too much to offer.

Your turn. Tell me what you think. Don’t be shy.

Have you ever been rejected for being “overqualified”? Or hesitated to hire someone you thought might be?

Let’s talk about it.

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