When an overqualified candidate applies for a job at your company, it’s simultaneously exciting and confusing. Some people genuinely find it lonely at the top, while others could be using the job at your company as a short-term stopping point, so take the time to assess the situation.
5 Things to Consider Before Hiring an Overqualified Candidate
Motive
People apply for jobs they’re far too qualified to hold for a variety of reasons. If the candidate is looking to climb back down the ladder because they didn’t find senior-level work satisfying, feel confident they’re interested in the job for the right reasons. On the other hand, if the person is trying to getback into the workforce after taking some time off, there’s a good chance the position is just a stepping stone to get them to higher places.
Salary Expectations
Chances are, you have a set salary range for the job, and the budget doesn’t offer room to go over it. Some overqualified candidates understand they’ll have to take a pay cut for the job, while others assume they’ll be paid extra to compensate for the added experience they bring. Make sure the person’s salary expectations align with what the company is willing to pay before eliminating other candidates.
Cultural Fit
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of hiring a candidate with additional experience, but remember that skills on paper aren’t everything. Be sure to assess the person’s cultural fit, because if their personality doesn’t mesh with the rest of the team, their additional qualifications won’t mean a thing.
Team Impact
Hiring an overqualified candidate could cause employees to feel anger and resentment towards the person, if they feel this will impact their own upward mobility. If employees previously working toward a promotion at your company feel like the new employee cut in line, they will leave. You don’t want to lose valued employees over this hire, so make sure it won’t cause hurt feelings.
Ambition
An overqualified candidate who wants to return to a lower-level position on your team because they truly enjoy the work is an amazing find. However, make sure the person really wants to make an impact. If laziness is the main reason they want a job they’re more than equipped to handle, they won’t be effective in the role.
Finding the best person for the job is hard work, so allow PrideStaff North Dallas to assist. Team up with us to fill your temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire roles with the right fit every time. Let’s discuss a partnership today!
