"Over qualified" programmers

[guest2013-1]

I was thinking the other day (and now). We all have, at some point when looking for work, found the excuse for turning down your application (sometimes at the 3rd interview) of you being too over qualified for the job.

What does that actually mean?

I'm willing to work for the salary you're going to pay me, and you'll benefit from my "over qualified" skill set much more than if you hired someone that's actually "just qualified" for the job.

Seriously, if I want to go work at McDonald's as a cashier, and I have a degree in Math, are they going to reject me because I'm too over qualified? (Well, in SA, I'd probably be rejected because I'm white, but still)

Totally random non-related to anything thought I'm throwing out there

 

[Smooth Criminal]

Simple - the more 'senior' staff don't like people who are more qualified than they are. It hurts their ego.

 

[Sandman30s]

It's also a risk factor. The moment a better position appears, the over-qualified person will resign. A person who just about fits the job will have little choice but to grow with the company.

Also, job satisfaction is a big thing, even for employers, and boredom can cause clever people to resign.

 

[sjm]

It's also a risk factor. The moment a better position appears, the over-qualified person will resign. A person who just about fits the job will have little choice but to grow with the company.

Also, job satisfaction is a big thing, even for employers, and boredom can cause clever people to resign.

I'd be very reluctant to hire someone who is overqualified for a job unless I think that the job is going to provide them with sufficient challenges to keep them out of my hair. If they're not challenged enough they'll either drive me & the rest of my team to distraction or they'll leave at the very first opportunity.

 

[Moederloos]

Biggest risk - boredom.

Take a look at: Herzberg and Maslow's work. Start here, but if you are interested look at more reputable research too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-factor_theory

According to Herzberg, individuals are not content with the satisfaction of lower-order needs at work, for example, those associated with minimum salary levels or safe and pleasant working conditions. Rather, individuals look for the gratification of higher-level psychological needs having to do with achievement, recognition, responsibility, advancement, and the nature of the work itself.

 

[Ou grote]

It's your hair.

1. Wash
2. Cut and shave.

 

[Raithlin]

Personally (as it always is ) I wouldn't go for a job that doesn't interest me, or doesn't appear to be challenging enough. I've given my dues in enough boring jobs as a junior.

Why would someone apply for a job if they are "over-qualified" anyway? Does that perhaps point to the advert not being clear enough?

So I agree with the points above. especially the one about the hair.

 

[dequadin]

The DevDiv @ Microsoft is hiring if you feel like a challenge

Eric Lippert's been recruiting
Part 1: Attracting Talent
Part 2: Attracting Talent, summarized

It's quite an interesting read, it seems they have the same problems there as we do here. I'm talking bets on how long it takes before we see "5 years C# 4.0 experience" popping up in Job Adverts.

Oh and on topic I agree with what the others have said: Raithlin, sjm, Moederloos & Sandman30s.

If you are looking for work that you are "overqualified for but still really want", contracting might be your best bet

 

[Raithlin]

The DevDiv @ Microsoft is hiring if you feel like a challenge

Eric Lippert's been recruiting
Part 1: Attracting Talent
Part 2: Attracting Talent, summarized

It's quite an interesting read, it seems they have the same problems there as we do here. I'm talking bets on how long it takes before we see "5 years C# 4.0 experience" popping up in Job Adverts.

Oh and on topic I agree with what the others have said: Raithlin, sjm, Moederloos & Sandman30s.

If you are looking for work that you are "overqualified for but still really want", contracting might be your best bet

Interesting blog posts, those.

 

[Project X]

Someone once told me that when the department of labour,union or whatever comes by for a survey, and find you working for R5000 with a pHD It would be really bad for the company.

 

[guest2013-1]

WTF?

So you're saying you won't hire a person because they might become bored/not satisfied with what they're doing? Are you guys running nurseries where you have to entertain the kiddies??!!?!?!?

Seriously, if I was looking for a job, and the only one I could find was offering R6k and I had 20 years of experience in the field but willing to work a Junior position, why the hell not? I need the money. It's not up to you (the employer) to decide what I'll do or won't do for money... you'll benefit all the way with my ginormous skillset yet, no, you won't, because you're running a daycare?

And growing WITH the company? There's no such thing as loyalty in this world in business anymore. It's not about working 25 years for a company and retiring anymore... it's who is willing to pay more for my skills? Yet, with most people I know moaning about not finding suitable jobs, I'm wondering WTF is everyone's problem!?

Geez. Lame excuse guys.

 

[Raithlin]

WTF?

Seriously, if I was looking for a job, and the only one I could find was offering R6k and I had 20 years of experience in the field but willing to work a Junior position, why the hell not? I need the money. It's not up to you (the employer) to decide what I'll do or won't do for money...

Yeah, okay, I'll give you that. I was talking out of my current position - where I happen to have a job that I'm happy in.

 

[Ou grote]

Oh yeah, shave that bok-baardtjie off as well.
Lose the piercings while you're at it.

 

[guest2013-1]

Personally (as it always is ) I wouldn't go for a job that doesn't interest me, or doesn't appear to be challenging enough. I've given my dues in enough boring jobs as a junior.

Why would someone apply for a job if they are "over-qualified" anyway? Does that perhaps point to the advert not being clear enough?

So I agree with the points above. especially the one about the hair.

It's your hair.

1. Wash
2. Cut and shave.

Did that ages ago

 

[Ou grote]

Did that ages ago

Ok, I can't help then.

 

[Vixremento]

I once applied for a job that paid less...quite a bit less but I really wanted it because it would move me in a different direction and I was willing to take a cut in pay for it. Sadly though they said the same things about believing that I'd get bored or unhappy with the lower cash (I think I was getting more than the two chaps interviewing me). Anyway it was quite sad because I really wanted that job...sometimes I just dream of owning my own video store - when it's quiet I get to code and when it's busy I get to interact with people (even if it is only talking about movies, games, etc.).

 

[Moederloos]

WTF?

So you're saying you won't hire a person because they might become bored/not satisfied with what they're doing? Are you guys running nurseries where you have to entertain the kiddies??!!?!?!?

I do not often find myself disagreeing with you, but in this case I do.
Enough research into team building, work psychology and other human resources disciplines has shown that without a challenge work is mundane, and output is affected.