| Topic Name: |
Rejected for being Overqualified |
| Message Name: |
Exceptional |
| Date Posted: |
05/20/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Having been a hiring manager for many years, I must say I was amused by your post.
It is the most ludicrous thing I've ever read on this particular subject. If you are a hiring manager, it must be miserable to work for you. You don't seem to have a clue about human nature.
First of all, most people get laid off through no fault of their own. Companies cut people without notice in some cases, in others, an event causes them to make deep cuts for the very survival of the company.
The people who are laid off may have even stayed at the company well after the first signs of trouble. They felt obligated to stay at a company in which they had an emotional investment. In the case of a small company, they may have believed that their role was crucial to the company's success. Right or wrong, they didn't want to bail at the first sign of trouble.
When I hire people, I do indeed look for the best qualified individual. I also look at salary requirements. If the individual is clearly overqualified, I do not automatically disqualify that individual. I am open with him/her and I tell him/her that he/she is overqualified for the postion. I then ask why he/she would want to take the job. If I like the answer, the hiring process begins.
Unlike you, I place the responsiblity of an individual knowing what he/she will be happy doing. I state the parameters of the position, and I expect that those parameters will be followed.
I am not so insecure of my performance that I'm afraid the new hire will outshine me. In fact, I hope that the new hire will have an ability to move into a higher position. As for challenging my decisions...GREAT!!! Perhaps it can be a learning experience for both of us.
As for whether or not the individual will stay...well, this is the 21st century. Lifetime employment died in the 20th century. Like many things in business, it's an educated risk. |
| Message: |
As someone who has been out of work for over a year. You are the exceptional hiring manager. I have encountered the insecure hiring manager too many times. It sounds like you are not one of them. After a year of emotional upheaval, financial disaster and overall stress, it is very encouraging to hear a hiring manager that is a true professional. My search to date is starting to show some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. I have interviews with two hiring managers that have showed some of your professionalism. But, persons like yourself are very rare in Corporate America.
PS: I got laid off on the day I returned from vacation from a Club Med in Mexico. At least, I pretty mellow when I got the news. My consternations began much later.
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