But hesitation runs deep. Three-quarters of employers believe overqualified hires struggle to stay motivated in lower-level roles (75%), and nearly as many fear they\u2019ll leave as soon as a better opportunity comes along (74%). More than a quarter strongly agree with these concerns (26% and 28%, respectively). In fact, nearly 3 in 5 (58%) would rather train someone new than risk disengagement from an overqualified employee.<\/p>\n
Job Seekers Feel the Pressure<\/p>\n
For job seekers, the presence of overqualified candidates feels like an uneven playing field.<\/p>\n
- \n
- 55% say it\u2019s impossible to compete against them.<\/li>\n
- 74% believe companies are more likely to hire an overqualified applicant than someone with only entry-level experience.<\/li>\n
- 67% worry employers prefer these candidates because they \u201cbring more to the table,\u201d even if the role doesn\u2019t match their level.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Despite these concerns, most job seekers aren\u2019t backing down. Eighty-seven percent believe it\u2019s appropriate to apply for jobs they\u2019re overqualified for, and nearly two-thirds (65%) have done so, often for reasons beyond pay, such as better work-life balance (56%) or passion for the industry (41%). The need for income remains the top motivator (59%).<\/p>\n
Generational Differences Add Complexity<\/p>\n
Younger job seekers feel the pressure most. Gen Z and millennials are significantly more likely than Gen X to believe it\u2019s impossible to compete against overqualified candidates (67% and 60% vs. 44%) and to think companies favor them (84% and 77% vs. 66%). They\u2019re also more likely to worry that employers prefer overqualified candidates because they bring more to the table (73% and 72% vs. 57%).<\/p>\n
\u201cOverqualified candidates represent a chance to secure top talent in today\u2019s market,\u201d said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. \u201cThe key is to focus on skills-based hiring, which widens the talent pool by looking beyond r\u00e9sum\u00e9s and degrees and makes the best use of a candidate\u2019s abilities and ambition. Without that alignment, the risk of a quick exit is real.\u201d<\/p>\n
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