Ep. 41 . So, You're Overqualified?Hosts: Dr. Matt Kutz & Dr. Jeff Konin
Episode Type: Listener Topic Request

Topic: What to do when you're told you’re "overqualified" during a job interview.

In this special listener-requested episode, Dr. Matt Kutz and Dr. Jeff Konin dive into the complexities of being labeled "overqualified" in job interviews. Drawing from their combined experience on dozens of search committees, they explore what this label really means, why it's used, and how candidates can navigate it with confidence and transparency. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking a career change or someone who just heard this term in a rejection email, this episode is packed with candid insights and practical takeaways.

00:00 – Introduction

• Welcome from Matt and Jeff

• First ever listener-submitted topic!

• Today’s question: What do you do when you’re told you're overqualified?

Realities of Hiring Committees

• Jeff and Matt’s experience on numerous search committees

• The meaning behind “overqualified” from a hiring perspective

Salary Expectations & Value Perception

• Overqualified = high salary expectations

• Why employers may avoid hiring someone they can't compensate fairly

The Psychological Barrier

• What does willingness to take a lesser role signal?

• Risk of appearing desperate or undervaluing oneself

Personal Reasons for Applying

• Spouses, family care, relocations — legit but risky if not communicated clearly

• The “Catch-22” of transparency

Employer Concerns About Retention

• High cost of hiring, onboarding, and turnover

• Fear of interim hires jumping ship

The Influence of the Gig Economy

• Jeff shares his battle with peer reviewers over acknowledging gig economy shifts

• Job-hopping is the new normal

The Role of Intimidation

• Some managers fear hiring someone more qualified than themselves

• The challenge of fit vs. threat

A Personal Anecdote from Kutz

• Interviewing for a summer job despite advanced qualifications

• Transparency and reasonable expectations won the job

Coaching & Athletic Analogy

• Turnover in coaching parallels modern job market trends

• Overqualification seen as a risk rather than an asset

Fit vs. Overqualification

• Sometimes “overqualified” is code for “not a good fit”

• Employers and applicants both play word games

Transparency, Self-Awareness, and Storytelling

• Why applicants need to own their narrative

• Proactive explanation is key

Real Talk About the Academic Job Market

• Being too advanced limits opportunities

• Recognizing the shrinking market as your expertise grows

Final Advice

• If you’re overqualified and know it, address it upfront in the interview

• Coach your references to reinforce your message

Wrap-Up

• The value of transparency and self-awareness

• See “overqualified” as an opportunity to tell your story — not a rejection

• “Overqualified” isn’t always a negative label — but it can signal concerns.

• Always be transparent about your motivations and goals.

• Fit, self-awareness, and proactive communication matter more than titles.

• Use references to reinforce your narrative and credibility.

Have a topic you want Matt & Jeff to cover on the Leadercast? Email us or drop your idea on our socials!

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