Job search tips : Overqualified

I have put my resume in with two temp agencies now. Both have told me the same thing: "You're overqualified for what we need." I'm not sure what to make of this. I came to the interview very professionally dressed, even wore makeup. Showed up a few minutes early, resume in hand. While waiting to be seen, I was observing fellow candidates. Most were dressed poorly, in stretch pants and one man strolled in wearing jeans and a messy shirt. When asked why he was there, his replay was, "I dunno, I was told by a friend I could find work here." And they let him come in and take the test anyway! But then I sit down with a recruiter and am told I am overqualified?

Does anyone know what I would be told this? And if I am willing to take a job, especially if it is temporary, why should it matter if I am overqualified?

Simply put, you know too much, have too much experience and want too much money. Not for all jobs, certainly, but for the type of jobs that particular agency deals with. They are probably entry-level type positions which involve a lot of tedious paper shuffling or data entry of numbers into a pre-existing software system.

The popular belief is that you would get bored, your work quality would slip or you would quit very quickly.

Yes, I can see it from that point of view. But I guess from a job seekers perspective (aka, I need a job to pay the bills), a job is a job, regardless. But thanks for the clarification

Suggestion: When applying for a "hey ya gotta eat" job (especially with a temp agency) 1, lose the rez...those places find them intimidating, unless they request it specifically, understand they are used to dealing with the variety of people the OP describes. 2, leave the suit at home, dress nice but a three piece is way over board (been there done that). Nice jeans and a dress shirt or casual outfit for the ladies.

Biggest thing is understand is where you are going, you are going somewhere where if you can breathe and reasonably recite the alphabet your hired, now if your applying with a professional staffing agency (in other words 3+ month guarantee on contract) take the rez and the good suit.

Overqualified is just a euphemism meaning you are either too old or you want too much money.

My experience with temp agencies is that you call after 3:00 pm and ask: 1. What professions they specialize in 2. If they have any current positions available or are they just taking names? They are going to want you to come down and start the paperwork and the tests but just say, "Before I do, can I have 5 minutes of your time?" You also want to block your number since many firms use CallerID to catch your number.

There is no sense in going down, filling out paperwork and taking their tests if you are a purchasing agent and the temp firm specializes in assembly line or factory work. Also make sure that the temp firm is in the area that you want to work in. Companies often hire local temp firms because they want local candidates.

You don't have to get all dressed up to see these people. Just look nice.

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Overqualified