Do I hire someone who is over-qualified/too good?

Leadership Hiring Management

After watching a number of interviews yesterday, I realized there was a recurring theme of rejection for one particular candidate…

"Sorry No, we think you'll get bored"

"Sorry No, you're over qualified"

"Sorry No, this position will not be challenging enough for you"

Ultimately, the rejections stem from a single fear of the interviewer: the fear of being replaced. "If I hire this person, almost immediately I am putting myself out of a job."

This same fear presents differently in the recruitment industry, where recruiters hesitate to present a candidate because they worry the client will think:

  • "They will think he'll get bored."
  • "They will say he's over qualified."
  • "The client will think I am trying to replace him."

The key insight is: When you are looking to hire someone, you ARE looking for someone who can replace you.

As the author argues: If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.