Are You Rejecting Overqualified Candidates?

When it comes to hiring an overqualified candidate for a position, employers may shy away for several reasons. Whether it’s because they think the person will become bored and jump ship, have excessive salary demands or develop animosity toward a manager who’s potentially less experienced, employers often opt for another, less qualified candidate.

However, you shouldn’t overlook someone who’s overqualified because of what they can bring to the table. Here are some specific reasons why.  

They Require Considerably Less Training

Perhaps the biggest reason to bring someone like this on board is the minimal learning curve. Rather than having to provide exhaustive training that may take several days or even weeks, an overqualified candidate should be able to make a smooth transition and actively contribute to your business almost instantly.

They’re also much less likely to make rookie mistakes – and you won’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of time “babysitting” them. In turn, this saves you and your team valuable time and should reduce the number of complications you encounter.

You Can Get a Bargain

When you make it clear what type of salary you’re offering and still receive an application from an overqualified candidate, they will probably have a genuine interest in working for you and aren’t just in it to earn a big paycheck. Many times, they’re simply looking for a career change or new experiences.

By comparing an overqualified candidate with an average one, it’s obvious that you’re getting more bang for your buck, and their skill set will vastly outweigh that of someone who’s considerably less qualified.

There’s the Potential for Leadership

True leaders don’t grow on trees – and leadership is an element that many of today’s companies are lacking. Any time you’ve got an overqualified employee, there’s always the chance that they can lead others and use their existing experience to provide guidance. If there’s the opportunity for advancement, this kind of individual may be primed for a swift promotion and could quickly become a linchpin in your organization.

It Can Lead to Increased Productivity

What do you get when you combine experience, a comprehensive skill set and a seamless transition into your workplace? Often it’s a boost in productivity. This is incredibly beneficial and can make your business more efficient while simultaneously increasing your profitability.

Encountering an overqualified candidate is a blessing, not a curse. That’s why you should give this type of person plenty of consideration when making a hiring decision and remember all of the positive things they can do for your company.  

If you’re looking for more insights on hiring or are seeking other staffing solutions, contact the staffing experts at Encadria Staffing Solutions today to see how we can help.

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