Or is it just a term made up to find an easier reason to reject job applicants?
So it looks like the consensus is “overqualified” is a euphemism for
- “I’m afraid you’ll leave this job because I’m assuming you’ll have better chances elsewhere” aka “you won’t accept being my slave forever due to lack of opportunities”
- “I’m afraid you might actually understand how shitty it is here and want to improve things. can’t have that”
- “I don’t want to figure out how much to pay you when you know your worth”
- “You cost too much”
- “I have other reasons, but won’t say them”
Yes. In professional settings that means with that degree you can expect a certain salary, and the position pays considerably less.
Colloquially it’s also used for: You’ll be bored with a task. Or waste your potential.
Or, you’ll leave as soon as you get a higher paying job so they don’t want to hire you.
That’s what it is at my work. I had a req opened for an early/mid career position (say a BS plus 6 to 10 years of experience). I had a number of applicants who had 30+ years of experience. They’d qualify for two or three job codes higher than the position I had, with significantly higher salary. It just doesn’t make sense to hire like that.
It does if you have career progression and promotions in mind. Also if you’re looking for some new insights to shake things up.