Overqualified Candidates – to hire or not to hire?

So often the resume of a candidate who’s experience/qualifications exceed an employers requirements can be quickly dismissed as ‘overqualified’.  This is unfortunate.  Sure, some of the first things that come to the mind of someone screening resumes are things like “they’ll be bored and they’ll leave” or “they’ll be over our compensation range.”  These are assumptions and can be countered, especially by a department-specific hiring manager.  Think about it.  Many people have left the active workforce (by choice or not) and are ready to re-engage.  And many of these people aren’t interested in the same level of responsibility.  Work-life balance and sense of purpose are increasingly outweighing compensation and status.  There are a lot of candidates out there who are looking to contribute without the same stress level.  Many of these candidates bring more to the table than may be required – and they know it.  They’re well equipped with skills and experience and may just help organizations achieve goals more quickly.  They just may be instrumental in mentoring less experienced employees and bringing proven successful ideas to the table.  Take a second look at those ‘overqualified’ resumes.  Have a few conversations with those candidates.  You may be very ‘pleasantly’ surprised!