When someone is overqualified for a job or position, they have more education, experience, or skills than the role actually requires. If a person with a PhD in chemistry applies to work as a cashier at a grocery store, an employer might say they're overqualified. The job needs someone who can handle money and help customers, not someone who understands molecular structures.

Being overqualified sounds like it would be an advantage, but employers often worry that overqualified candidates will get bored quickly or leave as soon as a better opportunity comes along. They might also worry the person will expect a higher salary than the job offers. Imagine your parents helping you build a simple birdhouse: they're technically overqualified for that task, and they might find it frustrating to spend time on something that doesn't challenge their abilities.

Sometimes people take jobs they're overqualified for because they need the income, are changing careers, or want more flexible hours. A former teacher might work as a teaching assistant while recovering from an illness. A retired engineer might take a part-time job at a hardware store because they enjoy helping customers, not because they need to prove their expertise.

The word reveals an interesting truth: sometimes having more qualifications creates new problems instead of solving them.