Google Software Engineer Turned Down for a Position for Being Overqualified
ANNU SHARMA – A software engineer at Google, shared her experience of being rejected for a job at a startup due to being overqualified.
On October 17, 2024, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a screenshot of the company’s reply to her application. The response explained that her qualifications exceeded the job requirements and noted their experience that individuals with higher qualifications often find their work unfulfilling and leave shortly after joining.
The rejection letter sparked various reactions from netizens, accumulating 94K views, 1.3K reactions, 170 comments, and 55 shares. Many commenters expressed that if an applicant is highly qualified, they should be hired rather than rejected. Some highlighted the failure of companies to recognize true talent, while others shared similar experiences. One user recounted being rejected for coming from a higher-ranking college, despite their insistence that they would stay. Another mentioned going through three interviews but still being rejected due to concerns that they would leave after a short time.
Commenters expressed frustration, with one humorously noting the irony of being so overqualified that it scared companies away. Some suggested that Annu should start her own company, while another joked about putting “not too good” on her resume. A serious commenter raised concerns about how startups value qualifications versus cultural fit.
Despite not responding to questions about her desire to leave Google, Annu received appreciation for the startup’s honesty in their rejection. Commenters acknowledged the transparency in their reasoning, stating it was better than offering a vague excuse. They recognized that not all companies are forthcoming about their reasons for rejection, which can lead to misunderstandings. The overall discussion emphasized the need for startups to reassess their hiring practices to better appreciate talent, regardless of perceived overqualification.
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