Catherwood LibraryILR School

Experts have noticed a new phenomenon in the job market as the US economy continues on the slow road to recovery - the overqualified employee. Although numbers are difficult to ascertain, some estimate that as many as one in five currently employed Americans have more experience or education than is needed for their position. (Not many CEO-to-Ho Jo's stories, but more like former managers working back as individual analysts, etc.). In fact, the number of experienced individuals looking for work has enabled some companies to capitalize on the state of the job market, and attract talent that they would have been unlikely to get in a more robust economic clime. However, there are also some risks associated. Often, overqualified individuals are not satisfied in their positions, and have a higher rate of turnover. Research also shows though that if given autonomy and respect overqualified individuals can perform better and serve as a great assets to companies looking to expand.