This Google Engineer Got Rejected by Startup for Being Over-Qualified

Recently, a software engineer at Google shared her unexpected experience on X (formerly Twitter). She was turned down by a startup firm for being "too good" for the position she had applied for. Delhi-based Annu Sharma shared a screenshot of the rejection letter and expressing surprise she wrote, “I didn’t know being overqualified could lead to rejection.”

Sharma’s rejection story has become viral on social media.

Didn't know you could be rejected for being too good 🥲 pic.twitter.com/mbo5fbqEP3

— Anu Sharma (@O_Anu_O) October 17, 2024

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Note from the Recruiter

The recruiter’s note explained the reason behind the rejection. “After reviewing your resume, we found that your skills and qualifications are far above what this role demands. In our experience, candidates with such high credentials may not find the work engaging and often leave soon after joining.”

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How Netizens are reacting?

It is shocking indeed that a highly qualified candidate can also face rejection at interviews in the Indian startup ecosystem. Several users have engaged on her post and many even shared similar experiences of receiving a rejection letter for being highly qualified. 

Where did you apply btw? Wipro 😄?

Companies usually follow same template rejections to all

— The Biryani Dev (@thebiryanidev) October 17, 2024

I personally know a case of someone who came to do Masters after working for 10 years. He applied to entry level position through campus recruitment (standard process)

He was rejected for the reason stated above, but was asked to apply to a Sr. Dev position (and got the job).

— VJ's Insights (@vjsinsights) October 18, 2024

I've been told in interviews thrice now that I'm over qualified and they think I'll leave their company in a few months.

Insecure ass corporations.

— Adityavardhan Jain (@Adityanebulous) October 18, 2024

Disclaimer: The above story is based on reactions on the X platform.  Opinions, views, and suggestions given by individuals are their own. These do not represent the views of Startup Pedia.

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