lfopy: 2009-07-19

says: I think the Greenhouse biz is worried about one or both of two things: 1) That you will not be happy and you'll soon move on. Hiring is a pain, so that don't want to go through it again too soon. 2) Yeah, they may fear that you know more than they do and would have a bad attitude. I say, don't worry about it; you will find the job that's right for you soon—by telling the truth about your experience.

kmcm: 2009-02-17

says: I have done the dumb-down too. It does seem to work. In fact, I have different resumes, one taylored to each of my college degrees, another with all 3 of them and yet another with just some working skills. The working skills one gets the most response!!!

Gary_R: 2009-02-13

says: I agree with you, about being "overqualified", my first mentor if you can call her that said to me "You can't work for someone who is below you". So basically you were saved a considerable amount of stress not working for a business/people that would have resented your presence daily.

meme4d2: 2009-01-23

says: One of the really great things about shopping in places where you may not know a lot about what you are purchasing (such as plants or building supplies, etc) is that those who work there know what you need to know. If I were to shop where you applied and the person working there was unable to give me useful adivce or tips, I would shop elsewhere. Maybe someone should have that pointed out to them! You would be a great asset to their company.

* Charlotte * : 2008-11-18

says: they should be happy and grateful that you applied. i don't get it. :(

tec4: 2008-10-22

says:

I think we have to find out which jobs are offered and meet ONLY the requirement for that type of job.  The better employers are able to provide a list of skills.

If they are looking for design consultant than maximum learning is wanted.  If the job is in production or sales they want the minimum skills at minimum wages...so they can train you about their methods. 

Never stop upgrades but do NOT tell the employer unless they ask or hint that training is needed.  They may even pay for training if their marketing strategy is to sell "trained" employees.  Always look at your NEXT job and skills or licenses that are required...again never tell employer.  This is business not a personal family...as much as they would like to make it until new management appears.  This is the 2008 Free Trade era not 1988.

Employers, recruiters, website resumes are written to exactly match the requirement.  If they want more they will ask at the interview.

Good Luck...start a job and apply when there is an advertised vacancy.

: 2008-10-22

says:

I think some employers do not want qualified, expert employees. They would rather pay low and assign tasks as they see fit and not worry about someone capable of independent thought. I do not believe that someone can become over-educated. I think some people might be threatened by their own limitations in the light of anothers accomplishments.

This would be a situation where you might want to expand your job search horizons. Maybe a landscape architectural firm is looking for a strong plant person to assist their clients. Maybe a landscape contractor is looking for the same type of skills. I have also heard of horticulture therapy counselors at nursing homes and elementary schools. I think the opposite is true about your question, more education can open more doors. There may be the occasional oddball who, for what ever reason, is uncomfortable with your achievements.

I think Paul's answer hit better on the "over qualified" aspect of your question quite well. And, good advise if you are looking for a watering job, but I agree, try to expand your search if at all possible. Peace!

Ruebs: 2008-10-20

says: It all depends how you look at it. Education for learning vs education for qualifications. I don't think we ever stop learning and therefore education is always a good thing.

Paulisasuccess: 2008-10-19

says:

I hate this.  Yes, you can be over educated.  For some applications I've done, I have seriously considered taking my masters degreee off of my resume. 

I read once that some of the writers for MASH (award winning series though it was) no longer put that on their resume for fear they will be deemed too old.

If a job watering the plants is all you really want (is it?) maybe the schooling would be a get idea to 'forget to put on', but you can and should talk about your wrok experience.

I think that employers fear that if they get an educated person to do something like watering plants (even a person that would love that job), that the next opportunity they have to move to a school studying the effects of gamma rays on man in the moon marigolds (every question can be answered with some play!) you would be outta there and leaving them high...and their plants dry.

so...I guess...yes...is the answer your question...you can be too educated (and I fear I may have been as well...)

but hey...have a nice day.