I feel like I am overqualified for the position.
Latest update:
- Bought a camera strap
- Visited the park near my Alma mater
- Bumped into my secondary school Chinese Literature teacher
Let’s go on with the unfinished story.
I got the interview and I think I performed very well.
But something strange happened.
For the first time in my life, I felt overqualified for a job—and at the same time, I didn’t feel I should get the offer.
The full story
When I arrived, there were seven boys already in the room. I soon realized we were all applying for the same position: Program Assistant at a youth center. The job required shift rotation, including late nights (2 PM to 6 AM).
Half an hour later, the interviewers asked us to form a circle and introduce ourselves.
The climax?
As everyone shared their stories, I suddenly felt like I was living in a different world. Most of them were high-school dropouts or current university students with very different life paths.
At that moment, I knew I shouldn’t have applied for this position.
So I turned into a professional actress. I shared my personal experiences, my strengths 💪 and weaknesses 💩, just like everyone else. Even though I knew I wouldn’t get the offer, the show 📽 had to go on.
The hidden story
Later, the interviewers asked us to share any personal experiences working with or relating to marginalized youth.
A few of them raised their hands. Their stories were incredibly touching—one even cried while speaking.
“People always neglect youth facing domestic violence, drug addiction, or street violence. But we really need others to care about us.”
He was talking about himself.
In that moment, everything became crystal clear: they were the better candidates. I couldn’t take this role—I simply didn’t have enough relatable lived experience.
Have you ever walked away from an interview knowing it wasn’t the right fit for you? Or realized someone else was more suited?
Drop your story below—I’d love to hear 🤍
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