‘Too Good for the Job’: Engineer’s Viral Rejection Letter Ignites Online Discussion

Annu Sharma, a Delhi-based software engineer at Google, recently ignited an online conversation by posting a rejection letter she received from a startup. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Sharma revealed the reason behind her rejection: her qualifications were deemed “too good” for the position. Playfully reflecting on the situation, she wrote, “I didn’t know being ‘too qualified’ could cost you a job,” expressing surprise at the unusual rationale.

According to the letter, the startup acknowledged that Sharma’s extensive experience surpassed the role’s requirements. They explained that candidates with higher qualifications often become disengaged and leave shortly after joining. This decision has sparked a lively debate online, with Sharma’s post gaining rapid attention and going viral.

Social media responses were mixed, with some users expressing humor and others frustration at the situation. One person shared a similar experience, commenting, “I knew someone who applied for an entry-level job after 10 years of work experience. They were rejected for the same reason but later hired for a senior position.”

Another user offered a balanced perspective, writing, “At least they were honest. They could’ve come up with any excuse, but they admitted that you’re overqualified. You don’t see that kind of transparency often.”

A third commenter shed light on the company’s viewpoint: “It makes sense from a business perspective. Hiring someone overqualified can lead to dissatisfaction, and companies lose valuable time and resources when those employees move on too soon. It’s about finding the right fit for both sides.”

Sharma’s post continues to stir discussions on job market dynamics, overqualification, and hiring practices.