Starting Over Again: Why the Service Sector Should Embrace New Hires with Long Resumes

A friend of mine who has a bachelor’s degree, a list of stellar references, and years of leadership experience under her belt can’t get hired. Anywhere.

Despite her impressive resume, she has spent months searching for a job as a bartender — a job she enjoyed and had success with during college. Every interview ends the same: “You’re too experienced for this job. We can’t pay you what you deserve.” Yet, she insists she will accept the pay rate as advertised.

It’s frustrating to see such talent being turned away simply because she’s “overqualified” for an entry-level role.

I had a similar experience with a different result. Fresh out of college, I applied for a barista position at a well-known coffee chain. The manager couldn’t understand why I would want to make lattes right after graduating from a prestigious theatre conservatory. I had to convince him that I genuinely wanted the gig.

I explained that I was looking for a flexible schedule and a chance to find out who I really was and what I really wanted to do in life. That shot in the dark turned into a five-year milk-steaming journey, during which I formed lasting friendships and honed skills that still serve me well today.

Why managers might hesitate

Despite my success story, there are plenty of reasons why managers may think twice about hiring overqualified applicants for entry-level roles.

There’s a common concern that these seasoned professionals will be turned off from the routine nature of the work, or the hands-on labor involved. Maybe they’ll only stay for a short while and leave for a more challenging opportunity, wasting everyone’s time and investment in onboarding.

Others worry that former leaders will find it difficult to take direction from supervisors that are less experienced than them. After all, they’ve gotten used to making decisions for themselves (and they’ve probably managed others in the process).

It’s natural to wonder if someone with an extensive background will fit into a role that might feel like a step back, or if their expectations for recognition will lead to frustration, or if they can handle being the newbie again. However, these concerns often overlook the genuine benefits that experienced professionals get from this type of career path — and the benefits that they in turn can bring to your team.

The plus side of hiring seasoned talent

Overqualified candidates bring a level of professionalism and leadership potential that can serve as a foundation for future growth within your organization. They’re also probably looking for something different from what they’re used to, hence them applying in the first place.

It helps to try and understand why someone would want to make this kind of decision before actually making a judgement call about how they’ll handle the work.

Here are a few reasons why experienced professionals might choose to step back from high-powered roles:

• A flexible schedule: Many overqualified applicants are seeking a better work-life balance. A service role with flexible hours can be exactly the change they need.
• A change of pace: After years in high-pressure environments, some professionals desire a slower, more mentally relaxed daily routine.
• A sense of belonging: Working in a close-knit team and serving a community can offer a sense of fulfillment that beats traditional career ambitions.
• A passion for service: For many, including my own dad, the joy of connecting with people and delivering memorable experiences is what truly matters — regardless of job title.

Speaking of my dad, his story is another reminder of the value of passion in the service industry.

Sometimes loving what you do is enough

My father spent decades as a bartender. This was his choice, not a plan B resulting from a failed career elsewhere. He got far up the corporate food chain at a big company, but his true love was making drinks and connecting with people.

So he gave up his office job, and someone gave him the chance to be something else.

I’ll never forget the tales he used to tell me from his time spent behind the bar. From rubbing elbows with Gloria Estefan to saving a man’s life as he choked on an appetizer, my dad was never more alive than when he was at the place he loved most. He took pride in his service until his final days.

My dad’s journey is another reminder that even if someone is overqualified on paper, their real-world experience and enthusiasm can create exceptional guest experiences.

The bottom line is this: don’t let a candidate’s extensive (or seemingly unrelated) background scare you away.

Overqualified applicants often have the drive to excel, and they can be nurtured into your future leaders. By giving someone like my friend an opportunity to serve, you’re not only adding to your team’s overall professionalism, but you’re also allowing these individuals to shine in a way that benefits both them and your business.