10 Reasons Why People With A Master’s Degree Apply For 35K-A-Year Jobs (and Get Rejected!)

Lady, what the hell do you keep smiling about?

There are parts of the country where the sheer volume of colleges and universities has no choice but to raise the median educational background of area job-seekers. So, for example, the same job you had in Alabama for 5 years with a High School Diploma, now, in San Francisco, requires you to have a Bachelor’s Degree. How do you feel about that?

You often hear in political speeches that in order for Americans to truly be prepared for the 21st. century’s business environment that the focus must be targeted toward technology and science. What better way than the Master’s Degree? In my opinion, a new “Cold War” will be starting with China with specific regard to technological innovation, bio-science, and consumerism. Yes, the same China that welcomed American Capitalism with open arms to the tune of outsourced manufacturing and production.

Let’s not lose focus. We’re here to discuss the job-seeker equipped with a Master’s Degree. As Recruiters we often cross paths with men and women with Master’s Degrees…even when the position does not call for it.

So, why are people with Master’s Degrees applying for $35k-a-year jobs? And why are they getting rejected? Let’s take a look.

Interview Skills

A lot of it boils down to how well this job candidate performs in an interview. With nearly 15+ years of screening, interacting, and evaluating this specific demographic, I wanted to offer a you a look into the 10 reasons why they applied…and ultimately, were rejected.

Let me preface this list by stating that I am bias towards those that are educated. Not so much for the sacrifice of time and money from behalf of the candidate, but for the impact that a diverse course study of math, science, business, and liberal arts has on an individual. I gravitate towards those people who are well-read and intelligent. I think, as Americans, we hide our learning deficiency in a culture that promotes underachievement.

10 Reasons

1 – Smiling: exuding confidence…or immaturity?

I find the ever-cheerful, ever-present, corporate smile to be a sheer sign of phoniness. It’s the same smile you see on marketing literature and company websites. This is not a modeling job.

Sure, you don’t want to appear like you came to shop for a casket for your dear mother, but that constant smile on your face appears…well… out of place, somewhat condescending, and very immature.

Know when to smile. Please.

2 – Vague Generalities & Embellishment

I want to know more about the IT systems you have worked with or the accounting software you used. It isn’t so much whether I can comprehend the intricacies of your last position, it’s that you sound confident and appear to possess the appropriate technical background.

Not everyone is born knowing how to do everything. In addition, what challenge would you ever have as a new employee if you already walked through the door an expert? But, at least, be honest.

I check all references. Thoroughly. Which is why Administrative Assistants who claim to be Office Managers never get a call back. Or interns who stuffed mail, yet claimed to be Department Supervisors are removed from the next step in the hiring process.

3 – Nervousness

I don’t mean to be harsh, but I look at nervousness as a social disorder. For some the adrenaline pushes them to better results, while for others, ruins them. Many candidates who suffer from dry mouth, poor breathing, stuttering, sweat, and nerves will interview poorly.

I know you have a lot riding on this interview. I’m sure you have been concerned about the financial integrity of your household. But, this is your time to shine. Make the most of it. Impress me. You’re “on stage”. Leave the nervousness in the dressing room.

This also demonstrates an inability to interact with supervisors, peers, and subordinates during inopportune moments such as coaching/counseling, enforcing deadlines, and relationship building with your team as well.

4 – Limits

My understanding of accepting a position is that I will do whatever is asked of me to do. As an interviewer, I am actively seeking candidates eager to take on challenging projects and jobs.

Surprisingly, many job seekers will inadvertently show great hesitation and reluctance to assume certain roles or to be asked to do things outside of their “comfort level”. I’m sorry, but you’re not going to come in and redefine the role to your specifications.

One’s flexibility and willingness to adapt to sudden changes in the needs of the business shows devotion, commitment, and loyalty.

Without it, what truly is your “value proposition?”

5 – Irrelevant Questions+ High Maintenance

What time is lunch? Where is the area of the building assigned for smokers? Will I work in my own office or a cubicle? Does the company supply coffee? Decaf too?

Yes, these are actual questions during a formal job interview that I have been asked.

Make your questions relevant and concise. The right questions shows insight into the position’s demands and requirements…and above all, shows genuine interest. Don’t waste this opportunity by asking me about cell phone signal strength.

Finally, an employee who is always griping and complaining is bad for morale. I’m sorry the company decided to go from natural mineral water to spring water. Really…it breaks my heart!

6 – Entitlement

Many candidates with Master’s Degrees have felt that they can plunk their resume on my desk, cross their legs and expect a job offer.

You will be subjected to the same interview process as the last and next candidate. Having a Master’s Degree is not a guarantee…of anything. It’s merely a tool in your tool belt.

We’ve all read the statistics that a Master’s Degree will produce a higher income during one’s lifetime. But, that may never be you, unfortunately.

7 – Begging

By all means, declare your interest in the position. But, stating over and over how perfect the job is and how badly you want it will not have an impact on my decision to either hire you directly or set up a meeting with the Department Head.

Begging actually has a very negative effect during an interview and trivializes the process that the company has developed.

8 – My Husband, My Parents & My Kids

Your family life should never enter our discussion. This clearly demonstrates that you are unable to separate your work life from your family life.

You also have to come to terms with the fact that a business will not always extend you the luxury of coming in late, calling out, or leaving early because of the demands of your family. I was a single father with two young children in kindergarten and 1st. grade who never put the burden on the company to cope with my own personal issues. Why would I?

In many exit interviews, employees would say how that they had no choice but to “put their family first”. My question is…who doesn’t? It’s in how we handle our relationship with our employer that provides the balance to supporting the needs of our family with the needs of our boss that makes all the difference.

9 – Leadership, Management, & Supervision

I have a Master’s Degree. I’m aware of all the “dynamic leadership” and “organizational management” courses we had to take. But, it was college.

You haven’t actually demonstrated you could lead a team or provide strong project management outside of a term paper. Whether you feel you can might be very contrary to how you would perform in real-life business situations when the company’s livelihood and reputation is on the line.

10 — The only sane one in the room

If I had a dime for every time an ex-employee bad-mouthed his supervisor, the owner, his Sales Manager, the CFO, or HR, I’d be a wealthy man.

I’m sure many of  those rants are justified. I’ve dealt with my share of corporate bureaucracy, office intrigue, tyrants,  and unfair policies over the years. Although I resisted bringing up these concerns in my next interview.

Go vent somewhere else.

You seem to be that person who is always right, suffers from dealing with crazy people, has a simple answer to complex problems, is the best driver, the hardest worker, always overvalues your input, and equipped with the most common sense. Yet, are notorious for being the most unpopular and difficult person to work with.

We don’t want that here. Your perception is your reality. But, not ours.

In Closing

In closing, beside what was mentioned, you have a Master’s Degree; why are you applying for such low-paying jobs anyway? This speaks volumes about how you value your own self-worth to an organization.

By the time that individual with a Master’s Degree sits across from you the reason why companies have overlooked this person is clearly obvious.

“Thank you for your time. Don’t call us; we’ll call you!”