Are you suitable for the job?
MANY students graduate from higher institutions of learning every year. But with the few jobs on the Ugandan market, many people are taking on any jobs they can get. Some of them are overqualified while others are underqualified for these jobs.
By Maureen Nakatude
MANY students graduate from higher institutions of learning every year. But with the few jobs on the Ugandan market, many people are taking on any jobs they can get. Some of them are overqualified while others are underqualified for these jobs.
Professor Peter Baguma, a social psychologist at the Institute of Psychology, Makerere University, says when one is over-qualified, they have surpassed the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities needed for the job.
“The problem with over-qualication,†Baguma says, “is that the person will not fit in the job since he or she posses more than the required skills and knowledge.†The person is underemployed and this might lead to loss of skills or knowledge suitable for the work they qualify for. .Since the person is doing unchallenging work, they are likely to get bored.
Baguma says the under-qualified person, the one who falls short of the necessary skills and experience, may suffer stress due to fear of being replaced at work.
Sometimes a person who is over-qualified is feared by their employers and other employees. At the workplace, others may work as a team against the over-qualified person because they feel insecure.
When people are over or under-qualified, they might hide proof of the qualifications that seem to stand in their way. Baguma says they may be dismissed if discovered.
Baguma says: “Selection means the process of identifying the most qualified for the job. By this definition, the over-qualified or under-qualified would not be selected because it is about choosing the right person.â€
Human resources managers should aim at getting the right employees to avoid any problems that arise out of people being under or overqualified for their work.
The education system should encourage some students to get qualification in other tertiary or technical institutions than the universities.
This will increase chances of employment in other sectors.The number of available jobs will increase so people can do what they qualify for.
MANY students graduate from higher institutions of learning every year. But with the few jobs on the Ugandan market, many people are taking on any jobs they can get. Some of them are overqualified while others are underqualified for these jobs.
Professor Peter Baguma, a social psychologist at the Institute of Psychology, Makerere University, says when one is over-qualified, they have surpassed the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities needed for the job.
“The problem with over-qualication,†Baguma says, “is that the person will not fit in the job since he or she posses more than the required skills and knowledge.†The person is underemployed and this might lead to loss of skills or knowledge suitable for the work they qualify for. .Since the person is doing unchallenging work, they are likely to get bored.
Baguma says the under-qualified person, the one who falls short of the necessary skills and experience, may suffer stress due to fear of being replaced at work.
Sometimes a person who is over-qualified is feared by their employers and other employees. At the workplace, others may work as a team against the over-qualified person because they feel insecure.
When people are over or under-qualified, they might hide proof of the qualifications that seem to stand in their way. Baguma says they may be dismissed if discovered.
Baguma says: “Selection means the process of identifying the most qualified for the job. By this definition, the over-qualified or under-qualified would not be selected because it is about choosing the right person.â€
Human resources managers should aim at getting the right employees to avoid any problems that arise out of people being under or overqualified for their work.
The education system should encourage some students to get qualification in other tertiary or technical institutions than the universities.
This will increase chances of employment in other sectors.The number of available jobs will increase so people can do what they qualify for.