Have you ever come across the term ‘Purple Squirrel’ related to recruitment? Yes, you read that right; a purple squirrel makes as much sense to hiring as it does to wildlife!
So, what is a purple squirrel? And should you be worried that it is going to take away your job? Let’s find out…
What is Purple Squirrel?
Purple Squirrel is a job candidate who has a highly specialized set of skills and relevant experience, which matches exactly with what the company is looking for in their ideal candidate. However, such candidates are exceptionally hard to find, making them as rare as ‘purple squirrels’.
Purple squirrels tick every box in the job requirements, like technical skills, industry experience, cultural alignment, leadership qualities, and more. While these candidates are ideal for that specific role, finding them is a nightmare for the recruiters.
Issue with Chasing Purple Squirrels
The main issue with chasing purple squirrels is that it requires an unlimited number of resources and time, while the chances of still finding them cannot be predicted accurately. It results in extended hiring cycles and inflated recruitment costs, which results in frustration. It also makes the recruiters overlook talented candidates who could be trained and mentored to become the ideal candidate for a specific role.
The Smarter Approach for Recruiters
The smart way to approach this issue is to look beyond the myth and find practical options. For example, instead of waiting for the purple squirrel, you can focus on individuals who display the potential to be the purple squirrel with training and growth.
Instead of waiting for the mythical squirrel, you should focus on developing ecosystems that transform great candidates into exceptional talent. With the right training methods that include upskilling and mentorship programs, you can close the skill gaps and find the hidden purple squirrel within your employees.
Conclusion
It may take a lifetime to find the mythical purple squirrel! In the real world, we can observe that candidates with adaptability, skills, and the right cultural fit often outperform someone who looks right on paper with their skills and experience. Hence, you should focus on transforming your existing performers or hiring great talent, both of whom can be transformed into purple squirrels for your organization.
