What Is A Purple Squirrel?

In the context of recruitment and hiring, a "purple squirrel" is a metaphor used to describe a job candidate with precisely the right qualifications, experience, and skills to perfectly fit a unique and hard-to-fill position. The term is derived from the idea that finding such a candidate is as rare and challenging as finding a purple squirrel in the wild.

Purple squirrels are highly sought-after candidates who possess a rare combination of skills, experiences, and attributes that perfectly match the requirements of a specific job opening. They are often considered the ideal or dream candidates for a particular role, possessing not only the necessary technical skills but also the desired soft skills, cultural fit, and passion for the position.

Characteristics of a Purple Squirrel

Exact Match of Skills and Experience

• Possesses the specific technical skills, knowledge, and experience required for the role
• Has a proven track record of success in similar positions or industries

Unique Combination of Attributes

• Demonstrates a rare blend of technical expertise and soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Brings a diverse background or perspective that adds value to the role and organization

Cultural Fit

• Aligns with the organization's values, mission, and culture
• Demonstrates a strong passion for the company's products, services, or industry

Immediate Impact

• Can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact in the role
• Requires minimal training or ramp-up time to reach full productivity

Long-Term Potential

• Shows potential for growth and leadership within the organization
• Possesses the adaptability and agility to evolve with the company's changing needs

How do you find a Purple Squirrel?

Finding a purple squirrel candidate can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but there are several strategies that recruiters and hiring managers can use to increase their chances of success:

Clearly Define the Role and Requirements

• Develop a detailed and specific job description that outlines the ideal candidate profile
• Identify the must-have skills, experiences, and attributes that are critical for success in the role

Leverage Employee Referrals

• Encourage current employees to refer candidates from their personal and professional networks
• Offer referral bonuses or incentives to motivate employees to identify potential purple squirrels

Utilize Targeted Sourcing Strategies

• Use niche job boards, industry-specific forums, or professional associations to reach targeted candidate pools
• Engage in proactive sourcing, such as searching LinkedIn or other social media platforms for candidates with the desired skills and experiences

Build a Strong Employer Brand

• Develop a compelling employer value proposition that showcases the unique benefits and opportunities of working for the organization
• Create engaging and informative career pages, social media content, and employee testimonials that attract top talent

Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits

• Conduct market research to ensure that the compensation and benefits package is competitive and attractive to top candidates
• Consider offering flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, or other perks that appeal to purple squirrels

Conduct Thorough and Multi-Step Interviews

• Use a combination of behavioral, situational, and technical interviews to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit
• Involve multiple stakeholders, such as hiring managers, team members, and executives, in the interview process to gain diverse perspectives

Be Open to Non-Traditional Candidates

• Consider candidates with transferable skills or experiences from different industries or backgrounds
• Look for candidates with unique combinations of skills or experiences that could bring fresh perspectives or ideas to the role

What are the Benefits of Hiring Purple Squirrels?

Hiring a purple squirrel candidate can bring numerous benefits to an organization, including:

Immediate Impact and Productivity:

• Purple squirrels can quickly integrate into the role and make an immediate impact on projects or initiatives
• They require minimal training or onboarding, allowing them to reach full productivity faster

Increased Innovation and Problem-Solving:

• Purple squirrels bring unique perspectives, experiences, and skills that can drive innovation and creative problem-solving
• They can offer fresh ideas and approaches to challenges, leading to improved outcomes and solutions

Enhanced Team Performance and Collaboration:

• Purple squirrels can elevate the performance of their team members through their expertise, leadership, and collaboration skills
• They can mentor and coach other team members, sharing their knowledge and best practices

Improved Retention and Employee Engagement:

• Purple squirrels are often highly engaged and committed to their work, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention
• They can contribute to a positive and high-performing work culture, inspiring and motivating their colleagues

Competitive Advantage

• Hiring purple squirrels can give organizations a competitive edge by bringing in top talent with specialized skills and experiences
• They can help organizations stay ahead of industry trends, drive innovation, and deliver superior results

Challenges and Considerations

While hiring a purple squirrel candidate can bring significant benefits, there are also some challenges and considerations to keep in mind

Time and Resource-Intensive

• Finding and recruiting purple squirrels can be a lengthy and resource-intensive process, requiring significant time and effort from recruiters and hiring managers
• The search for the perfect candidate may lead to prolonged vacancies or missed opportunities

Higher Compensation Expectations

• Purple squirrels often command higher salaries and benefits due to their unique skills and experiences
• Organizations may need to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain these top candidates

Potential for Overqualification

• In some cases, purple squirrels may be overqualified for the specific role or may become bored or disengaged if the position does not fully utilize their skills and potential
• It's important to ensure that the role and responsibilities align with the candidate's long-term career goals and aspirations

Risk of Turnover

• If a purple squirrel candidate is not properly engaged, challenged, or recognized, they may be more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere
• Organizations must have strong retention strategies in place to keep purple squirrels motivated and committed to the company