The Purple Squirrel: A Rare Phenomenon in Recruitment

In the recruitment world, a “purple squirrel" is THE exceptionally rare candidate who possesses a unique combination of skills, qualifications, and experience that perfectly matches the requirements of a job opening.

The idea of the "purple squirrel" stems from employers often having unrealistic expectations when seeking candidates. This leads to the pursuit of a mythical candidate who possesses an extraordinary blend of attributes. Equally, some candidates can believe that their unique blend of attributes is hugely sought after or massively valuable, that they are a “purple squirrel”.

In both cases, sadly, disappointment often looms large….

The term "purple squirrel" seems to have been coined in the recruitment industry in the 1990’s, serving as a metaphor for an elusive candidate who seems nearly impossible to find. Surprisingly, it’s still mentioned today, and while it is important for employers to aim high and strive for excellence, the quest for a purple squirrel can sometimes hinder the hiring process.

In the legal profession, obviously technical ability is important – just as you wouldn’t your mate to be carrying out brain surgery (unless he or she is actually a brain surgeon!) the public or corporate world don’t want their lawyers to just be ‘giving it a go’!

But equally,?ambition, personality, willingness to learn, desire to succeed, empathy, perseverance and so forth?should be strong factors in the hiring process.?

And not surprisingly, this is where your recruiter should be ‘earning’ their money. The technical aspects of the job should be well defined, and only subject to negotiation in extreme cases. But for the other ‘fuzzy’ bits, if they are unrealistic, a?good recruitment consultant?will push back against the hiring manager, advising – consulting if you will – on the specifics that are ‘must have’ and those that would be ‘good to have’.

So, if you’re a?#law?candidate or a?#lawfirms?hiring manager, just browsing or actively seeking your next role or next employee, open to discussion or desperate to hire – don’t be a “purple squirrel”.

Set realistic expectations but do be willing to modify these, be that salary, or location, or working culture, or experience levels, or benefits, or, or, or….

If you are looking for your next prime candidate (but not a purple squirrel) or your next prime role, please get in touch

[email protected] / 01275 463111 /?www.austenlloyd.co.uk