What is Purple Squirrel?
A Purple Squirrel refers to an exceptionally rare and highly qualified job candidate who possesses all the ideal skills, experiences, and qualifications required for a role. These candidates are so uniquely suited to the job that they are considered almost mythical in the recruitment world. Finding a Purple Squirrel is extremely challenging, as they perfectly match every aspect of the job description.
Types of Purple Squirrels
- Passive Candidates (Pink Squirrels): These individuals are highly skilled and engaged in their current roles. They are not actively job-seeking but may be open to new opportunities if approached strategically.
- Active Candidates (Winged Squirrels): These professionals are actively looking for new job opportunities and are willing to explore various offers.
Why Are Purple Squirrels Difficult to Find?
- They possess a rare combination of skills, experience, and qualifications.
- They are often highly satisfied in their current roles, making them less likely to seek new employment.
- Companies may struggle to offer competitive compensation or career growth opportunities to attract them.
Recruiting a Purple Squirrel
Since finding a perfect match is rare, recruiters often focus on identifying high-potential candidates who can grow into a role rather than searching for an impossible-to-find ideal candidate. By offering training and development opportunities, companies can build strong talent rather than waiting for the elusive “Purple Squirrel.”
How HR teams use this term
HR teams usually use Purple Squirrel when they write policies, explain employee communication, review payroll or leave records, or keep employee data clean in an HRMS.
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