So, you’ve bought into the idea of a purple squirrel and you fancy “bagging” your own.
Just how do you go about it?
(Didn’t read our last post on purple squirrels? Catch up here)
Let’s start by saying that traditional recruitment methods are not as effective for these individuals. Purple squirrels buck trends, so you need to do the same.
For example, if you insist on a degree you wouldn’t have recruited Philip Green, James Dyson or Steve Jobs. In fact, it is well documented that Steve Jobs failed the formal recruitment process for HP because he didn’t have a degree.
If you are serious about recruiting a purple squirrel you need to think more about identifying the results you want, and who can achieve them, rather than focusing on skills.
Putting aside the famous purple squirrels I have mentioned, many lesser known individuals hold middle as opposed to senior management roles. But they will have already started to build a reputation as a game changer.
Let’s look at how you might achieve success:
- Ensure your business reflects the values you are looking to recruit – are you really innovative and forward thinking? How do you look to those outside of your company?
- Since purple squirrels are unlikely to respond to contact from complete strangers, implement a scheme for rewarding existing staff for new employee introductions
- Reach out via social media to those individuals who have been identified as having “purple squirrel potential”. Start to build a relationship with them, so you are no longer a stranger.
- Build a relationship with head hunters – who have a reputation for recruiting difficult to fill roles
- Build a role around the individual – they are unlikely to be attracted to your company based on salary or career progression
- Offer flexibility – working from home, different hours, the chance to bring their own team on board
- Fast recruitment process – make your decision quickly, as they will soon be snapped up
- Look outside of the usual platforms for promoting a vacancy
- Try to make the recruitment and interview process fun and quirky
- Understand they may not be a good cultural fit with your business or your team – you need to weigh up the potential impact your own purple squirrel could have on your business, against the impact on the rest of your people
Also, remember that many purple squirrels will not make good managers. They are often perfectionists, with very high expectations that most mere mortals will struggle to fulfill. Steve Jobs was known for being a very difficult person to work for.
If you would like to recruit a purple squirrel, please contact us on 01256 328 428.