You’ve struck gold in your recruitment journey. After endless searches, interviews, and evaluations, you’ve found the elusive “unicorn” candidate.
The perfect fit for the role who ticks all the boxes.
But now, you’re faced with a new dilemma: needing someone to compare them to. In a market where such candidates rarely exist, finding another feels like an impossible task. So what do you do?
The Need for Comparison
It’s natural to want to benchmark, a way to validate that the unicorn truly is the best fit for your organisation. Comparisons can provide confidence in your decision, ensuring you’ve covered all the bases and made the most informed choice. But when the talent pool is limited, and the pressure to fill the role is high, waiting for another unicorn can be both impractical and costly.
Leveraging the Unicorn’s Unique Value
When you can’t find another candidate to compare, focus on understanding and leveraging the unique value your unicorn brings. Assess skills, experiences, and cultural fit in-depth. Engage with them in additional rounds of interviews, involve various stakeholders, and seek feedback. This approach can provide a holistic view of their suitability for the role.
Utilising Industry Benchmarks
If another candidate isn’t available for comparison, utilise industry benchmarks. Research salary surveys, role expectations, and performance metrics within your industry. Compare your unicorn’s qualifications and potential contributions against these standards. This method can help you gauge their value objectively, without needing a direct competitor.
In-Depth Assessments
Conduct thorough reference checks and consider using assessment tools to evaluate the candidates’ skills and competencies further. Psychometric tests, technical evaluations, and situational judgement tests can provide additional insights and affirm your choice. These tools serve as an alternative comparison mechanism, ensuring you have a well-rounded understanding of the candidate’s capabilities.
Internal Talent as a Benchmark
Sometimes, the best comparisons come from within. Consider your existing team and identify top performers in similar roles. Compare your unicorn’s potential against these internal benchmarks. This not only helps in validating your choice but also provides a clearer picture of how the candidate might integrate and contribute to your organisation.
Making the Decision
Ultimately, the decision comes down to trust in your recruitment process can be risky. If you delay, your unicorn candidate might be snapped up by another employer who’s also on the hunt for their perfect fit. Speed is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Act swiftly to secure your top talent before someone else does.
Finding a unicorn candidate is a significant achievement in itself. While comparisons can provide comfort and validation, its essential to focus on the unique strengths your candidate brings. Use industry standards, internal benchmarks, and thorough assessments to ensure you’re making the best decision. Trust in the rigor of your process and the unique value of your unicorn. After all, the rarity of such candidates is what makes them so special.
Secure Your Unicorn with Bond Williams!
Don’t let your perfect candidate slip away. At Bond Williams, we specialise in finding and securing top talent swiftly and efficiently. Let us help you transform your recruitment process and keep your unicorns within reach. Contact Bond Williams today and discover how we can elevate your hiring strategy.
