What is a unicorn candidate?

Employers across industries are constantly seeking individuals with a unique blend of skills, experience, and character traits to stay ahead of the curve.

New sets of individuals with fresh perspectives, creative solutions, and a multidimensional approach to problem-solving enable organizations to seize opportunities more effectively.

Moreover, as industries undergo rapid digital transformation and disruption, the demand for specialized expertise continues to rise. 

Since the recruitment and talent acquisition landscape continues to evolve, so do the terms for emerging candidates with unique skills and abilities. 

And so, the term “unicorn candidate” has gained significant traction.

But what exactly defines these fresh-out-term candidates, and why do employers yearn for them so highly? Let’s find out.

Defining a unicorn candidate

A unicorn candidate is an individual who possesses an exceptional combination of skills, experiences, and personal qualities that make them highly sought after by employers.

The term “unicorn” is derived from the mythical creature known for its rarity and unique attributes. It symbolizes the extraordinary nature of these candidates in the job market.

These individuals typically excel across multiple domains, demonstrating proficiency in technical expertise, leadership abilities, and problem-solving skills. They are also characterized by their adaptability, resilience, and passion for tackling complex challenges.

Unicorn candidates are often considered invaluable assets to organizations due to their ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and achieve tangible results.

Exceptional qualities of a unicorn candidate

A unicorn candidate showcases an extraordinary ability to adapt seamlessly to changing environments and rebound from challenges with resilience.

Here are some of the remarkable qualities of this kind of candidate:

Exceptional adaptability and resilience

A unicorn candidate transcends the limitations of specialization by showcasing profound expertise across diverse domains.

Unlike conventional candidates who often excel within a narrow field, unicorn candidates are polymaths. This means they are proficient in various disciplines spanning technology, business, creative arts, and beyond.

Their broad knowledge base allows them to synthesize insights from disparate sources, enabling them to approach complex problems from multifaceted angles.

Further, they not only deliver superior outcomes but also inspire teams to explore uncharted territories and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Deep expertise in multiple domains

Unicorn candidates distinguish themselves from conventional counterparts by their profound expertise across multiple domains.

Unlike specialists who focus narrowly on a particular field, these candidates embody a multidisciplinary approach. They seamlessly navigate through diverse areas of knowledge, drawing insights and techniques from various disciplines.

This breadth of expertise empowers them to tackle complex problems with a holistic understanding, often leading to innovative solutions that transcend conventional boundaries.

Genuine passion for solving complex problems

What truly sets a unicorn candidate apart is this individual’s unwavering passion for solving intricate problems.

Beyond the technical proficiency, this professional is driven by an intrinsic motivation to unravel challenges that others may find daunting. 

Unicorn candidates exhibit an insatiable curiosity, constantly seeking to understand the root causes of complex issues and devise creative solutions to address them.

Fearlessness in taking calculated risks

A unicorn candidate possesses remarkable fearlessness when it comes to taking calculated risks. 

Other individuals may shy away from uncertainty or hesitate to step outside their comfort zones. Unicorn candidates embrace the prospect of venturing into uncharted territories with confidence.

These professionals apply a strategic approach to risk-taking. Rather than acting impulsively, they meticulously assess the potential outcomes, weigh the pros and cons, and anticipate potential challenges before making informed decisions.

This careful deliberation is guided by a keen sense of strategic foresight, enabling them to identify opportunities for growth and innovation where others may see only uncertainty. 

Advantages of hiring a unicorn candidate

Unicorn candidates, with their unique blend of skills, experience, and character traits, offer benefits to employers across industries.

Let’s explore the significant advantages of hiring a unicorn candidate:

Versatility

One of the most significant advantages of hiring a unicorn candidate lies in unparalleled versatility.

Seasoned professionals bring a diverse array of skills and expertise to the table, allowing them to transition between various roles and responsibilities within an organization seamlessly. 

Their multifaceted skill set enables them to contribute meaningfully across different departments and functions, making them invaluable assets to the organization’s overall success.

Leadership potential

A unicorn candidate exhibits a natural ability to inspire, motivate, and empower others, driving teams toward shared goals and objectives. 

This potential talent has a visionary outlook and emotional intelligence that can lead by example and foster a culture of excellence within the organization.

Disadvantages of hiring a unicorn candidate

While the allure of unicorn candidates is undeniable, it’s imperative to recognize that they come with their own set of challenges and potential drawbacks. 

Unrealistic expectations

One significant drawback of hiring a unicorn candidate is the tendency for employers to develop unrealistic expectations.

Hiring these highly skilled individuals often leads organizations to believe that they possess the capability to solve all of the company’s challenges single-handedly.

However, while these talents possess exceptional qualities, they are not capable of “all things good.”

Expecting them to shoulder the entire burden of organizational transformation or problem-solving can result in disappointment and dissatisfaction on both sides.

Risk of overqualification

Another potential pitfall of hiring unicorn candidates is the risk of overqualification.

These individuals may find themselves in roles that fail to fully leverage their extensive skill set and expertise, which can lead to feelings of boredom, disengagement, or a lack of fulfillment. 

Employers must be mindful of this risk and take proactive measures to ensure that the roles assigned to unicorn candidates are challenging and meaningful.

How to attract unicorn candidates

A unicorn candidate brings a wealth of abilities, expertise, and innovation to the organizational table. 

Here’s how you can attract a potential unicorn employee to work with you:

• Offer challenging and impactful opportunities. Unicorn candidates are driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and tackle complex challenges.

• Provide opportunities for growth and development. Invest in continuous learning initiatives, mentorship programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• Prioritize work-life balance and well-being. Try to offer flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and a supportive culture. This way, they may think that you also value their health more than you value their expertise.

Overall, unicorn employees have the ability to adapt to various roles, innovate across disciplines, and bring a fresh perspective to problem-solving. Their multifaceted talents can lead to unparalleled creativity and productivity.