Catching a HR unicorn

Discovering a remarkable candidate, often referred to as a "unicorn," remains the ultimate aspiration for organisations seeking to hire exceptional talent.

These extraordinary individuals possess an extraordinary blend of qualities that distinguish them from their peers, elevating them to a league of their own. They not only possess the necessary HR skills and knowledge but also seamlessly align with the organisation's culture.

Moreover, "unicorn" candidates possess the exceptional ability to wield influence throughout the company, bridging the gap between numbers, data, legislation, and tangible real-world outcomes. A human resource "unicorn" contributes immeasurable value to an organizsation, solidifying their position as an indispensable asset within any team.

As Anica Weereratne, Principal Consultant at The Next Step and her colleague Ramtin Parvar from The Safe Step, highlighted in their conversation, the bidding war for top talent exists, and companies need to think outside the box to attract the best candidates.

Tips to help you find that HR 'unicorn':

1. Stop Looking for Perfection: Perfection is a myth, and the perfect candidate may not exist.
   Instead, focus on finding someone who aligns with your values, has the right skills, and is a good cultural fit for your team.
   
   
2. Offer Flexible Working Options: Flexible working options are becoming increasingly popular, and candidates are actively seeking companies that offer them. Consider different types of flexibility, such as compressed working weeks, job sharing, and remote working options.
   
   
3. Be Clear on Your Organisational Values: Your company's values and purpose should be at the forefront of your recruitment efforts.
   Seek out candidates who align with those values and can articulate their own values and purpose.
   
   
4. Articulate Your EVP: Your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is what makes your company unique and attractive to potential candidates.
   Be sure to communicate your EVP to candidates, so they understand what they can expect from working with you.
   
   
5. Focus on Must-Haves: When creating a job description, be clear on the must-haves for the role. Focus on the skills and experience that are essential for the job, rather than creating an unrealistic wish list of desirable attributes.
   
   
6. Provide a Positive Candidate Experience: A positive candidate experience can set you apart from other companies and help you attract top talent. Be responsive, communicate clearly, and provide a smooth and efficient recruitment process.
   
   
7. Offer Development Opportunities: Candidates are looking for opportunities to learn and grow in their roles. Offer development opportunities, such as training and mentoring, to help your employees reach their full potential.
   
   
8. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion should be a priority in your recruitment efforts. Embrace diversity and seek out candidates from different backgrounds and experiences to bring new perspectives and ideas to your team.

While the search for the perfect candidate may seem daunting, by focusing on the essential skills and values, offering flexibility and development opportunities, and creating a positive candidate experience it can be achieved.

Although the pursuit of an ideal candidate may appear challenging, it can be accomplished by prioritising crucial skills and values, providing flexibility and growth prospects, and ensuring a positive candidate experience.

How can we help?

While the mythical "unicorn" remains an exceedingly rare and elusive find, it is crucial to thoroughly assess your entire Employee Value Proposition (EVP) before embarking on a quest for these extraordinary individuals.

Fortunately, exceptional HR professionals do exist in reality, and we are here to assist you in locating the perfect fit for your team.

P: 1800 573 366

E: info@thenextstep.com.au