Hiring today is harder than ever. Skills are evolving faster than job descriptions, talent competition is fierce, and yet many organizations are still waiting for the same thing. The “perfect candidate.”
That one person who ticks every single box.
But let’s be honest, that person rarely exists. And if they do, chances are another company has already snapped them up.
Why We Wait for Unicorns.
We understand the reason why hiring managers want perfection.
- No one wants to make a bad hire.
- Job descriptions often read like wish lists, not necessities.
- Waiting feels safer than taking a risk.
But while companies wait, the real cost builds quietly in the background.
The Hidden Price of Delay and It May Cost You More Than You Think.
Every week a role stays vacant, the team left behind is carrying the weight. Projects slow down. Morale drops. Productivity takes a hit.
We’ve seen this play out before. A client once waited six months, holding out for the “unicorn.” By the time six months had passed, the team was burnt out and deadlines had been missed. When they finally circled back to a strong candidate they had previously rejected, it was too late, as the candidate had already moved on to another opportunity. The cost of waiting was simply too high.
What Actually Matters in a Hire.
Instead of chasing perfection, it’s more realistic to focus on what counts:
- Must-haves: The non-negotiable skills or traits that truly matter (ideally 3–5). Identifying these helps the hiring team gain clarity on what is exactly required for the role.
- Good-to-haves: Nice extras, but not deal breakers.
- Adaptability: Skills can be taught; mindset cannot.
- Motivation: Why does this person want the role?
- Fit: Will they collaborate and grow with the team?
Rethinking “Perfect”
The idea of a flawless candidate is comforting, but in reality:
- The longer the wait, the more damage it does to the business and the team.
- The “perfect match” is often subjective and unrealistic.
Some of the best hires don’t look ideal on paper, but they prove themselves by showing up, adapting, and growing.
The truth is, strong hires aren’t unicorns. They’re people who bring enough of the right skills, the right mindset, and the willingness to grow.
Final Thought
Hiring is always a balance. It’s about making a thoughtful decision without getting stuck in endless searching. Because every time we say, “Let’s keep looking,” we need to ask:
What is the cost of waiting?