How To Become A Purple Squirrel For Employers?

5 mins read

Do you know that some of us belong to the category of unicorns, purple squirrels, ninjas, and rock stars? Oh! wait, these are not fictional characters, they exist in the real world. We are talking about those candidates who have precisely the right education, set of experience, and range of qualifications for a job. And due to the current economic climate, employers are also seeking them with an eagle’s eye. But how are they different from everyone else? Why are people trying to paint a picture of a perfect candidate? Why should you also think of becoming the best version of the candidate - a purple squirrel for employers?

To combat the economic downturn, companies are trying to be more productive with fewer resources. They are looking for one person to cover many areas of responsibility. To help you climb the career ladder amidst this chaos, we have rounded up 5 questions for you. Go through these questions, give yourself a reality check, and see where you stand in this cut-throat competition. 

Are you active or productive?

You must know that one friend or a colleague of yours works really smart and always seems to be getting things done. What about you? Do you fall into the same category? Or do you try but end up with nothing productive in hand? Probably, either you are a daydreamer and love to procrastinate or you are as active as quicksilver but get frustrated whenever you analyze your low productivity. Then where does your time go? Soften your forehead and think, where are you lagging? 

Here are some tips to help you become more productive rather than being active in order to be a purple squirrel for the employers and beat the competition.

Are you up to date with market trends?

What are the top searches in your browser? Is it about some Netflix show, job search, tips to make an impressive resume, or online course? Whatever is your most searched topic, do you spend time reading the current and future market prospects? Do you know what are the requirements of your current field? What projected opportunities are there in the future? If these questions are alien to you, set the wheels in motion now, and discover trends before they actually spike in popularity.

Analyze what skills and experiences you have among the long list of required qualifications. Determine how you can obtain the skills and qualifications the market wants. Also, try to anticipate how the particular field will grow and shrink so you can revise your skills to meet the requirements of the future market scenario. Here are some of the ways to stay updated with the current and future market prospects.

Do you have must-have skills?

Understand the sector and the company, and evaluate whether you just have what is asked for, or do you have a surprising element to add value? There is a striking difference between what is needed and what is wanted. Getting hired on the basis of your base-level technical skills are such gone days. You need to become a purple squirrel for the employers and match pace with the fast-moving world. Learn what all additional skills can help you with your field. Highlight those skills on your resume and LinkedIn. Here are some of the common skills that one can learn.

Do you feel the magic of your mentor?

Do you think your mentor is compatible and yet contrasting? Pick a mentor who has been a purple squirrel or a unicorn. Why? Because no one can better guide you than a person who has been through the ups and downs of the market. Someone who is broadly skilled and is an experienced professional. Such mentors are usually engaged and employed in some opportunity, an attribute that employers seek in eligible candidates. Learn from them how they got there, and what experiences, and additional skills they earned to make a difference in their career. If you are wondering that they have to be someone older than you, then my friend, you are probably wrong. Your mentor can be even younger than you. A professional mentor,

Do you have the three Cs? 

After you have gained all the skills and knowledge, are you confident enough to present yourself as the best candidate? Do you have the courage to step up and put your point of view on any topic in particular? Are you curious to learn more, and to keep adding on to your value? These three Cs - confidence, courage, and curiosity will help you shine the brightest. Be enthusiastic and able to differentiate yourself in a job interview. Confidently demonstrate that you meet the criteria and be the purple squirrel for the employer. Here are some ways that can boost your confidence level:



After you have analyzed yourself on the basis of these questions, it is time that you prepare yourself to be that elusive, more-than-perfect candidate that all employers dream of. Be a bushy-tailed purple squirrel for employers who can get them all the acorns!

If you want to carve a niche for yourself in this competitive world here are some more articles that can be helpful:

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