Recruiting for a Unicorn?

Employers (and recruiters) all seem to be looking for the perfect candidate.  

The perfect candidate, like Unicorns, don't exist. 

I spoke with a hiring manager last week whose hiring process consisted of four interviews.  Yes, four.  When I inquired as to his level of concern in potentially losing good candidates due to the length of his interview process, he didn't appear too concerned.  He was focused on locating a candidate that meet all of his hiring criteria.

Most hiring processes, including this one, take too long.  The longer your hiring process takes, the more you increase your chances of losing your best candidates and being left with mediocre ones.  Hiring the wrong person can create a whole series of negative consequences.  And it's an expensive lesson.

My recommendation is to develop some realistic qualifications for the position.  What will it take to get the job done?  What personality will blend into your culture?   

Seek out candidates that will complement skills that already exist within your organization.  Place a high value on attitude, work ethic and motivation.