By Ann Eastham
Contributor, Career Services
Haven’t heard the expression? It’s ok; I hadn’t either, until recently. “Purple squirrel” is a term for a job candidate who has the exact education, experience, and qualifications needed for a particular position. It means that you have the ability to step into a position and immediately perform your job responsibilities. The exact origin of the term is unknown, but it has been widely used by hiring managers and recruiters since at least the late 90’s. Why a purple squirrel? Because the chances of finding someone with the exact qualifications that you are seeking are as rare as a real-life purple squirrel. So, what are you to do?
Start by determining what your key skills and experiences are and how that fits into the job market. Use websites like O*Net and the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) to reverse research your skills to find how they would fit into different industries and careers. Many skills can apply to several different positions, and you never know what new and exciting opportunity is out there for you.
Next, pinpoint what positions for which you’d be the best fit. Use your specific skills and experiences within the fields you’ve identified. If you have industry certifications, specialized trainings, or unique experiences, make sure to conduct your job search with those key words in mind. For example: you have management skills and experience, but also hold an IT certification. Narrowing in on what sets you apart from another applicants could make you stand out as more “purple squirrel-ish.”
Now it’s time put it in writing. Make sure the information on your resume is streamlined towards the particular position for which you’re applying and include all the skills and experiences that make you perfect for that position. Think beyond buzzwords and industry jargon; demonstrate that you know what they mean! Back up your skills with corresponding achievements and accomplishments to help the reader know what kind of results to expect if you were to step into the position. Most importantly, be honest. Don’t embellish your resume by saying you are an expert at Microsoft Office unless you actually are and can prove it.
Being a purple squirrel doesn’t always mean that you are perfect for the job, but rather that you can demonstrate why you are perfect for the job. By identifying your skills and tailoring your resume, you can put your best self on paper, and just maybe someone will think you are just the person he or she was looking for, the elusive purple squirrel.
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