Illustration by DRLaferriere
I’ve been looking for a job for the past few months. Now and then, as part of a job description or how someone may describe the employee they’re looking for, they will reference that they are looking for a “unicorn.”
My first thought is that unicorns do not exist. They are mythical beings that hang out by rainbows.
I do get where an employer is coming from when they use “unicorn.” They are looking for a rare employee with a unique set of skills. They are also trying to be cute when using it. I look at it as a red flag.
Again, unicorns do not exist in real life; they are mythical beings.
The “unicorn” position is probably one that really should be two or three separate positions.
Beware of unrealistic expectations that they want their “unicorn” to have. Read that job description. How realistic is it for one person? Will the pay match what is expected? Will you have time for yourself and your family?
Can you sustain being that “rare” unicorn and thrive being that combination of talents needed by an employer? Being a top performer, problem solver, can manage a team, and get the job done no matter what?
Unicorn? Really? They don’t exist.
