Stop searching for unicorns: How we helped a client to hire the right person

After 10 interviews and zero hires, a frustrated client reached out to us.

For several months, they had been searching for the perfect candidate who could strategize, execute, lead and scale, all at once. After evaluating their need and analyzing the job description, it became clear that the role was more like three roles in one. Expectations were very high and there wasn’t any progress.

When we took a closer look at the position, we found the real issue: a mismatch between what was being asked and what was actually needed.

The Unicorn Trap

Many companies fall into the same trap, chasing the idea of a flawless candidate who can do everything, has niche experience and can perform from day one. They are looking for a unicorn.

But unicorns, as magical as they sound, unfortunately don’t exist. And the cost of searching for them can be high. Weeks or months lost, overloaded internal teams, project delays and burnout from endless interviews.

By the time the client came to us, they were exhausted. The team was stretched thin and key projects were getting delayed. We came to realize that what they really actually needed was not perfection, they needed clarity.

Seeing the human, not just the CV

Our process always begins with deep listening, not just about the role, but about the real business need as well. We sat down with the client and asked the right questions:

• What truly needs to be achieved in the next 6–12 months?
• Which skills are essential right now and which can grow over time?
• What kind of person will thrive in this team’s culture?

Once the focus was clear, we re-defined the role. It was no longer about finding someone who could do everything, but someone who could do the right things. Someone aligned with the company’s goals, values and stage of growth.

From “Not Quite” to “Perfect Fit”

Among the candidates we met, one stood out, but not because the CV checked every box. The background was cross-functional and the candidate came from a different industry.

But in our deep interviews, this candidate showed what truly matters: skills of strategic thinking, curiosity and resilience, a builder’s mindset and genuine enthusiasm for the mission

We decided to introduce the candidate to the client. Two weeks later the candidate was hired. Three months later, she had already restructured workflows, built trust and delivered measurable results. Instead of continuing to chase the unicorn, our client realized that finding the right human capabilities behind the long check list of requirements, they managed to find the perfect fit for them. The candidate they selected wasn’t a unicorn. She was a human, and exactly the right fit for them.

The Difference? Depth.

When clients say, “There are plenty of candidates, but none feel right,” it is rarely a talent shortage. It is usually a clarity and connection problem.

This is where our approach makes the difference. At Enersense International Oyj, Expert Services we invest time upfront to understand what is really needed beyond the job description. We support candidates to reflect on their growth and goals and make thoughtful matches, not quick placements. We don’t just fill roles, we build long-term partnerships.

Hiring the right person is not about finding a mythical unicorn. It is about finding someone with the mindset, values and potential to grow with your team.

So, if you have been stuck searching for the perfect hire, maybe it is time to shift the focus.

Stop searching for unicorns, start hiring the best fit to your Team.