"You Want A Unicorn But You Need A Dragon": Talent Masters' Revolutionary Approach To Hiring

The ‘purple unicorn,’ often regarded as the quintessential and unattainable hire, is, according to Dr. Darla Shaw, merely a myth.

In recruitment, the purple unicorn has long been hailed as the ultimate catch—a candidate with a flawless resume and all the right credentials. This candidate has the specific education, job titles, and niche experience that will make them the dream hire. But, according to Shaw, Founder and CEO of Talent Masters, companies are focusing on the wrong thing. 

“Unicorns might sparkle, but they don’t breathe fire,” she remarks. “At Talent Masters, we’re all about dragons—candidates who bring real passion, energy, and drive to the table.”

So, what’s the problem with unicorns? According to Shaw, it’s all about style over substance. 

“Hiring someone just because their resume looks great and they can pass a generic interview process can be a recipe for disaster,” she explains. “You need candidates who bring more to the table than a sparkly resume.”

Enter the dragons. These are the candidates who not only have the skills and experience a company is looking for and will fit properly into a company‘s culture but who also possess that extra spark that sets them apart from the rest. 

“We’re talking about candidates who are truly passionate about your business and who are going to go above and beyond to help you succeed,” says Shaw.

But finding these elusive dragons isn’t easy. It takes a special kind of recruiter—one who’s willing to go the extra mile to track down the best talent. 

“Dragon hunting is a real art,” says Shaw. “It’s about more than just posting a job listing and hoping for the best. It’s about actively hunting for candidates.”

Talent Masters has devised a method as unique as the candidates they seek—the DRAGON process. Picture it as a journey to uncover the most exceptional individuals who will breathe fire into a business. 

“Our process goes way beyond the standard resume review and interview,” says Shaw. “We’re looking at things like motivation, critical thinking skills, and cultural fit to ensure that we’re finding candidates who are going to be a perfect fit for your team.”

It all starts with Discovery—a deep dive into candidate motivations, career aspirations, and pivotal moments in their professional journey. Here, Talent Masters seeks to understand not just what candidates have done, but why they’ve done it, offering insights into their true potential.

Talent Masters then embarks on a Review of the candidate’s work history, looking for signs of success and learning that reveal their true character and capabilities. This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about uncovering the essence of who the candidates are and what they bring to the table.

Next comes Analysis, where candidates' problem-solving and critical thinking abilities are tested. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about mindset and approach.

Talent Masters’ next step delves into the candidate’s Goals, ensuring alignment between their aspirations and an organization’s objectives. After all, hiring someone who’s in it for the long haul is crucial to building a cohesive team and driving sustained success.

Observe is a chance to see the candidate in action, including assessing their non-verbal communication and values alignment through engaging conversations and interactions. It’s about more than just what they say—it’s about how they say it and what it reveals about who they are.

Finally, Talent Masters looks at Notable Projects—the real-world examples that showcase a candidate’s skills and capabilities. From innovative projects to impactful initiatives, these projects offer a glimpse into the candidate’s potential in your organization.

And the results speak for themselves. 

“With Talent Masters, you’re not just hiring better—you’re building a community,” says Shaw. “Our clients love the results, because when you hire a dragon you’re not just making a hire, you’re making an investment in the future of your business.”

If you are ready to stop chasing unicorns and start recruiting dragons, it’s time to enlist the help of the experts at Talent Masters. “Let’s light the fire together,” says Shaw, “and watch your business soar.”
For more information about Talent Masters, visit talentmasters.com.

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