A purple squirrel is a C#, SQL, and ASP.net developer, who has financial markets experience, and speaks German. His brother (also a purple squirrel) is a Financial Analyst with SAP FICO, Hyperion, Excel Macro, and VBA skills, Pharma experience, and has done some market research.
As you can see, purple squirrels are hard to find, which is one reason they are so valuable to companies and recruiters.
5 ways to successfully transform yourself into a Purple Squirrel:
- Describe close accomplishments and experiences - Don't lie. Instead use the hiring manger's language to describe describe even minor projects and responsibilities that may solve employer problems.(see: http://recareered.blogspot.com/2010/03/job-seekers-tell-your-readers-wift.html).
- Describe even your minor accomplishments confidently - Don't use words like proficient (signifies minimal experience), light, minimal when describing your experience. Why make yourself look "light" when you don't have to?
- Describe Accomplishments over experiences - Whenever possible, describe what you accomplished, rather than what your job responsibilities were. This allows you to demonstrate what you did outside of the day-to-day of your job.
- Understand underlying problems: The more information you have at understanding why the hiring manager wants a purple squirrel, the better you can be at describing your own background to fit the employer's needs. First you have to understand the needs.
- Don't stretch: If you only have 2 out of the 3 major requirements, don't waste your time. With the number of people looking today, the company will find someone with all 3. Instead, spend your time chasing opportunities where you are a fit.