Why do hiring managers chase unicorns instead of great fits?

By: TONI ROSARIO Director of BIC Recruiting and Human Resources BIC Recruiting

Let’s be honest: sometimes it feels like hiring managers think we recruiters have a secret stable of unicorns tucked away, ready to trot out on command.

But the obsession with the “unicorn candidate” is real. And while it comes from a good place — wanting the absolute best for your team — it can actually slow down the hiring process and keep companies from securing truly fantastic talent. Let’s break it down.

We call them unicorn candidates because they’re about as easy to find as, well, a unicorn. These are the candidates who have a flawless mix of technical skills, leadership experience, personality and cultural alignment. They come with the exact niche certifications, industry background and years of experience you dreamed up when you wrote the job description. And of course, they’re nearly impossible to attract, because every other company out there wants them just as badly.

Sounds dreamy, right? But also … unrealistic. Unicorns aren’t impossible — sometimes you do stumble across one — but holding out for that rare “perfect” profile can leave roles sitting open for months. In the meantime, projects stall, workloads pile up and the candidates who could have hit the ground running move on to employers who act faster.

Now let’s talk about the candidate who’s not mythical, but still magical: the right fit. These are the people who have the core skills and experience to thrive in the role. They align with your culture, bringing values, energy and an attitude that makes them someone your team actually wants to collaborate with. They offer adaptability, grit, curiosity and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. And while they may not check every single box today, they bring growth potential.

This is the candidate who’s real, reachable, and ready to deliver value. In fact, many of the most successful hires companies make aren’t the “shiniest” résumés but the people who mesh well, learn quickly and become linchpins over time.

The tough truth is that chasing unicorns can do more harm than good. Every week a position stays vacant, the costs pile up — lost productivity, strained teams, delayed initiatives and yes, recruitment expenses. Employees covering the gap may burn out, leading to turnover you didn’t bargain for. And let’s not forget the candidate experience. If your hiring process drags because you’re waiting for someone who matches a fantasy checklist, the strong candidates you interview will accept offers elsewhere. Top talent rarely waits around.

The main difference comes down to perfection versus practicality. A unicorn is an aspirational fantasy, an almost unattainable ideal. The right fit is an achievable reality, someone who can do the job, gel with your team and grow with your company.

And here’s the kicker: the “right fit” often sticks around longer, integrates better and contributes just as much — if not more — than the elusive unicorn. Companies that build strong training, mentorship and career development programs don’t need to hire flawless people. They create them.

Hiring managers sometimes fear that “settling” for a right fit instead of a unicorn means lowering standards. But it’s not about settling — it’s about being strategic. A good recruiter will bring you candidates who can do the job, fit the culture and evolve with the business. That’s not settling; that’s investing in someone with staying power.

Think about it: unicorns often know they’re unicorns. They may job hop for bigger paychecks, leadership titles, or flashier logos. Right fits, on the other hand, are more likely to feel valued, grow roots and become champions of your organization.

Hiring managers, I get it — you want the best. And as recruiters, we love chasing greatness. But if you’re holding out for a unicorn, you might just miss the amazing candidate standing right in front of you. Instead of looking for perfection on paper, let’s focus on finding people who are the right fit in practice. Because in today’s talent market, the real magic happens when you hire someone skilled, aligned and eager to grow with you.

And if I do happen to stumble upon a unicorn, don’t worry — you’ll be the first to know.