FAQs
Candidate:
At Purple Squirrel Advisors, our primary focus is partnering with companies to find exceptional talent for their specific roles. While we aren’t structured to help candidates find positions directly, we value every connection we make.
If you’re actively involved in an interview process with us, we’re committed to fostering transparent communication to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and our client. At that point, we work to represent and support both parties as we navigate the process together.
Additionally, we make it a priority to keep top candidates and past connections in mind for future opportunities. Staying in touch may lead to the perfect fit down the road.
Client:
We view ourselves as an extension of your team. As a retained search partner, our role is to simplify and streamline the hiring process for you. From crafting a compelling job description to navigating interviews and finalizing the offer, we are with you every step of the way.
Our goal is to provide seamless support, ensuring you find the right fit for your organization while saving you time and effort.
For more information about our process, click HERE
Candidate:
There is absolutely no cost to you as a candidate. All fees associated with the search process are covered by the companies we partner with.
Client:
We operate on a performance-based retainer model. This means we receive scheduled payments as we achieve specific and measurable milestones throughout the search process.
There are many approaches to recruiting, and the right choice depends on your priorities. If speed is the top concern, a contingent firm might be a better fit. However, for roles where finding the perfect cultural and functional fit is essential—such as mid to senior-level or C-suite positions—a customized, retained search approach often yields the best results.
Our process is designed to deliver a tailored experience, ensuring your organization gets the expertise and attention needed to secure the right leader for your team.
Contact us for more detailed engagement information.
Candidate:
It’s difficult to predict exactly how long a candidate will be in process with any given client. It depends on factors such as whether they are part of the initial slate of candidates or if the search has been ongoing for a longer period. While we do everything possible to facilitate an efficient process, we also adapt to our clients’ preferences and timelines to ensure the best outcome for both parties.
Client:
On average, the timeline from signing the retainer agreement to a candidate accepting the offer is approximately 62 to 67 days. We work diligently to keep the process on track while prioritizing the best possible outcome for your organization.
That said, several factors can influence the timeline, including the specificity of the role and required skills, the location, the time of year (particularly during holidays), the availability of qualified talent, and whether relocation is involved. Each search is unique, and we tailor our approach to navigate these variables effectively.
Candidate:
Every candidate should have a polished and well-constructed resume. Additionally, you should prepare as you would for any standard interview process—research the company, practice common interview questions, and be ready to articulate your unique strengths.
If you’d like to elevate your resume, Purple Squirrel Advisors can recommend professional resume writing services to help you stand out.
Client:
Clients who retain Purple Squirrel Advisors should be ready to engage in a true partnership. This includes sharing key company information, providing an in-depth perspective on your culture, and granting access to team members who can help us fully understand the role and its impact on your organization.
For clients using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), sharing your most current Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) is especially helpful in aligning the search with your company’s long-term goals and strategy.
Transparent communication and direct engagement with these team members will greatly aid in our ability to represent our client at the highest level while we seek to fulfill a critical team hire.
Candidate:
Our goal is for every candidate to have a positive experience, regardless of the outcome. We believe every interview is an opportunity for growth, whether it’s learning more about yourself, refining your career goals, or exploring new industries and specialized roles.
Client:
We take pride in our nearly 100% completion rate. On rare occasions where a placement is not made, it is typically due to an organizational change or the client deciding to terminate the role, thereby eliminating the need for our services.
Our success hinges on active communication and true partnership. If a role is fillable, we are confident in our ability to fill it. However, success requires openness to feedback on expectations, alignment with the available talent pool, and market-appropriate compensation. When we work collaboratively, the results speak for themselves.
Client:
Feedback is a vital part of ensuring success. Providing specific and thorough feedback allows us to fine-tune, or recalibrate, our search to better align with your needs.
One of our unique advantages is our involvement in the first interview between you and each candidate. This approach gives us deeper insights into your preferences and expectations while also understanding the candidates’ perspectives. It streamlines the feedback process and helps us quickly adjust our search strategy to deliver the right fit.
Candidate:
Our goal is to keep you informed every step of the way. We believe in clear and transparent communication, ensuring you know where you stand in the process. At Purple Squirrel Advisors, we pride ourselves on providing updates and feedback, because we are not a firm that “ghosts” candidates. Your time and effort deserve respect, and we strive to make the experience as positive and professional as possible. We are hopeful that interacting with us and our clients is a positive experience regardless of the outcome.
Candidate:
We proactively reach out to candidates in our extensive database once we are retained by a client and identify a potential match. If your experience aligns with the requirements of a particular role, we’ll connect with you directly.
Additionally, we frequently post new searches on our LinkedIn company page. If you see a position that looks like a great fit, we encourage you to reach out to a member of our team directly.
Client:
At Purple Squirrel Advisors, we use a multi-faceted approach to source exceptional candidates. This includes leveraging online tools, tapping into our extensive personal networks, utilizing our database, and engaging with the community through the many events we attend.
As a boutique firm, we’ve cultivated a strong reputation that allows us to attract top-tier executive talent. Our efforts go beyond recruitment. We are also dedicated to marketing our company to ensure we consistently draw the right professionals for the executive-level roles our clients entrust us to fill.
We have successfully replicated our proven process and identified top talent in locations across the United States, including Alabama, Florida, California, Utah, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and many more. Our reach extends well beyond these states, ensuring we can deliver exceptional candidates no matter where your company is located.
Candidate
At Purple Squirrel Advisors, we prioritize transparency to ensure a strong cultural fit. We present job opportunities as they truly are, no polished or overly idealized versions. Additionally, we focus on identifying behaviors and experiences that align with the culture and values of the client organization, helping to predict a successful fit for the role.
Client
Our experience has shown that transparency is key to attracting the right candidates. The most qualified individuals are often those eager to tackle the unique challenges of a company they feel excited about.
To ensure a cultural fit, we incorporate behavioral interview questions into the process.
For example:
“Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision. What factors did you consider, and how did you make your choice?”
“Tell me about a time when you navigated a sensitive issue at work. What steps did you take to resolve it?”
We also collaborate with clients to create tailored questions that assess fit and leverage third-party assessments when appropriate, offering additional insights into a candidate’s alignment with the organization’s culture.
Recruiting is inherently emotional for everyone involved. Clients are often under pressure to fill critical roles, while candidates are faced with making significant life decisions, both of which can be stressful. At Purple Squirrel Advisors, we understand the psychology of the search and approach every interaction with empathy and care.
By mastering the candidate mindset, we’re able to effectively market opportunities, encouraging top talent to engage with us proactively.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to clear, consistent, and transparent communication. This is essential to creating a successful and seamless recruiting process for both clients and candidates. For our clients, this approach protects and enhances their employment brand, as we represent their organization in the marketplace.
For candidates, treating them with compassion and transparency fosters a positive experience they can carry forward into their next role, whether they’re placed or not. This focus on integrity and empathy creates lasting relationships and helps ensure long-term success for everyone involved.
Candidate
Yes, we stay connected during the onboarding phase, especially within the first year of your new role. We conduct regular check-ins to ensure the transition is going smoothly and maintain open lines of communication. If you encounter challenges or believe we can support your success in any way, we encourage you to reach out proactively.
Client
We’re committed to supporting our clients beyond the placement. If an issue arises or the candidate isn’t meeting expectations, we are more than willing to step in and help facilitate a resolution.
Depending on your specific needs, we can also provide onboarding support to ensure the candidate integrates seamlessly into your organization. Additionally, we conduct regular post-placement follow-up calls to ensure long-term success and satisfaction for both parties.
Every company defines remote and hybrid roles differently, and we recognize the importance of tailoring each
role to meet specific organizational needs and desired outcomes. At Purple Squirrel Advisors, we work closely with our clients to clarify what these roles entail and ensure alignment with their goals.
We also understand that managing remote or hybrid teams may require distinct skills compared to leading on-site teams. Our expertise lies in evaluating these nuances to identify candidates who are not only technically qualified but also equipped to thrive in these environments.
While remote roles can significantly broaden the talent pool, the sheer volume of candidates can feel overwhelming. That’s where we excel, helping you navigate this expanded pool to identify the top talent that aligns with your company’s culture and objectives.
At Purple Squirrel Advisors, we prioritize clear, consultative, and transparent communication for the benefit of both our clients and candidates. Our ultimate goal is the same as yours, which is a successful hire that’s a great fit for everyone involved.
Achieving this often requires honest and, at times, critical feedback. We approach these conversations with care and professionalism, ensuring that our communication fosters trust and collaboration throughout the process. By maintaining this open dialogue, we create an environment where challenges can be addressed effectively, leading to better outcomes for all parties.
We believe every search is “fillable” when lines of communication and feedback remain open and transparent.