From Your Perspective

Passing on Purple Unicorns?

Written by Monica Alvarez-Munoz | 8/7/25 3:38 PM

Talent Talk

Passing on Purple Unicorns? That's Going to Cost You! 

You’re not expected to throw big money at every candidate who asks for more. But if you’re shutting down the conversation before it even starts, you could be missing out. 

Talking about pay has been tougher lately, and you’re definitely not alone. The good news? There are smart ways to work through it—I’ve got a few ideas for you coming up below. 

According to SHRM, 82% of HR pros are having a hard time finding qualified candidates right now—and compensation often makes or breaks the deal. 

Holding out for that “perfect” candidate but flinching at their salary expectations? That’s not just underpaying, it’s underdelivering. Companies are ghosting top talent before even interviewing because the salary ask feels “too high.” In today’s market, that’s not saving money; it’s costing opportunity.

 

Before Day One: Set the Stage 

  • Relying on outdated pay ranges
  • Ignoring strong resumes over a few thousand dollars
  • Expecting top-tier talent on last-decade budget


What To Do Instead 

Benchmark smart. Don’t guess, get real. The People Perspective offers compensation benchmarking tailored to your roles, industry, and location. 

Stay curious. If someone looks like your dream hire but wants more than you budgeted, have the conversation anyway. They might bring more value than you expected or be flexible. 

Sell what you’ve got. If your base pay can’t compete, highlight growth, flexibility, and culture like you mean it.


Final Thought

Compensation is more than a budget line, it’s your first message to candidates about what (and who) you value. When you pass on qualified people without a conversation, you’re not saving money, you’re creating delays, rework, and brand damage. 

Pay strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be honest, current, and built around attracting the people you say you want. 

And if you need help with compensation benchmarking or talking through what “competitive” really means in today’s market, The People Playbook can help!