By Josh Olgin, Managing Partner & Practice Leader
In today’s fast-evolving robotics industry, the competition for elite talent is fierce. But chasing “unicorn candidates”—those rare professionals with every box checked—can cost companies time, money, and market share. At DRI, we help companies avoid the unicorn trap by hiring smart, not perfect.
The Cost of Perfection
Waiting for the perfect candidate often results in extended vacancies, missed opportunities, and overburdened teams. In a field like robotics—where innovation moves fast and product development cycles are tight—vacant roles can stall progress. Moreover, it puts pressure on existing employees, increasing the risk of burnout and turnover.
The longer the hiring process drags on in search of perfection, the greater the competitive disadvantage. Projects may be delayed, productivity suffers, and competitors can capitalize on the window of inactivity.
Focus on Core Competencies
Instead of searching for a flawless résumé, we encourage clients to focus on candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong technical fundamentals (e.g., robotics systems, controls, AI integration)
- A track record of learning and adapting in fast-paced environments
- Team collaboration and problem-solving skills
- Curiosity, drive, and a passion for innovation
These candidates are more likely to grow with your company and evolve alongside industry changes. They might not know everything on day one, but with the right environment and mentorship, they’ll soon outperform expectations.
Why Strategic Flexibility Wins
Many successful robotics companies prioritize cultural alignment, growth potential, and trainability over checking every single box. These companies embrace strategic flexibility in their hiring processes, enabling them to move quickly on candidates who can contribute right away while scaling up their capabilities over time.
Creating a well-balanced team often means hiring complementary skill sets, not duplicates of one idealized profile. A flexible hiring mindset allows companies to maintain agility while still achieving excellence.
DRI’s Advice for Smarter Robotics Hiring
At DRI, our recruiters are deeply embedded in the robotics space—we know how to spot future high-performers even if they don’t meet every single requirement. We work with clients to:
- Define must-haves versus nice-to-haves
- Streamline job descriptions to attract more qualified candidates
- Use market intelligence to calibrate expectations
- Provide honest feedback on hiring goals and candidate availability
Looking to build a forward-thinking robotics team? Connect with the Robotics Team at DRI to identify top talent without getting stuck in the unicorn hunt.
