New Delhi, July 18 -- Top executive search firms are now pushing back against unrealistic hiring mandates from clients, warning that their dream 100% match or a "purple squirrel", a candidate who ticks every box, simply does not exist in today's opaque and volatile job market. Instead, they are urging companies to accept strong 70% matches or risk long delays and costly dropouts.

The demand is for a young leader equipped with in-depth knowledge of the latest digital skillsets and cross-functional experience, one who can weather all storms and drive the firm in poor visibility. But such a perfect candidate does not exist.

Pranshu Upadhyay, regional director at global executive search firm Michael Page, says it upfront: a recruitment part...