The right project manager can make or break any development project, whether it be small or large.
Whether you’re upgrading products you already have or creating a new product, you’ll find that an individual skilled in project management can be the deciding factor in timelines and overall success. If you’re beginning the search for a project manager, consider these essential hiring tips and make the right choice.
Are You Sure You Need a Project Manager?
Many companies are quick to jump on hiring a project management professional, but some businesses find that this full-time service isn’t essential. You need to examine the role you’re looking to fill. Did you already clearly define the project? Will in-house team members complete the project? Is it low-cost?
Did you answer yes to any of these questions? You might find that a full-time project manager isn’t the best solution. On the flip side, you could use the aid of a project manager if your project looks like it will take more than half a year to complete. You could also use one if the project needs external vendors or employees or if it is extremely critical to the future success of your business.
Writing the Job Description
Your first task to attract qualified candidates is crafting the perfect job description. Be as specific as possible, and include more than the skills or competencies required. You’ll want to outline the behaviors you expect from a project manager, be specific with the tasks he or she will face on a daily basis, and outline your salary offerings.
The more specific your job description is, the better able you’ll be to weed out unqualified individuals from the very start. Cutting down on unsuitable applicants will save you time and money during the recruiting process. As you go to post your description, consider using several outlets.
That may mean a post on Indeed.com or Monster.com, a job listing call throughout your networks, or even a post on Craigslist. You may also consider hiring a head hunter; it’s worth the investment to place the right person.
Consider Credentials and Certifications
There are numerous certifications for those in project management, and you should consider the standard PMP certification an essential. Those that have received the title of Project Management Professional have completed the right amount of work experience.
They have spent countless hours studying how to pass the PMP exam and have passed the test with the right scores. Those that pursue this certification have committed to excellence in their field. The road to accreditation can take months and even years, and it often represents a substantial monetary investment.
There are other certifications to keep in mind, including the PgMP and PRINCE2, so read up on the related accreditations. Then determine what might work best for your project in particular.
Find Someone Who Can Prioritize
Prioritization is arguably an essential characteristic in any role, but it’s vital for project managers. Every detail and every task they encounter will be urgent, with other employees’ roles dependent on their ability to get things done. It’s important to ask all candidates how they prioritize.
The best project managers are able to easily and quickly discern which tasks they need to complete first. They can then delegate applicable tasks to appropriate team members. Asking project manager candidates how they decide which project to tackle during high pressure situations can give you valuable insights into their prioritization skills.
Ask About Their Conflict Management Capabilities
Project managers are tasked with managing groups of people. As every company knows, having multiple personalities and work styles in one group can lead to conflict.
It’s important to hire a project manager who can help your team work through these conflicts with problem-solving abilities. Your project manager needs to understand conflict resolution, be able to adapt to different situations, and be able to look for resolutions in high-stress situations.
It’s not always easy to find the perfect project manager for your company. However, with these hiring strategies you’ll be well poised to place the right individual on your team.
The post 5 Essential Tips for Hiring a Project Manager appeared first on Growmap.
5 Essential Tips for Hiring a Project Manager
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