What to Look for in a Project Manager
It’s time to start the hiring process, which means it’s also time to draft the job description. In order to attract the most qualified candidates, you need to be able to articulate exactly what you want from this candidate. The following are five qualities to help your company define what to look for in a project manager.
1. Attention to Detail
Project managers need a keen eye for detail so they can keep track of every specific aspect involved in your company’s projects. While it’s important to have a high-level vision of your company’s direction, it’s equally important to have someone on the ground guiding the way. That’s the purpose of a good project manager.
2. Strong Communication Skills
Project managers communicate with different team members, departments, and the executive team to keep everything on track. They are also responsible for reporting on the various milestones hit along the way. All of this requires strong communication skills. Your team needs someone you can trust to articulate the needs of a team and project.
3. Compassion & Empathy
Projects go awry. Deadlines are sometimes missed. Team members not always meet our expectations. As a project manager, interactions to handle these different scenarios are commonplace. It’s important to find someone who leads with compassion and empathy. This is the kind of attitude your team needs to lead the way.
4. Comfortable About Delegation
Team members need to feel comfortable, trusted, and have space to work, create, and get things done. It’s important for a project manager to feel comfortable and have the confidence of delegating tasks to the team— without micromanaging them.
5. Passion for the Industry
Every industry, business, and project is different. The person responsible for leading your company’s projects should also have a passion for the company and the industry at large. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s certainly something to look for because it will make their job more enjoyable, which will project into other team members as well. Scan resumes for individuals who have experience in your industry as a quick-and-easy way to spot possible passion.
You might be interested in these other posts about hiring a project manager:
– When to Hire a Project Manager
– How to Hire a Project Manager
– What to Pay a Project Manager
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