The Art of Hiring a Project Manager: Testing for the Perfect Fit

Hiring the right project manager can make a world of difference for your agency. But how can you ensure that your new hire will indeed be the perfect fit? Going beyond the standard interview, we explore the importance of tailored testing and how it can be a game-changer in the hiring process.

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The Role of Testing:

Hiring a project manager goes beyond reviewing a resume and conducting an interview. It involves a careful testing process. The testing phase should not be done prematurely, but rather after an initial interview where you've had a chance to make the candidate enthusiastic about the position.

Creating Effective Scenarios:

For the test, consider creating real-world scenarios that your agency has encountered. For instance, a scenario where a client was unhappy with a delivered mockup or requested multiple feedback rounds beyond the agreed scope. These scenarios provide invaluable insight into how a prospective project manager might handle real issues.

Asking Open-Ended Questions:

Open-ended questions are your best friend in these scenarios. They invite candidates to share their ideas freely. You're looking for an understanding of how they'd handle the situation and whether they align with your approach. But beyond that, it’s crucial they're aware of the overall project scope and budget. The perfect project manager isn't just about pleasing the client but also keeping the project's budget and timeline in check.

Assessing Written Communication:

Following their response to your scenarios, have the project manager draft an email to an imaginary client based on the solution they proposed. This task is a great way to assess their written communication skills, which are vital for managing clients and teams.

Applying Learned Concepts:

Another way to test a project manager’s skills is to have them apply newly learned concepts. You could give them a video about UX best practices and then a website for them to critique. Their feedback will give you a glimpse into their understanding of UX principles and their ability to apply them.

Evaluating Technical Proficiency:

If your agency requires a more technically inclined project manager, consider tasks that assess these abilities. For instance, you might provide a design or a user flow diagram and ask them to write user stories. This test can demonstrate their understanding of technical details and their ability to convey them clearly.

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The process of hiring a project manager is just as much about finding someone who fits with your agency's culture as it is about their skills and experience. Through a tailored and thorough testing process, you can ensure you find the perfect match. Remember, hiring is a two-way street - while you're evaluating them, they're also deciding if your agency is a good fit for their career goals. The aim is to find a mutually beneficial partnership - much like a successful marriage!

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