As the professional landscape evolves, recruiting a project manager requires a strategic approach to identify candidates who not only possess traditional project management skills but are also proficient at navigating the complexities of a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Project managers deal with different stakeholders, facilitate open communication modes, are risk management experts, and ensure that the project's objectives are met.
Recruiting a project manager can be crucial for organisations, especially large-scale and complex projects. A project manager should have:
Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are the building blocks of project manager competencies.
A study1 analysed job advertisement data under these KSA classifications. The table below summarises the top 5 KSAs sought after by employers.
For example, under the Knowledge category, Education (28.61%) is the most cited competency, followed by project management Certification (20.47%).
This type of understanding will help human resource managers perform the recruitment process more effectively. It identifies the required knowledge, skills and abilities and helps prepare the job advertisement accordingly to find the right person for the project.
Recruiting a skilled project manager comes with many advantages beyond their traditional roles. These professionals ensure successful project delivery and contribute to overall organisational effectiveness. Here are the key advantages of recruiting a project manager.
Project managers bring a strategic vision to the table. They align project objectives with the organisation's broader goals. Their ability to see the bigger picture ensures that projects contribute meaningfully to the organisation.
Project managers also excel in allocating budget and time efficiently. This skill is crucial in maximising the return on investment for each project. Project managers ensure that resources are aligned with organisational priorities.
Another advantage of recruiting a project manager is that they are adept at identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies. They create risk management plans and monitor the project closely, allowing for timely resolution and minimal disruption to project timelines.
Project managers can communicate effectively and transparently with stakeholders involved in the projects, ensuring that all involved parties are informed and aligned throughout the project lifecycle.
Project managers create an environment that encourages collaboration and values individual contributions. They constantly communicate with their team members.
In the dynamic landscape, an advantage of recruiting a project manager is that they stand out for their adaptability. They navigate shifting priorities, market trends, and unforeseen challenges with resilience.
Recruitment performs the essential role of bringing in the requisite human capital into the organisation and can significantly impact organisational performance. Unfortunately, good project managers who can successfully manage very demanding projects are still very hard to find.
Finding and recruiting the right project managers has become an even more important challenge for many organisations today. So, how do recruiters go about attracting the correct project management talent?
Here are some tips for recruiting the best project manager with unique skills to align with the company's vision, elevate your business, and inspire team members.
The first step in the recruitment process is clearly defining the project manager's requirements. Organisations should clearly outline the skills essential for success in this role. Clarity in requirements ensures that the selection criteria align with the organisation's goals and vision.
A clear and comprehensive job description is essential to attract the right client. A compelling description attracts suitable candidates. The job description should include all the requirements outlined in the first step.
These skills are a great indicator of the type of project manager you may be about to hire and how well they're likely to fit into your team. Soft skills include:
Placing a strong emphasis on soft skills is equally vital. Incorporating behavioural interviews and scenario-based questions helps assess a candidate's interpersonal skills, like emotional intelligence and their capacity to thrive in diverse project environments.
Organisations should recruit project managers capable of handling individual projects and strategically aligning multiple projects with the organisation's goals. This can be ensured by putting a strong emphasis on project portfolio management.
Organisations should prioritise candidates who actively seek professional development opportunities and hold relevant certifications such as Certified Project Management Diploma, PMP, PRINCE2, etc.
The onboarding process is a critical and final phase in integrating a new project manager into the organisation. A structured onboarding programme should provide comprehensive insights into the organisation's culture, policies, and project management methodologies.
In conclusion, recruiting a project manager demands a holistic approach that considers technical skills, soft skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to industry trends.
If you're interested in enrolling in one of our professional project management courses not to elevate your career as a project manager but to help your organisation grow, you can click here to view our list of courses or contact us.
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