Breaking Bad…Habits: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Product Managers
Hiring product managers can be a complex and challenging process, and there are many common mistakes that can be made along the way. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when hiring product managers:
Focusing too much on technical skills: While technical skills are important, they should not be the only factor in evaluating a candidate's suitability for a product management role. Product managers also need strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, so it's important to assess these qualities as well.
Ignoring cultural fit: A candidate's technical skills may be impressive, but if they don't fit in with your company culture, they may struggle to be effective in their role. Make sure to assess a candidate's cultural fit, as well as their ability to work well with your team.
Not involving the team: Your product management team is the group that will be working closely with the new hire, so it's important to involve them in the hiring process. Get their input on the type of person they need to be successful in their role, and consider bringing them in for an interview or two.
Not being transparent: Product managers need to have a good understanding of the company's strategy, goals, and objectives in order to be successful in their role. Make sure to provide candidates with a clear and transparent picture of what the role entails, and what the company is looking for in a candidate.
Failing to check references: Checking references is an important part of the hiring process, and can provide valuable insights into a candidate's past performance and work style. Make sure to check references from both professional and personal contacts to get a well-rounded view of the candidate.
Not considering remote candidates: With the rise of remote work, it's important to consider candidates who are located outside of your office. Remote product managers can bring a different perspective and set of experiences to your team, and can also save you time and money on recruitment and training.
Not setting clear expectations: Make sure to set clear expectations for the role, including responsibilities, objectives, and performance metrics. This will help ensure that both you and the candidate are on the same page, and can prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications down the road.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of hiring a successful product manager who will help drive your company's success.
