Project Management: What is It All About?
Any business that handles IT or web development projects needs a responsible individual to oversee projects, from start to finish. Project management involves planning, tracking, execution and reporting of projects.
A project manager handles all aspects of an IT or web development project, including risk management, software updates and development of products/services. A project manager sets goals, maintains schedules, assigns tasks, strategises and holds meetings with clients and team members.
How to Hire Project Manager
Sourcing a project manager for your business would mean posting on tech hiring platforms. You would have to post the job description, required skill sets and preferred educational qualification to get a match. You would also have to consider the experience of the candidate when you hire project manager. Also, you would have to keep an eye on any relevant certifications the candidate might have when you hire project manager.
Points to Consider Before You Hire Project Manager
The first aspect to consider before you hire project manager is the scope of the project. Consider whether you need a long-term employee or a short-term hire, depending on the scope.
Also, assess the industries and sectors your clients operate in. Hire project manager who has an idea of the target audience/end-user.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the project management structure that the candidate will use or is familiar with. Management methodologies differ from industry to industry. The needs of the business should help you decide on the kind of project manager to use.
It helps to stay aware of trends in the world of project management. For example, artificial intelligence is being adopted by organisations to generate insights, conduct risk analysis etc.
Using project management software to track the time taken for tasks or provide dashboards for decision-making is another. Staying aware of trends helps make good hiring decisions.
Skills to Look For When You Hire Top Project Manager
Project Management Methodologies
Familiarity or experience using some of the project management methodologies helps. Some of them include:
Agile: Agile is a methodology which involves responsiveness and quickly adapting to changes. It may be suited for a project that has constant change.
Scrum: This methodology involves assigning tasks that need to be finished in a sprint or a predefined time frame.
Kanban: This methodology uses a visual listing of tasks and comes in handy when there are many teams and different priorities.
Project Management Software Tools
Knowledge of project management software like Basecamp, Trello, LiquidPlanner, Zoho projects or Teamwork is ideal.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Quality assurance is a system that implements tasks and sets up goals for the project. It helps avoid errors. Understanding of QA and testing or experience handling these roles is essential.
Technical Skills
Hire top project manager who has a decent understanding of basic programming and scripting languages such as Java, CSS, HTML etc. Testing and debugging skills are also good to have. If it's an IT/software engineering project manager you are looking to hire, the candidate needs to have knowledge of testing and debugging, apart from deploying.
Risk Management
Any project comes with risks and a good project manager should be able to put a risk management plan in place. Risk management refers to minimising any likely problems.
Time Management Tools
The project manager should be aware of tools used in project time management. Knowledge of a tool like Jira which has time tracking feature is useful.
Soft Skills
Soft skills like communication, leadership ability, negotiation, and problem-solving ability are crucial for a project manager.
Steps To Hire Project Manager
One of the first steps you should take is to create a job description. A clear job description outlining the roles and responsibilities of the project manager is important. Some of them may include:
Manage every aspect of the project lifecycle, from planning to implementation
Perform quality assurance and testing
Use a project management methodology to assign tasks
Communicate with clients and team members to finish tasks on time
Post the job requirement on a tech hiring platform and look for matches.
Screen the resumes of candidates and see if they meet your business requirements. Check for experience, academic credentials, any certifications and skill sets.
Conduct a skill assessment test for potential project managers. Set a test that evaluates candidates for their risk management abilities, for instance. Also, test for knowledge of project management software and methodologies.
After the test, filter candidates and invite them for interviews. Judge project managers for their communication and problem-solving skills. Also, assess their technical skills by asking about project management software or methodologies.
If you decide to hire project manager, send out an offer letter stating the terms of employment and salary structure.
How to Identify Experienced and Reliable Project Manager
Seek references from former employers or teammates. Assess the leadership qualities of the project manager.
Find out more about their ability to deliver a project from start to finish and on time. Time management is a great sign of reliability.
Hire project manager who has handled projects in the past and has a passion for the same.
Find out about their career path and goals, and ensure it aligns with your company’s vision.
