When hiring for project managers and business analysts, you can’t afford to make careless mistakes. The quality of the talent you recruit has a tremendous impact on the long-term success of your organization. Here are some of the most common hiring mistakes companies make and how to avoid them.
Vague Descriptions of Roles
One common error companies make when hiring is failing to establish clear expectations. It is imperative that you accurately define the job responsibilities so new hires understand what their role will be at the company. If expectations aren’t met, new employees will feel confused and frustrated because they don’t have a clear understanding of what they are supposed to be doing. As an organization, you will also spend more energy on training and management if roles aren’t defined accurately.
Failing to Assess Candidates in the Interview
Hiring managers often spend a significant portion of interviews describing the company and the job position to candidates. While this information is important, interviews need to focus on assessing the performance potential of the candidates. Hiring managers should give background on the company and describe the role accurately so candidates are prepared. Then, they need to focus on asking open-ended questions to fully assess a candidate’s past accomplishments and future potential.
Making Hasty Decisions
The reality is that anyone can make themselves seem perfect on paper. You can’t really be sure if the information provided is accurate just by reading a sheet of paper. Even in interviews, first impressions can be deceiving. While most people aren’t going to intentionally try to deceive you, candidates are going to focus on their strengths because they want to make a good impression. It’s important to dig deeper by asking thought-provoking, behavior-based questions. It’s also a good idea to have more than one interview in different settings. For example, you could take a candidate for coffee or out to lunch. The goal is to truly get to know top candidates before you make the decision to hire them.
Hiring the Right Person at the Wrong Time
Sometimes you find a candidate who has everything going for them. You like their personality, you think they will perfectly with the company culture, and you are impressed by their experience. That doesn’t mean the candidate is right for the role you’re hiring for. At the end of the day, that is what is most important. If you hire great talent that isn’t right for the role, the employee won’t be able to fulfill their responsibilities. Sooner or later, the mismatch will become apparent and you’ll need to move them into a different role and start the hiring process all over again.
Project managers and business analysts are crucial roles that directly affect a company’s ability to prosper. When you hire for these positions, you need to have confidence in your decision. Take the time to get to know the candidates so you can find someone who is right for the role and right for the organization as a whole.
Are you a hiring manager in need of IT project management or business systems analysis talent?
Submit a search request today. At PMO Partners, we match exceptional candidates with forward-thinking organizations. Every search is unique and customized to help our clients achieve success.
Are you a professional searching for a project management or business systems analyst opportunity in IT?
Contact us to discuss your career path or browse our open positions. You deserve a dynamic, challenging opportunity!
