Finding a great Hiring Manager to report to is as important as finding a great company to work for. When searching for a new job, many job seekers focus solely on the reputation of the company they are applying to. While this is important, it is only part of the equation. Finding a great Hiring Manager is equally important for your career search. The person you’ll directly work with can significantly influence your job satisfaction, growth, and overall career trajectory.
Who Is A Hiring Manager?
A hiring manager is responsible for overseeing the recruitment and selection process of new employees. This individual plays a crucial role in identifying the needs of the company, defining job roles, and assessing candidates to determine the best fit for available positions. Hiring managers collaborate with HR departments, review resumes, conduct interviews, and make final decisions on job offers. They possess a deep understanding of the company’s goals, culture, and requirements, enabling them to choose candidates who align with the organization’s values and can contribute effectively to its success. Here’s why finding a great hiring manager is just as important as finding a great company.
1. They Offer Career Guidance and Advice
You can look at your hiring manager as a primary source of guidance, feedback, and mentorship. Hiring managers decide who gets hired, so they have the right intel on what you need to do to get a job. They know all the job descriptions that outline the functions, responsibilities, and qualifications of the position. They also know the important individual traits that you must show to get an advantage over other applicants. Finding a supportive and experienced hiring manager can provide you with valuable insights, help you navigate challenges, and nurture your professional growth.
2. They Offer Feedback After Interviews
If you’re lucky enough to be on good terms with your hiring manager, you’ll be able to receive valuable feedback from your interviews. The hiring manager is usually the decision-maker when it comes to which candidates to offer jobs to. If you fail to get a job, they can offer constructive feedback, helping you identify areas for improvement and acknowledge your successes. These are essential for your career search and development.
3. Networking Opportunities
A well-connected hiring manager can introduce you to valuable contacts within and outside the company, expanding your professional network and opening doors to new opportunities. They know what you’re good at and can offer valuable connections that match your skill set. By leveraging their extensive network, they can provide insights into industry trends, recommend relevant workshops or courses, and connect you with mentors who can guide your career trajectory.
4. Landing Interviews
It’s well known that hiring managers are short on time due to the volume of candidates they have to deal with. This is why if you’re able to send a short introductory note reminding them of your availability could go a long way to help you land a job interview. This proactive step can showcase your enthusiasm and dedication, setting you apart from the competition and making a positive impression that lingers in their memory.
5. They Set The Criteria For Success
Hiring managers are responsible for setting the standards for the job in question. They know better than anyone else what the ideal candidate looks like. They determine the job’s success criteria and how it aligns with the company’s goals. This involves selecting candidates based on specific criteria and ensuring the new hire integrates well during their initial months. Moreover, they must make strategic decisions about timing, skills needed, and how the new hire fits into company initiatives. Being able to communicate with them will give you a clear idea of what you need to do to find success in your career search.
Conclusion
In the pursuit of a new job, many job seekers focus primarily on the reputation of the prospective company. However, finding a commendable Hiring Manager to report to is as important for many reasons. The individual who oversees your role can wield significant influence over your job contentment, personal growth, and overall career trajectory.
They can provide more than just guidance; they can shape your journey. From offering career advice to facilitating networking opportunities, and even setting success benchmarks. Finding a good Hiring Manager is akin to finding a great company, it’s a transformative aspect of your career search that shouldn’t be underestimated.