Hiring Manager Essentials

Let’s start with the basics

• Have I got budget for this role already signed off / approved?

• If I’ve already engaged people about this role and informed them they weren’t successful, can I provide the list to my talent partner? This can damage business reputation in market if multiple people are speaking to unsuccessful candidates.

• What are my capabilities as a hiring manager? How quickly can I free up my schedule / others for interviews to ensure a smooth process? How quickly can I commit to providing feedback? 24 hours should be the maximum time frame for feedback on shortlists and interviews.
  
  

🧠 Context Matters!

• What is the current state of the business unit? What has happened recently, what’s happening now, over the next 12 months and next few years that I need to consider for this role?

• What is the team size and structure?

• What is the reputation of the business unit across the organisation? What’s their relationship with others in the business?

• What is the culture in my business unit like?

• What is my management style? Be specific and honest.

• What are the main challenges from a business or people perspective?

• What are some things this business unit is proud of having achieved that candidates should be aware of?

🤔 What will they be doing?

• Why this role & why now?

• I need an brief overview of the role / key projects / deliverables / direct reports etc.

• What are my non-negotiables?

• What are my nice to have’s?

• If I had a benchmark or “perfect candidate” in mind, who would they be and why?
  
  

🔢 The numbers

• What is the remuneration budget for this role? Do I have flexibility with this?

• Is there an opportunity for part time for a more experienced candidate with higher salary expectations?

• What’s the level of flexibility this person could have i.e. hybrid, flexi-hours etc.?

• Are there any additional benefits this person would be entitled to which should be highlighted?
  
  

🚛 Logistics

• What does the interview process look like? How many stages and who is attending? Is there any additional testing involved?

• Are there any additional background checks required for this role?

• What are my expectations on timeline? Be realistic but clear.

• What do I need from my talent partner to ensure a smooth process?