Rebware

IT Project Manager

Written by

Rebwar

in

IT Project Manager

I will be hiring an IT Project Manager in the next few weeks. I have spent a good amount of time thinking about how I am going to conduct the interviews. Being a successful technical project/program manager comes down to having a combination of three skills: technical (duh!), leadership, and communication. Here are the Key Qualities I will be looking for:

1. Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of IT Systems: Familiarity with software development, infrastructure, and/or cloud computing based on the needs of the organization.

• Project Management Tools: Experience using tools like JIRA, Asana, Bsecamp, MS Project, or others.

• Certifications: Technical certifications from tech sector giants like Microsoft, Dell, Apple, Cisco is a good indicator of technical knowledge and expertise.

2. Project Management Skills

• Methodologies: Proficiency in Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall methodologies.

• Budgeting & Resource Allocation: Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.

• Risk Management: Skill in identifying and mitigating project risks.

•Certifications: PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or ITIL certifications add credibility.

3. Leadership and Communication

• Team Management: Experience leading cross-functional teams, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Conflict Resolution: Ability to address and resolve conflicts within the team or with external stakeholders.

• Clear Communication: The ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

4. Soft Skills

• Adaptability: Flexibility to manage changes in project scope or technology.

• Problem-Solving: A track record of tackling complex IT challenges.

• Organization: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines.

5. Cultural Fit

• Look for alignment with organization’s values and team dynamics.

• Consider their approach to collaboration and innovation.

 

 

Steps to Evaluate Candidates

1. Define Your Needs

• Clearly outline the scope of projects they will handle and the technical environment they’ll work in.

• Specify whether certifications or experience in specific tools/methodologies are non-negotiable.

2. Craft Targeted Job Descriptions

• Include key skills, certifications, and experience relevant to your department’s IT needs.

• Highlight soft skills like leadership and communication as essential.

3. Screen Resumes for Relevant Experience

• Look for a proven track record in delivering IT projects on time and within budget.

• Assess their tenure with previous employers and the complexity of the projects they managed.

4. Structured Interviews

• Behavioral Questions:

  • “Tell me about a time you delivered a project under a tight deadline.”
  • “Describe how you handled a major project setback.”
  • Technical Scenarios:
  • “How would you approach integrating two systems with different architectures?”
  • “What metrics do you use to track project success?”

•Leadership Questions:

  • “How do you manage team members with conflicting priorities?”
  • “What’s your approach to stakeholder management?”

5.Case Study or Simulation

  • Ask candidates to outline how they’d plan and execute a sample project.
  • Evaluate their approach to scope, timelines, risk, and communication.

6.Check References

• Verify their project management experience and leadership abilities with past employers.

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