Hiring Product Managers

Hiring product managers (PMs) involves several strategic considerations, as discussed by experts in podcast clips. Here are key insights:

1. Skills Over Titles: Melissa Perri and Denise Tilles emphasize the importance of evaluating candidates based on skills like data interpretation, storytelling with data, and stakeholder communication, rather than simply looking at their job titles. Experience with tools such as Looker or Tableau is beneficial, but strong Excel and PowerPoint skills can also be valuable 1.

2. Case Studies and Adaptability: Jeremy Henrickson of Rippling highlights using complex case studies in interviews. These are designed to be too complex to solve fully, allowing interviewers to assess how candidates handle ad hoc questions and adapt to new information. Insightful questions from candidates can indicate both interest and deep understanding of the problems they will face 2.

3. Key Traits: Tim Holley from Etsy underscores the importance of collaboration, decisiveness, and curiosity. PMs must be willing to consult and work with others, make decisions with sometimes ambiguous data, and maintain curiosity to thrive in a dynamic environment 3.

   
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   Hiring Product Managers
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   Hiring Product Managers
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   Hiring Product Managers
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   Hiring a Product Manager
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   Hiring a Product Manager
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   Hiring for Product Success
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4. Timing and Role Clarity: Aparna Chennapragada advises founders to wait longer than they think to hire their first PM, ensuring they deeply understand and live the problems they are solving. When hiring, look for hustle, drive, and tolerance for ambiguity. The candidate should have demonstrated these traits in their past roles, rather than just performing well in interviews 4 5.

5. Scalable Hiring Practices: Marty Cagan suggests hiring based on potential and developing talent internally, which can be more scalable than hiring solely based on experience. He also emphasizes the necessity of having a knowledgeable hiring manager, capable of developing and coaching PMs effectively 6.

By focusing on these strategies, companies can better identify and hire the right product managers who not only fit the current needs but can also grow and adapt as the business evolves.