Ask any hiring manager, and they will tell you that their job takes lots of dedication and skill.  In fact, the skills necessary to be an effective hiring manager do not come naturally to most, they must practice their skills daily.  How do some of the best hiring managers do it?  Here are some of the hiring manager skills they say you must have to become effective:

  • One of the most important skills you must have, is empathy. If you are unable to visualize both from a hiring manager perspective and the job candidates’ perspective, you will struggle.  You must be able to see beyond the resume and truly understand what is their motivation.  Black and white, and following everything to the letter are appropriate in most situations, however, it is your empathy that will allow you to see beyond the cover and find the best hires.
  • Being shy or timid will make it difficult for you to be the best hiring manager you can be. You must be social, as your job is social!  One of the best skills you can have is building relationships.  Strong relationships are building blocks of a great network.  A great network is critical to finding top talent.  Do not be afraid to get out and socialize, in person or on social media.
  • It is impossible to know everything; however, the best recruiters know when they must research something. Take the time to research the latest trends, new ways to attract candidates, and jargon used for specialized jobs you have posted.
  • With so much work being given to hiring managers today, it is critical that you find ways to work smarter, not harder. There are many tools available to help you, however, organizing and planning your hiring process accordingly, you will find yourself getting more done in less time.

While the hiring manager’s job is constantly changing and evolving, there are a handful of skills you must have to succeed in attracting talent.  See if you have the skills necessary!

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