What Does a Hiring Manager Do, and How Do You Become One?

A hiring manager is the key decision-maker in the recruitment process, responsible for defining a role's requirements, selecting the final candidate, and ensuring a smooth transition into the company. Based on our assessment of industry standards, this role requires a blend of deep industry knowledge, interpersonal skills, and leadership capabilities, typically built through years of professional experience and often a relevant degree.

What are the Core Responsibilities of a Hiring Manager?

A hiring manager, often the future direct supervisor of the new hire, owns the entire hiring lifecycle for their department. This is distinct from a recruiter, who focuses on sourcing and initial screening. The core duties include:

• Determining Hiring Needs: Collaborating with senior leadership to define the necessity of a new role and its strategic objectives.
• Writing Job Descriptions: Crafting detailed descriptions that outline key responsibilities, required skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Overseeing the Hiring Process: Managing the recruitment workflow and coordinating with other team members, such as recruiters or HR partners.
• Interviewing Candidates: Conducting interviews, which may include structured interviews (a standardized method where each candidate is asked the same set of questions) to ensure a fair and objective assessment.
• Making the Final Decision: Evaluating candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit to select the best applicant in consultation with other stakeholders.
• Drafting the Job Offer: Extending the formal offer and leading salary negotiation discussions within the approved salary bandwidth (the pre-determined range of compensation for a specific position).
• Onboarding New Hires: Overseeing the integration of the new employee, including orientation and initial training, which is critical for long-term talent retention.

What Skills are Essential for an Effective Hiring Manager?

Success in this role hinges on a specific set of competencies. The most valuable skills for a hiring manager include:

How Can You Build a Career as a Hiring Manager?

The path to becoming a hiring manager is typically progressive, centered on gaining relevant experience and demonstrating leadership potential.

1. Obtain a Relevant Degree: Most hiring managers hold at least a bachelor's degree. Fields like Business Administration, Human Resources Management, or Psychology provide a strong foundation. For senior roles, a Master's degree (e.g., an MBA) can be advantageous.

2. Gain Substantial Professional Experience: This is the most critical step. You need to build expertise in your field and progress into roles with increasing responsibility. Experience managing projects or mentoring junior colleagues demonstrates the leadership qualities necessary for a hiring manager.

3. Pursue Professional Certifications: While not always mandatory, certifications can enhance your credibility. Organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offer globally recognized credentials in people management and talent acquisition.

4. Maintain an Updated CV and Professional Profile: Clearly highlight your management experience, decision-making authority, and any involvement you've had in interviewing or selecting candidates, even if it was as part of a committee.

5. Apply for Management Roles: Seek out positions that explicitly include hiring responsibilities. Use the job search function on ok.com to filter for management roles and carefully review the job description for hiring-related duties.

To succeed as a hiring manager, focus on developing a strong understanding of your industry, honing your interpersonal and decision-making skills, and gaining practical leadership experience. The role is pivotal to building effective teams and driving organizational success.