1.2 Handcraft Job Description (JD)

More often than not, hiring managers build job descriptions from templates or from similar postings from the web. 

However, every PM role is unique. Even 2 jobs within the same team are different and can require a different set of skills to succeed. 

Copy-paste approach to preparing JD can be misleading. It sets wrong expectations amongst applicants and that can lead to drop-offs during the interview process or even during offer discussion. 

A better approach is – 

  1. Write every JD from scratch. 
  2. List down all the activities that need to be done in the role 
  3. Distribute 100 points amongst the activities. This gives you the much required clarity of what the role means. It also helps you to visualize the kind of person who would succeed in this role
  4. Question yourself – whether this role would really excite some? If not, how can you redefine the role (not just on paper) to provide enough excitement for someone to take the offer 

This approach gives you better chances of hiring the right PM for your team

What other tips would you give someone when writing a JD?

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Venkatraman RM

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