The term “hiring manager” often appears in job descriptions, but who this person is and what they do can be unclear. Understanding this role provides a distinct advantage in a competitive job market. This knowledge can reshape how you approach job applications and prepare for interviews.
Defining the Hiring Manager’s Role
A hiring manager is the individual with a vacant position on their team who will become the new employee’s direct supervisor. This is not a permanent job title but a temporary role a manager assumes when they need to hire someone. For example, if a company is hiring a graphic designer, the hiring manager is the Art Director or Marketing Manager. They are responsible for the team’s budget, which includes the salary for the new position, and hold primary responsibility for the performance of the person they hire. This gives them the most significant stake in making the right decision.
The Hiring Manager vs. Other Hiring Roles
In the hiring process, several players work together, but their responsibilities are distinct. The hiring manager is the decision-maker for their team’s specific opening. They are distinct from Human Resources (HR) representatives and recruiters, who serve as partners in the process.
An HR representative’s role is broader, focused on the entire organization. They manage company-wide policies, ensure legal compliance in hiring practices, and administer employee benefits. They ensure the hiring process is fair but are not involved in assessing a candidate’s specific technical skills.
Recruiters, who can be internal employees or external consultants, are specialists in talent acquisition. Their primary job is to find, attract, and screen potential candidates. After this initial vetting, they present a shortlist of the most promising candidates to the hiring manager, who then takes a more hands-on role in the evaluation.
The Hiring Manager’s Part in the Hiring Process
The hiring manager’s involvement in the hiring process begins long before a job is publicly posted. The first step is identifying a need within their team, whether due to an employee’s departure or an expansion of duties. They then secure the necessary approvals to create a job opening.
Once approved, the hiring manager collaborates with HR or a recruiter to draft an accurate job description. After the recruiter sources and screens applicants, the hiring manager reviews the shortlist to select individuals for interviews. They conduct later-stage interviews to assess technical skills and team fit, and they make the final hiring decision.
How to Identify the Hiring Manager
Identifying the hiring manager requires some proactive research. You can use the following methods:
- Check the job description, which may mention the title of the person the role reports to, such as “reports to the Director of Sales.”
- Use LinkedIn to search for the company and then use keywords relevant to the department, like “Marketing Manager” or “Engineering Lead.”
- Review the company’s own website, particularly the “About Us” or “Team” pages, which can reveal the leadership structure of various departments.
- Call or email the company’s general line or HR department to ask for the hiring manager’s name for the specific role.
Why Finding the Hiring Manager Matters
Identifying the hiring manager offers a strategic advantage. It allows you to tailor your resume and cover letter with language that speaks to that manager’s team and projects. This personalization demonstrates initiative and shows you have done your research.
This knowledge is also valuable for interview preparation. Researching the hiring manager’s professional background on a platform like LinkedIn can provide insight into their experience and career trajectory. This helps you anticipate questions and formulate answers that align with their perspective, helping you stand out from other applicants.