When hiring, do you look at PM portfolios?

Are there any hiring managers in this community who can comment on what you look for in a PM portfolio? I read another thread here where people gave various suggestions, but no real consensus. As a hiring manager, do you have time to review portfolios? If yes, what do you look for in them to help with your hiring decision making process? Thank you.

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Hello @ReidKimball, Welcome to the community. Sorry for the delay in reply, just missed reading your post.

Well, here are my two cents. As a hiring manager, I do find the time to review product manager portfolios. When evaluating a portfolio, I look for a combination of factors. Firstly, I pay attention to the overall presentation and organization of the portfolio. It should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. Secondly, I look for evidence of the candidate’s problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking skills through their past projects and case studies.

Additionally, I consider their ability to effectively communicate their ideas and showcase their product management expertise. A strong portfolio should also demonstrate the candidate’s understanding of customer needs, market trends, and their ability to drive successful outcomes in previous roles. Overall, a well-built and well-rounded portfolio can greatly influence my hiring decision-making process when selecting a product manager.

In my experience, a candidate’s portfolio is a reflection of their professional growth and adaptability. By analyzing their past projects and case studies, I can gauge their problem-solving abilities and how they approach strategic thinking. Furthermore, the ability to effectively communicate ideas and showcase product management expertise is crucial for success in this role. A strong portfolio should not only showcase their technical skills but also exhibit their deep understanding of customer needs and market trends.

Ultimately, a well-built and well-rounded portfolio plays a pivotal role in shaping my hiring decision as it provides concrete evidence of a candidate’s capabilities as a product manager.

Hope that helps. Have a great day ahead.

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Very apt reply by @Pankaj-Jain. Here’s my view.

I do take the time to look through product managers’ portfolios in my capacity as hiring manager. When evaluating a portfolio, I look for a few key elements. Firstly, I want to see real-world examples of the candidate’s work, such as completed projects or products they have managed. This helps me gauge their level of experience and the quality of their work. Moreover, I pay attention to their ability to effectively communicate their roles and contributions within each project. Furthermore, I appreciate when candidates showcase their problem-solving skills and the impact they had on the overall success of a product. Ultimately, a strong portfolio not only demonstrates a range of relevant skills but also gives me an insight into the candidate’s thought process and approach to product management.

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If I am a recruiting manager, I would prioritize reviewing the portfolios of product managers. When evaluating a product manager’s portfolio, I would generally seek specific criteria. Initially, I desire to see substantiation of their proficiency in executing triumphant product launches and enhancements. Presenting case studies or showcasing examples of projects they have successfully managed are two ways to illustrate this. In addition, I would want candidates who possess a profound comprehension of market research and consumer insights, along with an aptitude for proficiently communicating and collaborating with cross-functional teams. In general, a meticulously organized portfolio that effectively highlights pertinent expertise and accomplishments significantly aids in my decision-making process when selecting candidates for a product manager role.

Hope this answers your query.

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