Finding the right talent to fill positions in your company can be an uphill task. Globally, 87% of organizations admit they’re either experiencing skill gaps or expect them within a few years. Filling top positions, such as that of an account manager, is especially difficult, given the requirements that come with such positions.
The account manager is a key position in any company, responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with customers or clients. Your business growth depends on the quality of your account managers, so it’s important to take the time to find the right fit for your company.
Today’s post outlines seven steps you can follow as a small business owner to hire the right account manager for your company. Let’s delve right in.
Define the Role and Responsibilities of the Account Manager
The account manager is responsible for ensuring that the client’s needs are met. They are the main point of contact between the client and the company, and they must be able to build and maintain relationships.
Smart management also entails understanding the client’s business and requirements and offering solutions that meet those needs.
Account managers must be excellent communicators, problem-solvers, and project managers to be successful. They must work well under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Account managers must also have a thorough knowledge of the products and services offered by their company. If you are looking for someone to manage your account, choose someone with the necessary skills and experience.
Outline the Qualifications Necessary for the Position
To be an effective account manager, one should have a good understanding of accounting principles and bookkeeping. Candidates need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in marketing, sales, business administration, or a similar field. Knowledge in key account management can also come in handy.
Determine whether you want your applicants to have a master’s degree and considerable knowledge in customer relations. You may also want candidates to have relevant certification, such as the Strategic Account Manager Certification. Where you need relevant experience in certain types of management, be sure to mention it to potential applicants.
Outlining the qualifications necessary for the position helps you make sure that you hire the best candidates for the job.
Establish a Process for Screening and Interviewing Candidates
To avert the consequences of a bad hire, you must conduct thorough applicant screening and interviews. Screening helps weed out unsuitable candidates so that only the most qualified candidates are considered for the position.
A few key elements should be included in the screening process. You’ll need to see a resume and cover letter from each applicant. These documents will give you an overview of the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Next, you need to give candidates a written test to assess their knowledge of the account manager role. Finally, prepare interview questions that you’ll use to understand each interviewee’s personality and determine whether they would be a good fit for the position.
Create a Job Posting That Attracts Top Talent
You’ve decided you need to hire an account manager. Great! The next step is to create a job posting that will attract top talent. Here are a few tips:
Keep It Concise
A long, drawn-out job posting will only discourage potential candidates. Get to the point and explain the role in clear and concise language.
Be Specific
Include as much detail as possible about the account manager role. What type of clients will they be working with? What are the responsibilities? The more specific you are, the better.
Highlight the Perks
Account managers can often be burned out by working with difficult clients. So make sure to highlight any perks and benefits that come with the job, such as flexible hours or the opportunity to work from home. This will help attract top talent.
Proofread
A job posting full of typos and grammatical errors will only reflect poorly on your company. Make sure to proofread the job posting before you publish it.
Review Applications and Conduct Initial Phone Screenings
Now that you’ve posted your job listing and collected a stack of applications, it’s time to start reviewing them. Take some time to read through each application carefully, paying attention to the qualifications and experience of each candidate.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to conduct initial phone screenings. This is your chance to ask more detailed questions about a candidate’s qualifications and get a sense of their personality. Be sure to ask about their availability, salary expectations, and interest in the position.
Invite the Most Promising Candidates to Interview in Person
After reviewing resumes and conducting initial phone interviews, it’s time to invite the most promising candidates to interview in person. This step allows you to better understand a candidate’s qualifications and personality.
During the interview, be sure to ask about a candidate’s experience managing accounts, as well as how they handle difficult situations. Pay close attention to how the candidate interacts with you and other members of your team. After the interview, take some time to review your notes and compare candidates.
Make a Job Offer to the Candidate You Decide to Hire
The final step in hiring an account manager is making a job offer to the candidate you have chosen. This offer should be in writing, and it should include the salary, the start date, and any other benefits or perks that are being offered.
It is also important to specify the expectations for the position and provide a copy of the job description. Once the offer has been accepted, you can begin the onboarding process and get the new hire started in their new role.
Find the Perfect Fit for Your Account Manager Position
A big part of business ownership is recruiting the ideal employees for your business. By following the account manager hiring process outlined in this article, you will find it easier than ever before to attract top talent that fits your company’s needs.
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