It seems like everybody is on the hunt for Account Managers these days. Why? More and more businesses are discovering the power of earned media and are looking for ways to engage with potential customers through content creation and curation.

While it is great to see entrepreneurial spirit in action and brands stepping out of their comfort zone and taking a chance on new forms of marketing, sometimes it can be difficult to know where to begin.

If you’re looking to hire an Account Manager, where do you start? How do you make the right first impression?

To help you figure out who to interview and who to pass on to the next round, we have compiled a list of everything you need to know about Account Managers and how to find the best one for your business.

Know What To Look For

The first and most important step to finding the right Account Manager for your business is knowing what you’re looking for. In today’s world, Account Managers come in all shapes and sizes so make sure you’re not only considering the skills you need but also the personality you want to work with.

Take time to research the ideal candidate’s skills and experience, and don’t be afraid to look outside of your industry for the best candidate.

If you need help figuring out what to look for, get specific. What skills do you need to see from a manager? What personality type do you want to work with?

The more you know ahead of time, the better. This will help you narrow down your search and eliminate any prospects that might be useless to you. 

Understand The Role

Once you’ve hired your first Account Manager, it’s time to sit back and see how everything unfolds. This person will be responsible for handling your entire customer base, so it’s essential that you understand exactly what you’re getting into.

It’s important to note here that not all Account Managers are created equal. Some may handle only a fraction of your accounts while others take on the responsibility of multiple clients. Make sure you’re aware of the specific responsibilities attached to this position before you make any hasty decisions. If you need someone to take care of a certain city or region, for example, you may need to look outside of your existing network.

Create A Shortlist

Once you’ve started to see some positives from your collaboration with a particular Account Manager, it’s time to create a shortlist of candidates to interview. Keep in mind that this is only the beginning. Just because your first impression was positive doesn’t mean the rest will follow.

You’ve got to be careful here, as there are a lot of bad apples out there. Make sure you’re not only considering candidates who had a good initial interview but also those who might not be able to bring positive energy to your team. The last thing you want is to hire someone who thinks they’re superior to you and your team. You can go through the rest of their profile to get an idea of their personality, but in the end, you’ll have to decide. Be objective; consider what you need and not what you want.

Determine The Right Timing

Hiring a new employee is never easy. It’s already difficult enough to find people with the skills you need, but when you add in the responsibilities and the onboarding process, it can be even more challenging. To make the right decision and avoid any confusion, you need to consider a number of factors.

One of the key things to consider is the timing. You don’t want to rush into an engagement with a new employee, as this could lead to a disaster. Some employees are simply not cut out for the job and despite your best intentions, your business will suffer as a result. Make sure you’re not only considering the skills you need but also the timing and, above all, the personal qualities you want to see in a co-worker.

Do Your Research

Once you’ve created a shortlist of candidates, it’s time to do some more research. You’ll need to gather as much information as possible, including reviewing online profiles, speaking to friends and colleagues, and even visiting the candidates’ websites or social media accounts. In the end, it’s all about information gathering and making the right decision. So don’t be afraid to look at everything you can get your hands on.

By gathering as much information as possible, you’ll have the chance to make the right choice and avoid any unpleasant surprises. Just because a candidate’s resume seems excellent on paper doesn’t mean they’ll fit in with your team or are the right person for the job. The more you know, the better. It’s also important to do your research online. Many businesses have been taken by surprise by how much information is available online about a person. Don’t underestimate the power of the internet. It’s a great tool that can help you make the right choice. 

Set Up Three Interviews

The more you do, the better. So after you’ve spoken to a few candidates and have selected a few who seem promising, it’s time to set up some more interviews. Even though you’ve narrowed your search down to a shortlist of potential candidates, you’ll still need to consider more than one person for the role. One of the best things about having multiple interviews is that it gives you the chance to get to know the candidates better.

You can ask the candidates a number of questions, including those you’ve already covered in earlier interviews. By speaking to them again, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about their experience and how they’d fit into your team. Once you’ve completed a few more interviews and gotten to know the candidates a little better, it’s time to make a decision.

Consider All Numerical Data

One of the most important things to consider when hiring is the numbers. Even though you’ve looked at all sorts of information, including skills, experience, and personal qualities, you still need to consider the figures. This is particularly important if you’re looking for someone to grow your business. The more you know, the better, but in the end, you’ll have to make a decision based on all the numbers.

It might seem like enough information to make the right decision, but in reality, this can be incredibly difficult. The problem is that, as human beings, we’re inherently biased and can’t always give objective answers. We might like someone who seems to have all the answers or we might dislike someone who seems too innocent or inexperienced. It’s a delicate situation and one that can be difficult to sort out, especially if you’ve only got one or two options at the end. In this situation, it’s better to have more than two options. This will increase the chance of a successful collaboration and lead to better execution of your business plan.

Consider Personalities And Teamwork

Another important thing to consider when hiring is how the candidates will interact with others. This is certainly a crucial point, particularly if you’re looking for someone to grow your business. The more you know, the better, but in the end, you’ll have to make a decision based on your overall understanding of the person. Of course, you need to try and find someone who is excellent at what they do, but you should also look for individuals who can fit into your existing team and help bring the most out of your company’s employees.

In the end, nobody is perfect and everyone has some sort of weakness. It’s about finding the strength within yourself to recognize the good qualities in someone and compensate for the bad. If you can do this, you’ll be able to maintain a positive vibe even during challenging times and lead your team to greater heights.

Above All, Be Objective

Even though we’ve been given enough advice, it’s important to remember that not everything out there is created equal. Just because someone seems good on paper doesn’t mean they’re going to be able to seamlessly integrate into your team or that they’ll have the skills you’re looking for. Remember, above all, to be objective. Consider your needs and decide for yourself whether or not the candidate is the right fit. You’re in a better position to know your own needs than anyone else, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

With experience comes wisdom. Even though it’s tempting to want to take a chance on someone who seems like a good fit at first, it’s important to remember that not everything online is created equal and that, in the end, you might be making a bad choice. Take the time to do your research and make the right choice for your business.