All projects are not created equal and neither are project managers. A project's complexity and uniqueness are key considerations in hiring the right project manager. Success in one project or company isn't always a good predictor of success under different circumstances. Tightly defined internal projects don't require the same capabilities as more loosely defined projects or those involving multiple organizations.

The best project managers will be solid project mechanics, great communicators, effective influencers, good at building expert skill networks and able to apply their skills across a variety of subject matter. A project's scope will dictate the relative importance of each of these.

All project managers need to be solid mechanics regardless of a project's scope. This means they should be adept at project planning and budgeting, task estimation and prioritization, efficient resource utilization, change management, scope control, quality control and management reporting.

Experience, training, certification and/or testing will generally be good evaluators of project mechanics, although the magnitude of a project could overwhelm a less experienced manager even if they have mastered all the basics. Ensuring a candidate has good time management skills and techniques and is masterful at setting priorities will help counter that concern.

Communication skills are important on all projects. The project manager needs to be able to listen objectively, interpret non verbal communication, convey information to a wide variety of audiences, verify understanding and show sensitivity to how individuals prefer to assimilate information. The project manager needs to be able to do this verbally, in writing, over the telephone and over electronic channels. Verbal skills can be validated as part of the interview process. Work samples can usually provide proof of written skills.

Influencing people always has relevance, but becomes even more important outside of a project manager's position level authority. The project manager must be able to inspire enthusiasm for the project goals, model the commitment he needs to see in others, communicate clearly and succinctly, demonstrate accountability, exhibit empathy, be trustworthy and have credibility.

Verifying a candidate's references and past results is a useful way to evaluate their ability to influence. Sometimes internal candidates may be unfairly judged by others in the company because

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