Hiring Manager (Director+) Perspective

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This segment of the course explains why understanding the mindset of the engineering manager (EM) hiring manager—typically a director or above—is critical for succeeding in EM interviews. It emphasizes that trust, not just competence, is the cornerstone of what these senior leaders are evaluating.

• Trust is the foundation of EM hiring. Directors operate in a world filled with ambiguity—changing priorities, unclear requirements, and frequent people challenges. They need leaders they can trust implicitly.
• Competence is not enough. While technical ability is important, directors are evaluating whether a candidate will help solve problems or become another issue that needs managing.
• Reliability during adversity is crucial. Senior leaders are asking: Will this person make my life easier when things get tough? Candidates must show they can thrive in uncertainty and still deliver results.
• The hiring lens is risk-focused. From the director’s perspective, hiring an EM is about minimizing risk. The ideal EM is a stabilizing force—someone who says, “Trust me, I’ve got this”—and actually means it.