In the fast-evolving sector of IT management, the traditional emphasis on a candidate’s knowledge is being redefined by Project Manager Dmitry Bukhensky. 

With over 7 years of expertise in IT management, Dmitry stands as a visionary Project Manager redefining conventional hiring norms. His philosophy prioritizes thought leadership and practical wisdom, challenging the traditional emphasis on theoretical knowledge. Dmitry’s nuanced approach values a candidate’s ability to navigate real-world scenarios, emphasizing the significance of hands-on experience in shaping IT professionals. Dmitry Bukhensky has garnered valuable experience and made significant contributions to companies such as Kanda Software, Gleesent (AI startup), ZEROSUM (Startup), and Entangle Protocol (Startup). He has showcased an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in IT management. His hands-on experience, strategic thinking, and adaptability have consistently contributed to the success of diverse projects, making him a sought-after professional in the dynamic IT landscape.

The Power of Thought:

Dmitry highlights the pivotal role of one’s thought process and approach in shaping a professional profile. In a world where information is readily accessible, he argues that assessing how candidates apply knowledge in real-world scenarios is essential. Shifting away from rigidly testing factual knowledge, Dmitry underscores the need to understand how candidates can pragmatically utilize their knowledge.

Balancing Knowledge and Practice:

Dmitry insists that the most valuable part emerges from practical experience. The marriage of theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience refines understanding, rendering it precise, useful, and relevant to real-world challenges. Theory, he contends, finds true meaning and applicability when enriched by practical application.

Experience as a Valuable Asset:

Dmitry places significant value on experience gained through project management and overcoming challenges. Acknowledging that learning from mistakes is crucial, he underscores the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of learning from others’ mistakes. Experience, in his view, molds a candidate’s problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking, providing an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of IT management.

Hiring for Agile and Practical Thinking:

In the context of hiring IT managers, Dmitry challenges a conventional perspective. He poses a critical question: Is it more vital to have someone who memorizes every detail in the Scrum Guide and Agile Manifesto or someone with a general understanding of agile methodologies, a successful project management track record, critical thinking skills, and the ability to access information easily online? Dmitry leans towards the latter, championing the value of flexible, practical thinkers who can adeptly tackle new challenges in the IT project management domain.

Assessing Thought Process:

Dmitry provides insights into his methodology for evaluating a candidate’s thought process during interviews. It’s not just about what questions to ask; it’s about how those questions are formulated. Utilizing situational, open-ended queries that prompt candidates to reason through scenarios is key. Examples, such as “What would you do if…?” or case-based scenarios tied to real challenges, aim to uncover not just knowledge but the approach and reasoning behind candidates’ decisions.

In-Depth Hiring for Non-Managers:

For non-managerial roles, Dmitry implements a two-stage interview process. The initial stage assesses a candidate’s basic knowledge and cultural fit, followed by a technical interview conducted by industry specialists. This approach optimizes time, ensuring that high-grade specialists are engaged in a thorough evaluation process.

The Evolution of Business Analysts:

When hiring business analysts, Dmitry categorizes their development into two stages: question-askers and listeners who record client input, and those who, with experience, transition to understanding the true problem by asking deeper questions. His interview questions for business analysts aim to evaluate both technical skills and thought processes, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.

Thought-Provoking Interview Questions:

Dmitry shares examples of thought-provoking interview questions for business analysts, incorporating practicality and depth. Scenarios, such as a client seeking a business analyst for a discovery phase on purchasing a coffee machine, challenge candidates to showcase problem-solving skills and critical thinking.

Dmitry acknowledges the inevitability of mistakes in the hiring process. Whether a hire succeeds or not, he views it as a valuable experience and skill. Dmitry’s hiring philosophy centers on recognizing the importance of both knowledge and practical wisdom, ensuring candidates not only possess the right skills but can effectively apply them in real-world scenarios.