Senior Manager, Product Strategy and Research

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Manager, Product Strategy and Research

Company: Mackenzie Financial Corporation

Location: Greater Toronto Area, ON, Canada

Job Type: Other

Category: Product Strategy & Operations

Date Posted: May 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving strategic insights for Mackenzie Investments' product shelf, requiring deep analytical capabilities to translate complex data into actionable recommendations for business performance enhancement.

• As a senior individual contributor and team leader, you will be instrumental in strengthening the firm's strategic thinking by developing expertise across critical knowledge domains like business markets, financial markets, clients, industry, and company strategy.

• The position demands the ability to operate with agility and focus, transforming raw information into actionable insights and executing strategic initiatives with sound judgment and urgency.

• This role requires a proactive approach to identifying trends, opportunities, and risks, translating them into practical, high-impact plans that drive business growth and improve client outcomes within the asset management industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Senior Manager, Product Strategy and Research," the core responsibilities and emphasis on developing "knowledge bases," "insights," and "action plans" strongly align with a Product Strategy and Operations or Strategic Operations function within the financial services sector, particularly in asset management. The role's focus on translating information into actionable recommendations and driving business performance suggests a significant operational component beyond pure research.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and Evolve Core Knowledge Bases: Develop, maintain, and continuously refresh critical knowledge domains including Business Markets, Financial Markets, Client Insights, Industry Trends, and Company Strategy, ensuring they are insight-driven and inform decision-making.

• Synthesize and Translate Information: Integrate inputs from various sources to create relevant and actionable knowledge bases, translating complex data into clear, structured insights (what we know, believe, and are learning).

• Generate Actionable Insights: Proactively identify trends, opportunities, and risks across all knowledge domains, integrating insights to develop clear problem statements, hypotheses, and strategic implications.

• Drive High-Impact Action Plans: Develop practical, high-impact action plans to improve business performance and client outcomes, assessing and prioritizing opportunities based on impact, urgency, and strategic relevance.

• Lead Strategic Initiatives: Act as a lead contributor or support workstreams for key strategic initiatives within Product & Solutions and across the broader organization, including product strategy, business planning, and growth efforts.

• Facilitate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with product, sales, and marketing stakeholders to ensure timely dissemination of insights, align on shared objectives, and drive the execution of strategic initiatives.

• Communicate and Influence: Clearly articulate insights and recommendations to a diverse range of stakeholders, adapting communication styles to convey complex ideas with clarity and influence adoption and impact.

• Operate with Pace and Judgment: Exercise sound judgment to balance speed and rigor, determining the appropriate level of analysis required and prioritizing efforts based on evolving business needs and opportunities, with a bias for timely delivery.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in how insights are developed, structured, communicated, and acted upon, and refine actions based on results, feedback, and new information.

• Outcome Tracking and Refinement: Monitor the outcomes of implemented strategies and actions, refining approaches based on results, feedback, and evolving market conditions to ensure sustained impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic analysis, market research, and operational execution. The focus on "knowledge bases," "action plans," and "driving business performance" indicates a strong operational component in translating strategy into tangible outcomes, aligning with a role that bridges strategy and execution within product development and management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• MBA or an advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Finance, Economics) is strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in a strategy function, preferably within the asset management industry, management consulting, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Thinking & Analysis: Ability to develop clear, insight-driven perspectives and translate abstract analysis into actionable recommendations. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Financial Markets & Asset Management Knowledge: Deep understanding of investment and financial markets, with robust knowledge of the asset management industry and its dynamics.

• Insight Development & Data Synthesis: Proven ability to synthesize information from diverse sources, identify key trends, and develop actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt communication style to different audiences, convey complex ideas clearly, and influence stakeholders across various levels.

• Business Planning & Strategy Execution: Experience in contributing to business planning, developing strategic initiatives, and driving their execution with a bias for action and timely delivery.

• Problem Solving & Prioritization: Strong ability to identify problems, develop hypotheses, and prioritize effectively based on impact, urgency, and strategic relevance in a fast-paced environment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively across teams, leverage diverse perspectives, and build strong partnerships to drive shared objectives and enhance team performance.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Demonstrated curiosity, resilience, and openness to new ways of working, with a capacity to adapt effectively to evolving challenges and continuously learn.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a senior individual contributor role with leadership potential or direct team management.

• Proficiency in market research methodologies and competitive analysis techniques.

• Familiarity with product development lifecycle in financial services.

• Experience in developing business cases and assessing the impact of strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an MBA or advanced degree, coupled with 5-7+ years of experience in strategy within asset management or consulting, positions this role at a senior individual contributor level with significant strategic influence. The emphasis on "actionable recommendations," "driving business performance," and "leading strategic initiatives" suggests that candidates with a strong track record in strategy execution and operationalizing insights will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Analysis Case Studies: Showcase examples of strategic analyses conducted, including market assessments, competitive landscapes, and opportunity identification, clearly outlining your thought process and the insights derived.

• Insight-Driven Recommendations: Present case studies demonstrating how your insights led to specific, actionable recommendations that influenced business strategy or product development, ideally with measurable outcomes.

• Strategic Initiative Contributions: Highlight instances where you played a key role in developing or executing strategic initiatives, detailing your specific contributions, challenges overcome, and the impact of your involvement.

• Knowledge Management Examples: If possible, provide examples or descriptions of how you have developed, structured, or maintained knowledge bases or analytical frameworks that informed strategic decision-making.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping, analyzing, and optimizing business processes, particularly those related to strategy development, market research, or product lifecycle management.

• Insight Dissemination & Action: Illustrate processes you've implemented or contributed to for effectively communicating insights to diverse stakeholders and translating them into actionable plans.

• Performance Measurement Frameworks: Showcase your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) and establish frameworks for measuring the success and impact of strategic initiatives and product performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on "Product Strategy, Research & Oversight" that emphasizes turning insights into action, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate the candidate's ability to conduct rigorous analysis, derive strategic recommendations, and contribute to their execution. The focus is less on technical systems and more on the strategic and analytical processes employed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation & Recognition:

  • Performance-weighted bonus opportunities.
  • Support for education and career development.
  • Eligibility for the Employee Share Purchase Plan with an employer matching component.

• Employee Benefits & Insurance:

  • Comprehensive health and dental coverage.
  • Flexible benefits plan catering to individual and family needs.
  • Short-term and long-term disability plans.

• Retirement Savings Programs:

  • Voluntary Group RRSP enrollment with an employer matching component.

• Work-Life Balance:

  • Paid volunteer days to support community involvement.
  • Competitive time off, including 10 dedicated wellness days.
  • Access to the WorkPerks discount program.
  • Hybrid and flexible work arrangements.

• Inclusive Culture and Diversity: Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 3 days per week in the office. Flexibility may be available in terms of daily schedules, aligning with operational needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($113,000 - $141,500 CAD) is a competitive offering for a Senior Manager role in product strategy and research within the Canadian financial services sector, especially in the Greater Toronto Area. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which is standard for established financial institutions like Mackenzie Investments. The hybrid model with 3 days in-office is also a common arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• Product & Solutions (Product Strategy, Research & Oversight - PSRO) Team: This team functions as the "strategic insights engine" for Mackenzie Investments' product shelf. It is likely composed of individuals with strong analytical, research, and strategic planning backgrounds.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager reports to the VP, Product Strategy, Research & Oversight, indicating a clear hierarchy within the PSRO team. This provides a direct line to senior leadership for strategic alignment and decision-making.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role explicitly requires partnering with Product, Sales, and Marketing stakeholders, highlighting the importance of strong cross-functional relationships for disseminating insights and driving strategic initiatives. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring that product strategies are aligned with market needs and sales capabilities.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The role emphasizes synthesizing inputs across sources to maintain knowledge bases and translate information into "insight-driven perspectives." This points to a methodology that relies heavily on data analysis, market intelligence, and strategic reasoning.

• Action-Oriented Strategy: The team's focus is on translating insights into "clear, actionable points of view" and "practical, high-impact action plans." This suggests a methodology that prioritizes execution and measurable business outcomes, moving beyond theoretical analysis.

• Agile and Responsive: The requirement to operate with "pace and focus," "urgency," and to "accelerate analysis and decision support in response to changing conditions" indicates a dynamic and agile approach to strategy development and execution, adapting to evolving business needs and market shifts.

Company Website: www.mackenziefinancial.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Mackenzie Investments as a large, established financial institution with a long history. The PSRO team's role as a "strategic insights engine" suggests a data-driven, analytical culture focused on translating market and business intelligence into actionable strategies for their product shelf. The hybrid work model and emphasis on values ("Be better, Be accountable, Be a team") provide insights into the expected work environment and employee conduct.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise within specific knowledge domains (e.g., financial markets, client segmentation, competitive strategy) and become a recognized subject matter expert within the organization.

• Leadership Development: As a senior manager, there are opportunities to lead cross-functional project teams, mentor junior analysts, and potentially transition into broader leadership roles within Product & Solutions or other strategic functions.

• Strategic Initiative Leadership: The chance to lead high-impact strategic initiatives offers exposure to complex business challenges and the opportunity to develop advanced strategic planning and execution skills, paving the way for roles such as Director of Product Strategy or VP-level positions.

• Industry Exposure: Working within a major asset management firm provides exposure to diverse financial products, market dynamics, and regulatory landscapes, enhancing overall industry knowledge and career mobility.

• Continuous Learning: The company culture encourages continuous learning, with support for education and career development, allowing for skill enhancement in areas like advanced analytics, strategic frameworks, and leadership competencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Manager" title, reporting to a VP, and the scope of responsibilities (owning knowledge bases, driving action plans, leading initiatives) clearly indicate a significant growth trajectory. Candidates can expect to develop deep strategic acumen, hone leadership skills through cross-functional influence, and potentially advance into director-level or VP-level roles within product strategy or general management in the financial services industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on "connecting, collaborating, and enjoying quality time with your amazing colleagues" suggests a workspace that encourages interaction, idea-sharing, and team-based problem-solving. Operations and strategy professionals will benefit from easy access to colleagues for brainstorming and feedback.

• Operations Tools and Technology: While specific tools aren't listed, a role of this nature in a financial institution would typically involve access to robust data analytics platforms, CRM systems (though not explicitly mentioned for this role), financial modeling software, and collaborative project management tools. The company's established nature implies a commitment to providing necessary technological resources.

• Operations Team Interaction: The hybrid setup allows for dedicated office days for focused collaboration with the PSRO team and other cross-functional partners (Product, Sales, Marketing). This facilitates dynamic discussions, strategic alignment sessions, and efficient problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing individuals to manage their time effectively. While specific daily schedules may vary, the expectation is to be available for key meetings and collaborative sessions, particularly during office days, while maintaining operational efficiency and responsiveness throughout the work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment (3 days in-office) in the Greater Toronto Area is a key aspect of the work setting. This structure aims to blend the benefits of in-person collaboration and team building with the flexibility of remote work, a common practice in the financial services industry post-pandemic. The workspace likely supports collaboration and provides access to necessary analytical tools for strategic work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and cover letter by Talent Acquisition, potentially with AI assistance, to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A first-round interview with the hiring manager (VP, Product Strategy, Research & Oversight) or key team members. This will focus on your strategic thinking, market knowledge, and fit with the PSRO team's objectives. Be prepared to discuss your experience with knowledge bases, insight development, and market analysis.

• Case Study/Analytical Exercise: A common step for strategy roles. You may be given a business problem or market scenario to analyze and present recommendations for. This assesses your ability to translate information into actionable insights and demonstrate strategic thinking under pressure.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key partners from Product, Sales, or Marketing teams. This evaluates your collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to influence diverse stakeholders.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader or a panel, focusing on your overall strategic vision, leadership potential, and cultural alignment with Mackenzie Investments' values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your strategy development, research, and insight-generation capabilities. Focus on projects relevant to asset management or financial services if possible.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly outline: 1) The business challenge/objective, 2) Your role and approach (methodology, data sources), 3) Key insights derived, 4) Your recommendations, and 5) The outcome/impact (quantify if possible).

• Highlight "Insight to Action": Emphasize how your insights directly led to actionable recommendations and contributed to tangible business improvements or strategic shifts. This is a core expectation of the role.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Showcase your ability to connect market trends, client needs, and business objectives to form a coherent strategy.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your projects in detail, defend your recommendations, and articulate your thought process and decision-making criteria.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business Context: Research Mackenzie Investments, IGM Financial, their product offerings, recent market performance, and strategic priorities. Understand the competitive landscape in Canadian asset management.

• Practice Analytical Frameworks: Be ready to apply frameworks for market analysis, competitive assessment, opportunity sizing, and strategic planning.

• Develop Concise Communication: Practice presenting complex information and recommendations clearly and concisely, suitable for senior leadership. Focus on the "so what?" and the actionable implications.

• Anticipate Stakeholder Needs: Think about the different perspectives of Product, Sales, and Marketing teams and how your work impacts them. Prepare to explain how your insights and recommendations would benefit each group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and collaboration skills. A strong portfolio showcasing the ability to translate complex market data into actionable business strategies, particularly within financial services, will be crucial. Preparation should focus on understanding Mackenzie's business and practicing concise, impactful communication of strategic recommendations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel (for financial modeling, data analysis, forecasting), PowerPoint (for presentations, strategic proposals, insight dissemination), and Word (for documentation).

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: While not explicitly stated, expect to utilize tools for data manipulation and visualization. This could include advanced Excel functions, potentially BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms for creating dashboards and reports.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Microsoft Project may be used for managing strategic initiatives, tracking workstreams, and collaborating on deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Data Platforms: Access to industry-standard financial data terminals and databases (e.g., Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Eikon) is likely, given the focus on financial markets and asset management.

• Internal Reporting Systems: Familiarity with internal reporting dashboards and tools used by Mackenzie Investments for tracking business performance, product sales, and market share.

• Business Intelligence Tools: As mentioned, BI tools for creating reports and dashboards to monitor key metrics and communicate performance to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Indirect Use): While this role may not be a primary CRM administrator, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, if used) informs client insights and market segmentation is crucial. The insights generated will likely feed into CRM strategies.

• Automation Tools (Conceptual Understanding): Awareness of how automation can be applied to data collection, analysis, and reporting processes to improve efficiency and speed of insight generation. The role focuses on the strategic output of such processes.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack for internal communication, document sharing, and real-time collaboration, especially given the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on strategy and research, the technology stack will likely emphasize data analysis, financial market information access, and presentation tools. Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and potentially BI tools are essential. Familiarity with financial data platforms like Bloomberg or Refinitiv would be a significant asset. The emphasis is on leveraging these tools to derive insights, not necessarily on administering them.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be Better: This value suggests a commitment to continuous improvement, seeking out new information, refining processes, and striving for higher standards in analysis, strategy development, and execution. For operations professionals, it means always looking for ways to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and impact.

• Be Accountable: This emphasizes ownership and responsibility. In an operations and strategy context, it means taking ownership of insights, recommendations, and the outcomes of strategic initiatives. It requires clarity on roles, deliverables, and a willingness to act responsibly.

• Be a Team: This highlights the importance of collaboration and collective impact. For this role, it means working effectively with colleagues within PSRO and across departments (Product, Sales, Marketing) to achieve shared goals, leveraging diverse perspectives to drive better outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates strong collaboration with Product, Sales, and Marketing. This implies a culture that values breaking down silos, sharing information openly, and working collaboratively to ensure product strategies are aligned with market realities and sales capabilities.

• Insight-Driven Dialogue: Collaboration likely involves robust discussions based on data and insights, where different perspectives are shared and debated constructively to arrive at the best strategic direction.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages proactive sharing of insights and potential opportunities or risks, rather than waiting for formal requests, to enable rapid business response.

• Feedback and Iteration: An environment where feedback is welcomed and used to refine strategies and improve processes, fostering a cycle of continuous learning and adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mackenzie Investments' core values ("Be better, Be accountable, Be a team") directly inform the expected team culture. For a Senior Manager in Product Strategy, this translates to a work environment that values continuous improvement in analysis and strategy, personal accountability for delivering actionable insights, and strong collaborative efforts across functional teams to achieve collective business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: A key challenge will be determining when to provide directional insight quickly versus conducting deep, comprehensive analysis, especially in a dynamic market environment where rapid response is often required.

• Translating Insight into Action: Effectively bridging the gap between generating insights and ensuring they are adopted and translated into concrete, impactful action plans by various business units can be challenging.

• Managing Ambiguity: Strategic initiatives often involve ambiguity and evolving requirements. Adapting to these changes, clarifying objectives, and driving progress require resilience and strong problem-solving skills.

• Influencing Diverse Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in and alignment from various departments (Product, Sales, Marketing, etc.), each with potentially different priorities and perspectives, requires strong communication and influencing skills.

• Data Synthesis Complexity: Integrating and making sense of vast amounts of data from diverse sources (market, client, internal performance) to derive coherent and actionable insights can be a significant analytical challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Industry Expertise: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of asset management, financial markets, and product strategy through continuous research and analysis.

• Strategic Leadership Skills: Developing advanced skills in strategic planning, business case development, influencing, and leading cross-functional project teams.

• Advanced Analytics and Insight Generation: Exposure to sophisticated analytical techniques and tools, enhancing the ability to uncover complex trends and opportunities.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with senior leadership and understanding the broader strategic imperatives of a major financial institution.

• Formal Training & Development: Access to company-sponsored education and career support programs, as well as potential for industry certifications or advanced training relevant to strategy and finance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common to strategic positions in fast-paced industries, such as balancing speed with thoroughness and driving adoption of recommendations. These challenges are also framed as growth opportunities, allowing candidates to develop critical skills in strategic leadership, advanced analytics, and cross-functional influence within the asset management sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated complex market data into a clear, actionable strategic recommendation. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process: data sources, analysis, insight derivation, recommendation, and impact measurement. Quantify results if possible.)

• "How would you approach building and maintaining a core knowledge base for [specific area, e.g., competitive landscape in Canadian ETFs]?" (Discuss your methodology for information gathering, synthesis, structuring, and ongoing updates. Emphasize how you ensure insights remain actionable.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Mackenzie Investments and this specific role?" (Research the company's values, recent news, and strategic direction. Connect your skills and career goals to their mission and the role's responsibilities.)

• "How do you embody our values of 'Be better,' 'Be accountable,' and 'Be a team' in your work?" (Provide specific examples from your past experience that illustrate these values in action, particularly in a professional setting.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio example, structure it as a narrative: the problem, your approach, the key insights, your recommendations, and the ultimate impact.

• Focus on "So What?": Clearly articulate the significance of your findings and the business value of your recommendations. Don't just present data; explain what it means.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the tangible results of your work (e.g., increased efficiency, revenue growth, improved market share, cost savings).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, assumptions, data limitations, and alternative approaches. Be ready to defend your analysis and recommendations.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your portfolio that directly align with the responsibilities of a Senior Manager in Product Strategy and Research, such as market analysis, insight generation, and strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and cultural fit. Candidates should be ready to articulate their thought process, showcase their ability to derive actionable insights, and provide specific examples of how they've driven business impact through strategy and analysis. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit Application: Visit the Mackenzie Investments careers page (https://www.mackenzieinvestments.com/en/careers) and submit your resume and cover letter. Ensure your application is submitted by June 10, 2026.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords and experiences directly related to product strategy, market research, financial analysis, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management within the asset management or financial services industry. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to articulate your understanding of Mackenzie Investments, your passion for product strategy and research, and how your 5-7+ years of experience and advanced degree (or progress towards one) make you an ideal candidate to drive strategic insights for their product shelf.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong examples of your strategic analysis work, insight generation projects, or contributions to strategic initiatives. Be ready to present these concisely, focusing on the problem, your approach, key insights, actionable recommendations, and measurable outcomes.

• Research Mackenzie Investments: Thoroughly research the company's business lines, product offerings, strategic priorities, recent performance, and company values. Understand their position in the Canadian financial market and identify potential areas where your strategic input could be valuable.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.