What do you look for in the backgrounds of aspiring consumer product managers (who have never held the role before) as a signal that they will be a good hire?

The great news is Product is still a growing and evolving function and there are tons of opportunities and an appetite to look at non traditional career paths into product. In fact in most organizations that I've been part of, there are many people wearing the 'product hat' who dont have the PM title.  

What I look for

• Have worked with a product team: This isn't a necessity, but whether you're in QA, Support, Marketing, if you actually work with product you have a realistic view of what a PM's day to day is. I've found those who have not have a bit of a idealized view of what a PM's day to day is usually are shocked with the chaos and intensity that comes with the role.   
• Great problem solving: This can be exhibited in any other role, but if you are a able to work a problem into solvable chunks and not just jump into solutioning, you have the right mindset to be a PM
• Culture Carrier: So much of being a PM is to help teams coalesce and work better together to be excited to solve problems together. Generally those who have a natural skill to bring people together make great PMs
• Growth Mindset: People who have a great growth mindset are setup really well in the PM role as no PM role is the same, being adaptable, self reflective and looking at constant personal improvement are key indicators for success
• A passion for products: There's a certain type of person that is quick to see the nuances and changes of a product they use or are passionate about. Those that are passionate about the products they use, notice the tweaks, question the whys of it already are on their way to building the product muscle.

One last piece of advice is to look for an internal role. A lot of the traits above are not so easily conveyed in an interview (and def not a resume!). I've hired some of the very best product leaders from internal transfers including from Marketing, QA and Support and seeing that person in action and displaying the above traits has made all the difference in the world.