What should you expect when working in an interim role?

Due to the current skills shortage, there is a growing market for interim staff in the UK. Interims are highly skilled, experienced individuals, brought into an organisation on a temporary basis to help with a specific project or to plug a skills gap.

Working as an interim or contractor can be an exciting career path with a range of benefits. However, it isn’t for everyone. If you’re thinking about taking an interim role, here are some things you can expect:

Leadership

Communication and leadership skills are vital for success in an interim role. These roles require you to adopt and demonstrate immediate authority, with senior level interims often acting as temporary leaders during significant periods of change and transition.

Because of this, it is important that individuals have the expertise required to take control of a project quickly and smoothly.  Due to the high level of skills and experience required, those heading for interim manager roles should expect competitive rates of pay.

Creativity

Creativity and innovation are key components of any successful leadership. As an interim, you are placed in a new environment and need to be able to effectively motivate your team to move the project along. Creative leaders should be able to look at things from a different angle and provide ‘outside of the box’ solutions.

If you have a creative, project-based mindset and strong interpersonal skills, working as an interim could be the right move for you.

Adaptability

Working as an interim requires you to be flexible. When leading a new team in a different environment, you may find you need to alter your usual approach and, in some cases, be prepared to throw it away and start again. Whether it’s using different technology or adjusting your communication style, adaptability is crucial.

Experience and networking

Taking on an interim role offers further opportunities to build your own professional profile, add new skills to your CV, and gain experience in different industries. Interim work can provide the ideal situation to broaden your network and build your own personal brand.

Whether it’s to garner more references, or to help you secure another job further down the line, any opportunity for networking is invaluable.

Flexibility

Interim workers typically work between nine and twelve months a year which allows for greater flexibility and enables you to manage a better work-life balance. You decide when and for how long you are going to work, and you’re not restricted by holiday allowances. If desired, you can take extended time off once a role has finished.

Lack of security

Many professionals fear the risks associated with leaving the security and benefits offered by permanent positions. Job insecurity is normally one of the main challenges of an interim lifestyle, but with good negotiation you can ensure your hourly rate offsets any losses.

The varied and flexible nature of interim work may not be for everyone, but for the right candidate it can be highly rewarding. If you are looking for your next challenge, an interim role may be the way forward.

To find out about available roles or discuss your hiring needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.