How To Stand Out in the Interim Market
15 Feb, 2024
How To Find Your Next Interim Assignment in a Difficult Job Market
15 Feb, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What an interim assignment is.
- The advantages of working on an interim basis.
- What types of roles are typically worked on an interim basis.
- Tips for finding your next interim assignment in a difficult market.
- Where the latest interim jobs are and how to apply for them.
Looking for your next interim position can be a tricky task, especially in a difficult job market.
Navigating market demands and ensuring your next position is lined up, before a current contract ends, can put a lot of pressure on individuals who work on an interim basis.
However, there are a few ways to make your interim job search that bit simpler. From optimising your online presence to using our services as a recruitment agency, we’re sharing our practical tips for finding your next interim assignment in a difficult market.
What is an interim assignment?
An interim assignment typically refers to a temporary or short term position at an organisation, usually on a managerial or executive level. Individuals hired on an interim basis, are often done so to work on a specific assignment for a specific amount of time.
Interim workers are usually responsible for addressing an explicit need within a company by guiding a team through a project, and are already equipped with the knowledge and skills required to complete the work.
By definition, interim assignments are temporary, however their duration can vary significantly based on the nature of the assignment and specific needs of an organisation.
Typically, interim assignments last from around 3-12 months, but can last just a matter of weeks.
What are the advantages of working on an interim basis?
There are a number of advantages to working on an interim basis, including:
- Increased flexibility.
- Networking opportunities.
- Opportunities for skill development.
Increased flexibility
Interim assignments often provide workers with a more flexible work schedule than permanent positions. The opportunity for flexible working has become increasingly popular since the Covid-19 pandemic when many employers introduced the opportunity to work from home, on a hybrid basis or with flexible hours.
The freedom of a flexible work schedule is highly appealing for people wanting to balance work commitments with other personal or professional responsibilities.
Networking opportunities
Thanks to the fluidity of interim assignments, there is plenty of opportunity for individuals to network and connect with like minded professionals.
Networking is a fantastic way to get a foot in the door with a potential employer and to expand knowledge and expertise within an industry.
Interim recruitment specialist, Richard Shorrock, says “Networking can also provide valuable insights into the job market, such as trends to look out for, industry updates, and emerging opportunities within the market.”
Richard continues, “Staying up to date with what’s happening in the interim world is essential for a candidate demonstrating their credibility to potential employers.”
Opportunities for skill development
The fast-paced nature of interim working means that individuals are expected to apply their skills and knowledge to a role, without the need for endless hours of training beforehand.
Whether it’s problem-solving, project management or industry-specific expertise, workers must quickly adapt to the challenge.
Amidst the need for employees to arrive on a new project armed with their abilities, is also the opportunity for them to work on these skills and refine what they’re good at.
Doing so is the perfect chance for interim workers to develop professionally, making landing their next interim contract even easier.
What types of roles are typically worked on an interim basis?
Interim roles can be found in a variety of different industries and sectors. Not only can interim opportunities be found across many industries, such roles can also encompass a wide range of positions, but generally focus on managerial and leadership level positions.
Typical interim roles include project management positions, filled by professionals hired to oversee a project from initiation to completion, and consulting roles, such as an Interim HR Consultant or Interim Strategy Consultant.
There are also a number of higher level SEND positions that are frequently employed on an interim basis such as an EHC Plan Writer, a SEND Tribunal Officer and a SEN Case Officer.
Many interim opportunities can be found within local authorities, due to the nature of their fluctuating workloads, temporary projects, periods of transition and the requirement for specialised expertise.
Tips for finding your next interim assignment in a difficult market
If you’re on the lookout for your next interim role, you might be wondering where to begin.
With so many opportunities available, it can be tricky to focus on the roles best suited to your individual skills and experience.
Interim recruitment specialist, John Shorrock, points out “All too often contractors will make knee-jerk reactions and start to apply for everything and anything. The best approach is to focus on your specific strengths and overall skill set and put yourself forward for the right roles.”
That’s why we advise following these 4 tips for finding your next interim assignment in a difficult market:
- Make a name for yourself on LinkedIn.
- Register with Spencer Clarke Group.
- Stay consistent throughout your search.
- Be open minded.
Make a name for yourself on LinkedIn
It’s all very well having an impressive CV, detailed with skills and expertise, but in today’s digital age, having a professional online presence is key.
LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for finding job opportunities and showcasing the skills and experience you have to offer an employer.
We advise populating your LinkedIn profile with as much relevant information as possible about your qualifications, experience and previous employment. Optimising your profile with relevant keywords related to your industry, profession, skills and expertise can enhance the discoverability of your profile. You might want to include in your headline that you are on the lookout for interim opportunities.
It is also wise to follow the LinkedIn pages of companies and organisations who align with your expertise. Engaging with recruiters, HR professionals and other decision makers across LinkedIn is a great way to get your name front of mind.
LinkedIn also includes a feature to set your profile as ‘open to work’, meaning employers and recruiters who hire on an interim basis and use the platform to enhance their pool of candidates, will know you’re in the market for a new position.
Register with Spencer Clarke Group
As a specialist interim recruitment agency, working across eleven different specialisms, we frequently recruit for a number of interim positions.
By registering with us and uploading your CV, you could be one step closer to landing an interim position that will utilise your skills and expertise.
If you’re looking for an interim SEND position, our Divisional Manager, Richard Shorrock, has a wealth of experience of recruitment in this area. (We recently interviewed Richard to pick his brains about recruiting in this field.)
For interim roles within leadership in the public sector, Lead Consultant, John Shorrock, is also currently working on a number of fantastic opportunities at leadership level.
Due to their knowledge and connections within the market, liaising with specialist consultants (such as Richard and John) is a highly effective way to secure interim work on a frequent basis.
Interim recruitment specialist, Richard Shorrock, explains “Keeping in touch with an agency consultant and making sure they have all the relevant information to align with your job search is a crucial way to find your next interim role.”
Not only do our consultants have an exceptional success rate and seasoned expertise, they can also offer advice on tailoring your CV to each employer and what a hiring manager is looking for. With expertise and advice for every stage of the recruitment process, we’re here to help you find, secure and succeed in your next interim position.
Stay consistent throughout your job search
When navigating a challenging interim job market, remaining consistent throughout your job search is a pivotal strategy for securing a role sooner rather than later.
Consistency builds a professional image and demonstrates reliability, a trait highly desired by employers with interim roles to fill.
Organisations looking for interim workers often require swift solutions to immediate challenges. A consistent approach to job hunting can highlight your dedication to making a meaningful impact at a workplace, even if it is just in a temporary capacity.
Regularly updating and tailoring your CV to specific employers, frequently networking and proactively applying to relevant opportunities are all ways to showcase your consistent attitude.
John Shorrock, advises maintaining an updated CV, saying, “Interim roles come and go in the blink of an eye. If your CV is ready and fit for purpose, this will prevent missing any opportunities when they arise.”
In a fierce interim job market, where the nature of hiring is continuously fast-paced, consistency is key for increasing the likelihood of securing an interim role that aligns with your skills and expertise.
John continues, “You need to be at the front of the queue, so always be prepared!”
Be open minded
Maintaining an open-minded approach whilst pursuing an interim job search is a crucial strategy for navigating the market and landing a role in a timely manner.
Open mindedness means, whilst a role might not align precisely with your initial expectations, there is an increased chance of discovering opportunities that offer the chance for valuable career development.
Embracing a flexible mindset enables you to explore a variety of roles and projects in diverse industries, that still provide you with the opportunity to utilise your hard and soft skills. Uncovering unexpected avenues for employment is a great way to enhance professional growth.
Flexibility during your job search also involves having the willingness to explore alternative daily rates.
John Shorrock, says “When navigating an interim market it’s the candidates that are willing to negotiate and flex on their usual daily rate that secure the best opportunities.”
John continues, “Know that the rate you command is at the behest of how the market is performing - £600 per day on a buoyant market is the same value as £450 per day on a falling market. Understanding this is the key to successfully move from contract to contract.”
Adapting your skills to a role that might not have initially attracted your attention, is also a fantastic way to showcase your adaptability to a hiring manager and may result in longer term employment.
Not only does being open minded allow you to explore different opportunities, it also positions you as an individual who is agile and resourceful, enhancing your appeal to hiring managers!
Where the latest interim jobs are and how to apply for them
On the lookout for your next interim job? We’re working alongside a number of local authorities searching for qualified and experienced interims to work across a number of exciting projects.
Get in touch with Divisional Manager, Richard Shorrock, or Lead Consultant, John Shorrock, to discover your next interim opportunity now!
Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our expert consultants will be in touch with any opportunities that suit your credentials.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
As a vibrant and forward thinking recruitment agency, we are committed to making our mark on the industry. Our continuous dedication to candidates and clients alike has driven us to shape a fulfilling future for everyone.
We have been matching candidates and clients since 2017, going above and beyond to ensure the recruitment process is a success for all. We understand the importance of finding a candidate a role they will thrive in and the necessity for clients to hire committed, hard working and qualified individuals.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
