How to prepare for your next interim assignment

As an interim professional you are in a different situation than usual when looking for a new assignment. When preparing your CV and conducting job interviews, you will have to take a different approach than you are used to.

Your interim CV

As an interim professional, you’ll have to highlight other aspects of your CV than you are used to. A few tips:

• Make sure to stress what distinguishes you from your competitors. Highlight your specialisation by mentioning sector specific knowledge or projects that you haves successfully completed in the pas.
• A client wants to be able to scan your CV in just a few seconds. Use bullet points so it’s easy for them to find relevant information.
• For many assignments, knowledge of relevant systems is required. Make sure your CV has a clear overview of all systems you are familiar with, along with any obtained certifications.
• Describe every assignment you have completed by using the STAR-method:

The interim job interview

Organisations generally have a clear image of the type of interim professional they are looking for. Specific knowledge or experience within an industry are usually the most important factors. Keep the following things in mind while doing a job interview:

• Make sure you know what needs and wishes the client has, so you can highlight the qualities that match these needs. 
• Use the STAR-method in the same way you do on your CV, by giving concrete examples that show that you possess the competences necessary to complete the tasks.
• Give the client the chance to talk. Ask questions about their needs and what they expect from you, so that you get a clear picture of the assignment.
• Take the time to make a personal connection with the person on the other end of the table. It’s not enough to convince the other party of your qualities, they also have to like to enough to grant you the job.
• As an interim professional, you’ll get in touch with many different people within the organisation. This stresses the importance of a representative appearance and excellent social skills. When you are in doubt about the dress code, it’s always best to appear overdressed than underdressed.
• If you are working with a recruitment consultant, you can exploit their knowledge about the client. The recruiter has already been in contact with the client and knows what the client finds important and what he will pay attention to during an interview. Ask your recruitment consultant for advice, and let him prepare you for the interview.
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