Working in the public sector at executive level often comes with a large array of…

5 steps to success as an interim hire
The importance of having a healthy work/life balance has been amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw people up and down the country enjoying the benefits of working from home and the opportunity it opened up to spend time with loved ones. As a result, there has been an influx in those taking on interim roles due to the flexibility they provide. But what’s the secret to success in a role that is so transient? Our specialist team has put together some top tips on how to excel as an interim hire below.
1.Flexibility will get you far
As an interim hire, you will be expected to rapidly acclimatise to your new role and work environment. It is also likely that you will be jumping from one project to another, sometimes not seeing them through to completion. Therefore, strong adaptability skills are required of interim staff, as your responsibilities are likely to change on the regular. Be open and ready for anything that comes your way – even if this means managing a team on Tuesday and doing the office coffee run come Friday!
2.Collaboration is key
It’s important to remember that the team you’re joining as an interim may be apprehensive about working with someone new, especially if you’ve come in as their new manager. Take time to listen to your new colleagues and take their suggestions onboard – afterall, they have been at the company longer than you so will be able to offer valuable insight into how things run. Add your expertise and outsider perspective into the mix and you’ll be churning out new and innovative solutions by putting your heads together as a team.
3.Honesty is the best policy
Be open from the outset and outline what responsibilities you had in your last interim role and how you helped with company growth on your CV/when discussing your career aspirations with the recruiter. This will ensure that we match you to the job that best suits you and your skills – and there won’t be any nasty surprises on the first day…
4.Ask questions
Find out how your role fits into the bigger picture so you don’t accidentally overexert your authority where it’s not necessary or vice versa. This will also help you build good rapport with your team and get them to respect you. Asking generally about how the company approaches things is also an excellent way to learn and will help you implement change where you think it is needed.
5. Be goal oriented
Interim staff are hired to deliver results at pace and to a very high quality. As soon as you arrive, make sure you understand the goals and objectives that need to be met and get to it! If you don’t thrive under pressure, this may not be the right career for you…
Think you’ve got what it takes? Browse our current vacancies page for your next interim role.