I want to become an interim, but is my personality a good fit?

Are you sick of your 9 to 5? Looking to change up the pace of your week? Taking on an interim role could be a great way to spice up your routine – especially if you’re craving a new challenge. But is your personality a good fit? Carry on reading to find out which characteristics make a successful interim…

You find change exciting

If you’re the type of person who finds excitement in constant change, then an interim career could be for you. On the other hand, if you find comfort in the routine then full-time roles are probably a better fit. As an interim, you’ll be hopping from contract to contract – that means new faces, new targets and new offices (unless you’re remote). 

You’re a natural problem solver 

With each new project, comes a new set of challenges. In order to succeed as a temporary worker, it is essential you have a knack for solving company problems quickly and effectively. You will be able to present your ideas clearly so that your team understands the start point and end goal – and most importantly, how to get there. 

You’re good under pressure 

Remember that when you join a new business as an interim, there will be high expectations on you to deliver. That’s why you’ve been hired, afterall. To those of you who crumble like a crouton under pressure, we’d recommend giving this opportunity a miss…

You’re a born leader

Leading your team to success is a major part of your role as an interim manager, so having a natural ability to inspire, persuade and motivate is paramount. 

Confidence is your mother tongue 

As a project leader, you’re going to be doing a lot of talking and justifying your decisions so being confident will serve you well. Plus, you’ll have to be good at building rapport quickly and making a good impression from the get-go of each project you embark on. If you’re more on the introverted side, fake it ‘till you make it! 

Top tip: when you’re presenting, put your shoulders back, stand up straight and deliver your ideas with crisp clarity. It’s also a good idea to speak slower than you think you are (when we’re nervous we tend to deliver our words slightly over the speed limit!). Sometimes, having a glass of water to sip throughout can help with this as it keeps your mouth from going dry and gives you an excuse to stop and pause. 

Now you’ve found out a little more about what it takes to fill the shoes of an interim manager, it’s time to decide whether it’s the next logical step in your career. 

If you’d like some more guidance, give us a call on 0203 929 4000 and we can talk you through all the exciting opportunities on offer!