What Does it Take to Become a Successful HR Interim?

Whilst it was previously only senior positions that were often deemed necessary for interim positions, it has become fairly commonplace now for businesses to bring in employees for interim HR jobs when the need arises. As such, a bold new market and potential career path has sprung up in recent years, seemingly out of nowhere, for those more nomadic by nature individuals working in human resources who want to expand their horizons and don’t like being stuck in one place for too long.

But what unique skills and techniques does it take to become an effective interim worker and how do those skills differ from those looking at more permanent roles?

Financial independence

When you’re an interim worker, you are probably going to be spending at least some of your time searching for new jobs. This means there are bound to be periods every once in a while where you are stuck between roles. This means ensuring you are exceptional with your financial planning and that you always have a nest-egg to turn to in case the worst happens and you struggle to find work for a while.

Interview skills

As an interim worker, you are going to be sitting in more interviews than a traditional worker. You could, however, use this to your advantage and really brush up on your interview technique. Use every interview as a learning experience, picking up interview tips from other interim managers and workers when you can. You’ll probably find that there are few interview candidates more skilled at the process than an interim worker.

Using social media

Social media platforms such as LinkedIn and even Facebook can be invaluable resources for interim workers as they allow you to make connections quickly and simply and grow your network of contacts organically. You should also make use of networking events, starting locally and then travelling further and wider, casting the net out further as your brand grows in worth.

Track record

Finally, any interim worker will only be as strong as their track record and this is particularly true in HR, where you’re working more definitively with people on a day-to-day basis. Every job you take you are essentially adding another feather to your cap and developing the word-of-mouth around your personal brand. So, use those interview skills you have developed and transpose them to your daily efforts too. This means engaging with your fellow workers and getting stuck into every task with as much enthusiasm as the permanent staff. It also means being able to switch lanes in a heartbeat and promoting your skills and expertise without coming across as egotistical. It’s a fine line to walk, of course, but if you can master it then you might have a very promising future ahead as a successful HR interim.