How do I succeed as an interim manager?

An interim manager's career is challenging and rewarding. But to increase your chances of gaining the best opportunities, Alium has worked with our existing interim managers to put together these top tips.

1. Do your homework. It is vital that you find out about the interim management industry and understand how it works. A good starting point is the Interim Management Association, the independent regulatory body for the interim management industry.
2. Carefully select which interim management service providers you want to work with. Talk to them or visit their websites to ensure they work on assignments within your industry or function.
3. Work with reputable service providers such as Alium who work closely with their interim managers. They should be well informed about the interim management market place and explain to you how they operate as an interim management provider.
4. Network, network, network. It is key to any interim manager’s success. Network with former associates, clients, providers and interim managers to increase your chances of securing interesting assignments.
5. Be prepared to market yourself and self promote. Your CV details your background, but to secure assignments, you will need to sell your services to providers and clients in a face-to-face meeting, demonstrating how your experience will benefit them in their particular circumstances.
6. Create a good CV. As a general rule, keep to no more than 4 pages, be succinct and clear, include a profile statement (which is a key marketing tool) and list your key achievements for each role you have worked on. Read our guidance on CV writing
7. Keep in touch with providers to ensure they are aware of your status. Call or email when you reach a milestone – if you have taken another assignment, are coming to the end of your assignment (3-4 weeks before the end). Always make sure we have your updated CV once you have completed your last assignment.
8. Manage your relationships with providers. It is worth working with a small number of providers who understand your background and experience.
9. Be flexible. The more flexible you can be in terms of where you will work, the roles that you will work on and the fees you will charge, the more roles you will be considered for.
10. Plan for lean times. There may be times when you have unwanted time lapses between assignments that you had not foreseen. Make sure that you will be able to manage these periods before committing to an interim management career.

How do I register with Alium?

How is Alium different from other providers?