How to write an Interim / Contractor CV

An interim CV is completely different to a CV focused towards a permanent role. The nature of interim work leads CVs to become very lengthy and repetitive which can lose the reader’s focus. Therefore an interim CV is more a business case and successful interims must look at themselves as a product or service provider rather than an employee. It is vital that you clearly demonstrate and evidence the ability to deliver projects within agreed timescales and to budget. An interim CV is a much stronger sell than a permanent CV and should be presented as a business proposition. 

To ensure that your interim history does not get lost in the document, we encourage clients to focus on their main selling points (key skills / deliverables). Once you have identified around 6 of these skills then you must evidence the skill in action and then start building the first page of the cv. A strong personal profile written in the 3^rd person demonstrating exactly what you do, what you have done and WHY the employer should progress with the application is paramount.

Use of key words is vital throughout your interim CV

The use of key words is vital throughout this document to ensure that it generates the most amount of exposure on job sites. To understand what your key words are for your industry sector takes time and to fully identify where and when to include them is an art form, however some top tips from CVpal’s interim writer would be to search relevant jobs on jobs sites and print off a selection of about 6 roles. Once you have completed this then highlight the words that are consistently repeated on the job specification under the required skills section. Just completing this exercise will dramatically increase your key words in the new CV. 

Your interim career history can be displayed as an overview that can highlight the key messages you want to portray. You must not forget that this CV MUST get your telephone ringing and therefore make the document as easy to read and as concise as possible, sometimes too much information is detrimental to an application and you can actually talk yourself out of a contract / project. 

Prepare your CV for the interim market

One of the main questions we get asked is “how do I prepare my CV for the interim market if I want to gain my first contract and have never worked as an interim before?” CVpal have gained a fabulous reputation with clients in this situation and our process to complete new interim CVs is rather different to our CV writing service. 

We must talk to you on the telephone or, ideally, meet to discuss your aspirations. We can provide you with the support and guidance to ensure a seamless transition into the interim market. You will need to set up a limited company and get a business bank account to be considered as a professional interim manager also you may want to consider having a website. 

A a consistent message is key

One of the main areas of importance (as well as a strong CV) is to have a consistent message running across all social media channels – especially LinkedIn profiles. LinkedIn and actively networking is as important as completing contracts for any interim manager as you must ensure that you have a strong pipeline of enquiries / opportunities coming through. 

You will find that experienced interim recruiters have differing opinions on how long a CV should be so we tend to encourage having a short and long / detailed version to ensure you please all recruiters.