Interim Position on Resume

Should You List Interim Position on Resume

Including an interim position on your resume can demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and professionalism. It shows potential employers that you are capable of stepping into various roles and making a meaningful impact during times of transition or need. However, the decision to list interim positions depends on the regional context, industry standards, and personal circumstances. In some countries like the US, interim roles are increasingly recognized and valued due to their short-term nature and specific focus. On the other hand, in many European countries, temporary work is more commonly incorporated into the overall employment history rather than highlighted as distinct 'interim' positions.

Why to List Interim Position on Resume

Professional Growth

Interim positions can provide opportunities for developing new skills, gaining diverse experiences, and expanding your professional network. They offer a chance to take on challenges outside of your usual role and demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly in ever-changing work environments.

Filling Gaps or Transitions

Listing interim positions can help explain employment gaps, career transitions, or breaks in service (e.g., maternity/paternity leave or sabbaticals). By providing a clear narrative of your professional journey, you demonstrate consistency and commitment to your career growth.

Showcasing Specialization

Interim roles often involve filling specialized positions that require unique expertise. Highlighting these experiences can help potential employers understand your area of specialty and how it can contribute to their organization.

Where to List Interim Position on Resume

Experience Section

If the interim role was in a similar field or industry as your target job, list it under the 'Experience' section along with other relevant positions. Include a brief description of the company, the position title, the dates of employment, and a summary of the key achievements during that period.

Example

Interim Project Manager | XYZ Company | Jan 20XX - Mar 20XX

• Led a team to successfully complete a critical project on time and within budget
• Streamlined processes to improve efficiency by 30%

Contract/Temporary Work Section

In situations where the interim position is not directly related to your target role or industry, create a separate 'Contract/Temporary Work' section to list these experiences. This approach helps maintain a clear and focused narrative in the main 'Experience' section while still acknowledging your diverse skillset.

Examples of How to List Interim Position on Resume

Project Manager (Interim) | ABC Company | Jan 20XX - Mar 20XX

• Led a team to successfully complete a critical project on time and within budget
• Streamlined processes to improve efficiency by 30%

This example demonstrates the value you brought to an interim position as a Project Manager, highlighting achievements that translate across industries.

Interim IT Consultant | DEF Corporation | Jan 20XX - Mar 20XX

• Conducted a thorough analysis of the company's IT infrastructure and identified areas for improvement
• Implemented solutions to enhance system security and efficiency

This example showcases an interim position in a specific field (IT), emphasizing the impact you made on the organization during your short tenure.

What to Avoid While Listing Interim Position on Resume

How to List Transition Period Role on Resume

Best Practices

• Highlight the Interim Position's Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of the interim position and how it contributes to the overall organization. Explain the specific goals you were tasked with achieving during this transition period.

Example: "Assumed an interim Marketing Manager role to oversee the rebranding project, driving a 25% increase in brand awareness within the first month."

• Detail Accomplishments: Quantify your achievements to show impact and effectiveness during the transition period. Focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the position.

Example: "Led a cross-functional team, streamlining operations and reducing costs by 15%, enabling a successful company merger."

• Explain Duration: Clearly indicate the start and end dates of your interim role to provide context for recruiters, as they might be looking for more permanent positions within their organizations.

Example: "Filled the Interim HR Director role from January 2021 to April 2021."

• Emphasize Relevance: Show how your interim position is relevant to the job you're applying for. Highlight transferable skills and any specific accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the desired position.

Example: "As Interim Product Manager, I successfully launched two new products, demonstrating my ability to drive innovation and lead product development initiatives."

• Include Context: If necessary, provide some background about the situation that led to your interim role. This helps recruiters understand the context and the potential benefits you could bring to their organization.

Example: "Took on an Interim IT Director role following a company acquisition, leading technology integration efforts and establishing new processes for improved efficiency."

Example 1: Transition Period Role on Interim Position Resume

Interim HR Director, XYZ Corporation (January 2021 - April 2021)

• Led the implementation of a new performance management system, resulting in a 15% increase in employee engagement.
• Conducted comprehensive training sessions for managers on the new system, ensuring successful adoption.
• Collaborated with the leadership team to develop and roll out a company-wide diversity and inclusion initiative.

Example 2: Transition Period Role in Interim Position Context

Interim IT Director, ABC Company (August 2020 - November 2020)

• Managed the migration of critical systems to the cloud, reducing operational costs by 20%.
• spearheaded a company-wide cybersecurity training program, improving overall security awareness and protocols.
• Successfully integrated the IT teams from two recently merged companies, ensuring seamless operations post-merger.

How to List Covering a Leave of Absence on Resume

When listing a leave of absence on your resume, it's important to maintain professionalism and clarity. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Highlight the Interim Position: Clearly state that you held an interim position during your leave of absence. This helps to show continuity in employment and commitment to the role. For example:

• Interim Position: Project Manager (January 2021 – March 2021)

• Describe Responsibilities: Similar to other roles, detail the responsibilities you handled during your interim position. This demonstrates your abilities and contributions.

• - Managed ongoing projects, ensuring timely completion

• - Coordinated with team members to address any arising issues

• Mention the Reason for Leave (if necessary): Briefly explain the reason for your leave of absence if it is relevant and not confidential. This can help potential employers understand the circumstances without delving into personal details.

• - Took a medical leave of absence (January 2021 – March 2021)

• Emphasize Post-Leave Achievements: If applicable, highlight any significant accomplishments or projects you completed after returning from your leave of absence. This shows your resilience and dedication to your work.

• - Successfully launched the new product line (April 2021 – December 2021)

Example 1: Covering a Leave of Absence on Interim Position Resume

In this example, let's say you were an IT Project Manager and took a medical leave for three months. Upon returning, you were appointed as the interim Project Manager for ongoing projects:

• Project Manager (Interim Position): January 2021 – March 2021
  • Managed ongoing projects, ensuring timely completion
  • Coordinated with team members to address any arising issues
  • Took a medical leave of absence (January 2021 – March 2021)
  • Successfully handed over the role after the return (April 2021)

Example 2: Covering a Leave of Absence in Interim Position Context

Suppose you were an HR Manager and took a sabbatical for personal reasons. Upon returning, you were appointed as the interim HR Manager to manage ongoing projects:

• Human Resources Manager (Interim Position): June 2022 – August 2022
  • Developed and implemented new recruitment strategies
  • Coordinated with team members to address any arising employee relations issues
  • Took a sabbatical for personal reasons (June 2022 – August 2022)
  • Successfully handed over the role after the return (September 2022)

How to List Project-based Role on Resume

Best Practices for Listing a 'Project-based Role' in an 'Interim Position'

• Highlight the Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of your interim role and the project you were responsible for. This sets the context for hiring managers immediately. For instance, "Assumed Interim Project Manager role to oversee the development and implementation of a new CRM system for XYZ Corporation."

• Assumed Interim Project Manager role

  • To oversee the development and implementation of a new CRM system
  • For XYZ Corporation

• Define Scope and Duration: Specify the scope of your project and the duration of your interim position. This provides context for the accomplishments listed under this role. For example, "Managed a team of 10 over a six-month period to complete the CRM implementation."

• Managed a team of 10

  • Over a six-month period
  • To complete the CRM implementation

• Detail Achievements: Quantify your achievements wherever possible, emphasizing how you added value to the project and the organization. For instance, "Successfully led the CRM implementation project, resulting in a 25% increase in sales productivity."

• Successfully led the CRM implementation project

  • Resulting in a 25% increase in sales productivity

• Showcase Skills: Highlight key skills relevant to both the interim position and the project, demonstrating your adaptability and versatility as a professional. For example, "Demonstrated proficiency in project management, leadership, and CRM software during my interim role as Project Manager."

• Demonstrated proficiency in:

  • Project management
  • Leadership
  • CRM software

• Emphasize Flexibility: Emphasize your ability to adapt and excel in various roles and projects, showcasing your potential to take on future interim positions if necessary. For instance, "Adept at thriving in interim roles and adapting quickly to new project requirements."

• Adept at thriving in interim roles

  • Adapting quickly to new project requirements

Example 1: Project-based Role on Interim Position Resume

Interim Project Manager | XYZ Corporation (June 2021 – December 2021)

• Assumed the interim role of Project Manager to oversee the development and implementation of a new CRM system.
• Managed a team of 10 over a six-month period to complete the CRM implementation.
• Successfully led the CRM implementation project, resulting in a 25% increase in sales productivity.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management, leadership, and CRM software during my interim role as Project Manager.
• Adept at thriving in interim roles and adapting quickly to new project requirements.

Example 2: Project-based Role in Interim Position Context

Interim Business Analyst | ABC Company (January 2021 – May 2021)

• Assumed the interim role of Business Analyst to identify and implement process improvements for the Accounts Receivable department.
• Collaborated with team members to analyze current processes, identifying areas for improvement.
• Led the implementation of new invoicing software, resulting in a 15% reduction in outstanding invoices.
• Demonstrated proficiency in business analysis, process improvement methodologies, and invoicing software during my interim role as Business Analyst.
• Adept at thriving in interim roles and adapting quickly to new project requirements within the accounting sector.

How to List Temporary Replacement on Resume

Best Practices for Listing the Subcategory 'Temporary Replacement' on a Resume

• Highlight the Interim Position: Clearly indicate that the role was an interim position by using relevant keywords such as "Interim," "Temporary Replacement," or "Cover/Acting Position." This helps potential employers quickly identify your temporary status and understand the context of your employment.

  Example: Acting Director of Marketing (Interim Position) - XYZ Company, June 20XX - January 20YY

• Define Your Responsibilities: Similar to a permanent role, outline the key responsibilities you handled during your interim position. Emphasize how your temporary duties aligned with the regular job description and showcased your skills effectively.

  Example: Led cross-functional marketing teams in developing and executing strategic campaigns that resulted in a 15% increase in brand awareness.

• Acknowledge the Limited Tenure: Briefly mention the duration of your interim position, particularly if it was short-term or filled-in for a specific reason. This helps employers understand the context without assuming you weren't committed to the role.

  Example: Stepped in as the acting Marketing Director during a period of transition, following the departure of the previous Marketing Director.

• Emphasize Achievements: Highlight any accomplishments or initiatives that were successfully completed during your temporary tenure. This demonstrates your ability to produce results, even under time constraints.

  Example: Implemented a new lead generation strategy that yielded a 30% increase in qualified leads.

• Include Relevant Keywords: Optimize your interim position listing by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description or industry to ensure it is easily discoverable during ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scans and catches the attention of recruiters.

  Example: Utilized digital marketing tools, including Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and MailChimp, to drive campaign performance.

Example 1: Temporary Replacement on Interim Position Resume

Position: Acting Director of Marketing (Interim Position) - XYZ Company, June 20XX - January 20YY

• Led cross-functional marketing teams in developing and executing strategic campaigns that resulted in a 15% increase in brand awareness.
• Implemented a new lead generation strategy that yielded a 30% increase in qualified leads.
• Stepped in as the acting Marketing Director during a period of transition, following the departure of the previous Marketing Director.
• Utilized digital marketing tools, including Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and MailChimp, to drive campaign performance.

Example 2: Temporary Replacement in Interim Position Context

Position: Interim Human Resources Manager (Temporary Replacement) - ABC Corporation, February 20YY - June 20YY

• Streamlined the hiring process by implementing a new applicant tracking system, reducing time-to-hire by 30%.
• Provided coaching and support to staff members during a period of organizational change.
• Collaborated with department heads to ensure compliance with updated HR policies and procedures.
• Developed and facilitated training programs for employees on topics such as diversity and inclusion, anti-harassment, and performance management.

How to List Contract Assignment on Resume

Best Practices for Listing the Subcategory 'Contract Assignment' on a Resume

• Highlight Relevance: Clearly state the nature of the contract assignment, such as interim position, in the job title or role description. This immediately communicates to potential employers that you have experience working in temporary roles.

Interim Project Manager - Contract Assignment (Interim Position)

• Detail Project Scope: Describe the project or assignment's scope, objectives, and results. Highlight your contributions and achievements during the contract period. This shows that you can deliver tangible outcomes in a time-bound setting.

• Led a cross-functional team to deliver a critical software upgrade, resulting in a 15% increase in operational efficiency within 3 months.

• Mention Key Skills: List the key skills required for the contract assignment, especially those that are relevant to the interim position you're applying for. This demonstrates your adaptability and readiness to handle similar responsibilities.

• Strong understanding of Agile methodologies and Scrum frameworks.

• Proven ability to drive change management initiatives in fast-paced environments.

• Emphasize Adaptability: Since interim positions often require quick adaption to new work environments, emphasize your adaptability, flexibility, and ability to learn quickly. This helps employers understand that you can contribute effectively from day one.

• Quickly acclimated to the company's unique culture and processes, facilitating seamless integration and collaboration with existing teams.

• Delineate Duration: Clearly state the start and end dates of the contract assignment, as well as any extensions or renewals. This provides context for employment gaps and shows that you have a track record of successfully completing interim assignments.

Example 1: Contract Assignment on Interim Position Resume

Interim Project Manager - Contract Assignment (Interim Position) John Doe Consulting [Start Date] - [End Date] (Extended until [Extension Date])

• Led a cross-functional team to deliver a critical software upgrade, resulting in a 15% increase in operational efficiency within 3 months.
• Quickly acclimated to the company's unique culture and processes, facilitating seamless integration and collaboration with existing teams.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of Agile methodologies and Scrum frameworks, driving change management initiatives in fast-paced environments.

Example 2: Contract Assignment in Interim Position Context

Interim Quality Assurance Manager - Contract Assignment (Interim Position) Quality Services Inc. [Start Date] - [End Date] (Renewed until [Renewal Date])

• Coordinated and managed quality control activities across multiple departments, improving processes by 20% within the first month.

• Leveraged extensive knowledge of ISO standards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new software tools and methodologies, streamlining workflows and increasing productivity.

• Vague or Misleading Descriptions: Be clear about your role and responsibilities, avoiding generic terms like "consultant" or "assistant." Provide specific details to help potential employers understand the scope of your work.

• Overemphasis: Focus on the key achievements and contributions you made during the interim position without overwhelming the resume with too much detail. Remember that the goal is to demonstrate your skills and value while maintaining a concise, well-organized narrative.

• Confusing Dates: Ensure that the dates for each interim position are correctly ordered and do not create confusion with other roles listed on your resume. It's essential to present a clear and easy-to-understand timeline of your professional journey.