Personal Marketing – the Essential Tool for Senior Interim Success

Last week, Rutherford Cross gathered together a group of high level finance professionals specialising in interim and contract work, facilitated by Scott Taylor, Interim CFO.

The aim of the meeting, which included attendees from a broad range of backgrounds including; Energy, Business Services, Tech, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Higher Education, FMCG, Transport, and Oil & Gas, was to share information and expertise on how to ensure success as an interim and contract professional in the world of finance.

The group discussed everything from the importance of personal marketing and approach on assignment, to adapting to digital and technological advances.  What was abundantly clear was that in order to secure the most profitable interim positions, candidates need to be experts at marketing themselves.

As a result, we’ve pulled together some top tips from the event – a must read for any senior finance interim.

Make your CV Work

  • Candidates should have multiple CVs, or should tailor their CV to each individual assignment
  • Whilst it’s important to ensure CVs are concise, don’t cut it too short as you may leave out key details that can help secure the next role

Focus on Social

  • Linkedin a very important tool and a big part of an interim’s networking capabilities
  • A LinkedIn profile should be an abbreviated version of your CV – remember to include keywords from your CV in your LinkedIn profile also

Use your Network

  • Having a strong network is vital in securing future assignments. An assignment may come directly through your network, or a positive referral from a reliable source in your network can help set you apart when you are going through a competitive process via your Recruitment Consultant
  • Remember it is not simply enough to meet people, you need to add value to ensure that you are remembered
  • Get an understanding on what they do, ask questions and make suggestions. Link your experience and give a free preview of the value you could add to their organisation

Know your Strengths….and Weaknesses

  • Always be yourself at interview – if you’re not this will very likely become apparent early in the assignment
  • It is essential to know your own strengths and weaknesses, and be honest with yourself throughout the interview process to ensure that you are the right fit for the assignment

Do the Research

  • Research the business and opportunity as thoroughly for an interim interview as you would for a permanent interview
  • The questions you ask at interview are vital and are a great way of displaying the depth of understanding you have about the assignment. Asking the right questions can be the difference between securing the assignment or not
  • You personal brand is not just about how you market yourself but is also about how you go about your daily business

 

At Rutherford Cross we handle a number of interim and contract assignments for businesses across Scotland and the UK.  For more information on opportunities available, or to find out more about our events programme, contact [email protected].