Interim Talent Checklist: Ask These Questions Before Your Next Hire

Are you looking for interim talent to help cover a gap in your work schedule? Are you amid a staffing transition and need someone on board quickly? Or perhaps you don't have the time or resources to fill an open position.

Talent is a critical part of any organization. However, finding the right people when you need them can be difficult and costly. With so many potential candidates, it can be hard to filter through the noise and find suitable candidates. 

Here are some important considerations you should take into account when hiring interim talent.

Is the Candidate Properly Vetted?

It's essential to ensure that the individual you're hiring is adequately vetted.

Here are a few indicators of the adequacy of the vetting process: 

• Job description: Is the job description accurate? Is it specific enough? Are all the requirements listed? 
• Qualifications required for the job: Are the qualifications listed realistic for the position? Are they current and valid? 
• Hiring authority: Who has the authority to make the final decision on who is hired? Is that person reliable and responsible? 
• Timeline for the hiring process: How long will it take to complete the process? What is included in that time frame? 
• Number of people who will be involved in the hiring process. Are there enough people to properly conduct the interview stages? 
• The organization's demographics: Is it large enough to handle hiring and training? What is the organization's population, age, gender, ethnic origin, and geographical location? 
• Job description requirements and qualifications: Are they realistic for this position? Are they current and valid?

Metaexperts goes beyond this. With our 300-point hiring process, you are assured your next hire is extensively and properly vetted. As a result, you get the best talent for your needs, and your organization is shielded from unnecessary risks.

Will Your New Hire Be a Good Fit?

When looking for interim talent, it is vital to consider a few key factors. Here are some of the most important:

• Are they the right fit for your business?
• Is their experience compatible with what you need?
• Can they do the job well and meet deadlines?
• Will they be a good cultural fit?
• Will they be able to work with your current team and manage their own time?

Do They Have the Right Qualifications?

When sourcing an interim hire from a talent agency, you must first ensure they have the qualifications you're looking for. 

Additionally, ensure you ask about their experience in the industry and what type of work they've done before. This will help you get a feel for whether the candidate is a good fit for your organization. If anything, it may also help you save time by narrowing down your search early on.

Finally, always get references and meet with the candidate in person. This will give you a better sense of their personality and how well they would fit into your team.

Are They Available Soon Enough?

When seeking an interim hire from a talent agency, it is vital to consider the candidate's availability. Many firms work with a limited number of clients at any given time. Therefore, it is crucial to determine if the candidate is available as soon as possible. Additionally, inquire about the process for withdrawing a candidate if necessary.

Will a Consultant Be a Better Fit?

To make the most effective decision, understanding business needs is essential. Do you need someone with specific or extensive experience in your industry? Are you looking for someone who can immediately start working on projects? 

A consultant may be appropriate if you only need advice or insights into areas that need improvement in your organization. On the other hand, an interim hire will fully immerse themselves in getting the job done.

Can You Afford Interim Talent?

Each hire carries a risk. Whether permanent or interim, your business is exposed to relatively less risk with an interim hire. This is because interim talent is more hands-on, experienced, and skilled in delivering on the set goals and expectations.

Is This Too Much Risk?

Risk is always present when sourcing an interim hire. However, the decision to use a talent agency or go through a search process yourself is ultimately up to the business owner.

Some things to consider when making this decision include the size of the company and its projected growth trajectory. In addition, weigh the pros and cons of using a talent firm versus finding a headhunter on your own.

Final Thoughts

One thing to remember is that there's no one-size-fits-all answer when sourcing an interim hire. Each business will have different needs and requirements, so it's essential to customize a search process accordingly.

Talk to the team at MetaExperts™ to determine if interim talent is the right fit for your organization.