POSTED Wednesday 13-08-25
What Drives Professionals to Accept Interim Roles? Insights from Our Poll
We recently conducted a LinkedIn poll asking our network: What’s the most important factor when deciding to take on an interim position? The results were revealing, offering a fascinating glimpse into what interim professionals value most in today’s dynamic employment landscape.
Here’s how respondents ranked their top priorities:
Company Reputation: 41%
Duration: 21%
Day Rate: 20%
Future Permanent Opportunity: 18%
Let’s unpack what these results mean and why each factor can make or break a professional’s decision to accept an interim assignment.
Company Reputation: The Decisive Factor
At the top of the list, company reputation was the clear winner, with 41% of respondents saying it’s their number one consideration when choosing an interim role. This speaks volumes about how professionals view the importance of aligning themselves with respected organisations.
A strong reputation signals stability, professionalism, and ethical practices. Interim professionals often rely on their CV and track record to secure future opportunities; having a respected company name on their resume boosts credibility with future clients or employers. Additionally, reputable firms tend to have better-defined processes, clearer scopes, and supportive cultures, all of which make an interim assignment smoother and more rewarding.
Duration: A Key Source of Stability
Coming in second, duration was selected by 21% of respondents. This highlights how, despite the flexible and often short-term nature of interim roles, professionals still crave a degree of certainty. Longer assignments provide stability, allowing interim workers to focus on delivering value rather than worrying about lining up their next contract. Extended engagements also enable them to build deeper relationships and make a more meaningful impact within the organisation.
Day Rate: Fair Compensation Still Matters
It’s no surprise that day rate was a key consideration, earning 20% of the votes. Interim professionals typically bring a high level of expertise, experience, and adaptability to the table—qualities that deserve competitive compensation. A fair day rate helps offset the inherent risks of interim work, such as lack of long-term security and benefits, while also recognising the intensity and rapid ramp-up required in most interim positions.
Future Permanent Opportunity: Looking Beyond the Interim
Rounding out the results, 18% of respondents said future permanent opportunity was their top factor. This shows that many professionals see interim roles as more than just short-term gigs; they can be a valuable pathway to permanent employment. Interim assignments give both parties a chance to assess fit. Professionals can evaluate whether they like the culture, team, and challenges, while employers can observe performance before making a permanent offer.
What These Findings Mean for Employers and Professionals
For employers, these results are a reminder that your company’s reputation is one of your strongest assets in attracting top interim talent. Investing in your employer brand pays dividends, as does being transparent about contract duration and offering fair compensation. If you’re open to converting interim roles to permanent positions, be clear about that from the start. It can attract candidates looking for long-term opportunities.
For interim professionals, these insights highlight the value of clarifying your own priorities before accepting an assignment. Do you value stability and the potential for permanent employment, or are you focused on maximising earnings and building your resume with reputable brands? Knowing what matters most to you helps you make better, more strategic career choices.
Conclusion
Our poll underscores that while practical considerations like pay and contract length remain important, the reputation of the company stands out as the single biggest driver for professionals choosing their next interim assignment. Organisations that invest in their brand, treat interim talent well, and communicate clearly will continue to attract the best professionals in a competitive market.
