Most interim managers make a conscious decision to embark on a new career possibly as a result of taking early retirement or following redundancy. Others may have started as business consultants and gradually found themselves acting as interim managers. Whichever way they have started, they quickly find that interim management offers a challenging and worthwhile career working on a variety of interesting assignments, and one that is usually well paid.

To find out more about interim management and whether it is a suitable career path for you, two organisations offer regular workshops and seminars for people considering this route. The Interim Management Association runs a one day Induction Workshop through the IMA-Institute; for dates and venues please see under our heading 'EVENTS'. Veredus, an interim provider (formerly PriceWaterhouseCoopers), offer regular introductory seminars in London, Birmingham and Leeds and details can be found at www.veredus.co.uk.

Assignments can sometimes come from past employers and clients, though more likely from agencies specializing in interim management (known as providers) of which there are many throughout the country. Ideally you should register with between 15 and 20 that focus on your particular line of work.

For a detailed database of the leading providers click here.

In addition, a large number of assignments are filled by interim managers who actively seek new work through their own networking contacts rather than relying totally on providers.

Many individuals mix interim work with consultancy work, (although not usually simultaneously!) and it is often appropriate to modify your approach according to the type of work you are looking for. With certain types of consultancy work, it may be more appropriate to sell yourself, not so much as an individual with a CV, but as the principal director of a consultancy company that specialises in certain areas. This involves setting out what your company has to offer a client rather than what you have achieved as an individual over the last 'x' years, although in setting out your company brochure, you may well include a certain amount of information about yourself. You may also wish to offer additional expertise and/or resources, which could be drawn upon if required, and this would require you to have the appropriate contacts. It may even be appropriate for you yourself to use an interim manager from an agency to support you in your work.