Hiring Temporary Executive Help

For top-level employment needs, consider short-term solutions

By Irwin Speizer, Freelance Writer

Temporary help isn't just for basic labor and clerical jobs these days. Maybe your chief financial officer is out on emergency medical leave, and you need someone to fill in. Or you need a skilled human resources director on a short-term basis to help your startup get up to speed. Or perhaps you're restructuring and need an interim operations manager. Temporary executives can fill these and other high-level positions for brief periods to keep your small company running smoothly. Although hiring a temporary executive can be expensive, the right person can:

Fill a critical short-term need in your company
Help your business expand rapidly
Guide your company through a new product launch
Prevent costly mistakes caused by a temporary lack of leadership
Help you through a transition or reorganization period
Give you time to seek a permanent hire

Define your requirements

A temporary executive can manage employees, oversee financial operations, run business lines or divisions or run your entire company. Determine which internal tasks need to be handled and for what period of time, and decide how you'll handle things once the period is complete.
Try: Firms specializing in placing interim executives and managers, such as ReefPoint and Cairn Executive, offer resources and tips to help you define your needs.

Try a headhunter

Most executive recruitment firms offer temporary executive services or rent-an-exec programs. Discuss the specifics of the job and the expertise required. When screening prospects, focus on how an applicant's experience matches up with your company.
Try: StaffingLinks.com offers a list of regional executive recruiters who handle temporary placements. For national recruitment firms, try Net-Temps.

Consider recent retirees

Retired executives represent a terrific pool of talent for temporary positions. They boast ample experience and often relish a short-term or part-time engagement. Your local Chamber of Commerce or SCORE office may be able to help you find recent high-level retirees in your area.
Try: Enter your city and state in the search function at ChamberOfCommerce.com to find your local Chamber of Commerce. Enter your Zip code to locate the nearest SCORE office.

Hire the executive under contract

Once you settle on a candidate, negotiate an employment agreement and get an employment contract drafted and signed.
Try: View examples of executive employment contracts at Onecle.com, or fill out an online employment contract form and an employment offer letter at LawDepot.com.