A career as a freelance interim professional offers variety, independence, and the opportunity to apply your expertise across different organizations. Companies hire interimmers to fill temporary gaps, lead projects, or bring in specialist knowledge. These roles are typically short-term, often on-site, and come with clear responsibilities and deliverables.
This blog helps you decide if interim work suits your style, and shows you how to launch successfully.
Quick answer: An interimmer is a self-employed expert hired temporarily to provide specialist knowledge or extra capacity.
How it works: You’re brought in to achieve specific goals, such as leading a project, solving a business challenge, or filling a key role. You often collaborate with internal teams and may take on leadership responsibilities.
Example: An IT project manager hired for six months to oversee a company’s software migration.
Quick answer: All are self-employed, but the terms reflect different work styles. ZZP is the umbrella term; freelance is typically short-term and project-based; interim roles are longer-term and outcome-driven.
Why it matters: A ZZP’er (self-employed professional) can work as either a freelancer or interimmer. Freelancers often juggle multiple short assignments, while interimmers usually work full-time for one client over a longer period. This distinction affects your rate, responsibilities, and positioning.
Quick answer: Register your business, arrange insurance, set up your admin, define your rate, and build your network.
How it works: Register with the Chamber of Commerce, choose the right insurance policies, and set up your bookkeeping. Use the Striive Hourly Rate Benchmark Tool to determine a competitive rate. Grow your network through LinkedIn and industry events.
Example: An HR interimmer builds visibility by sharing insights on labor market trends via LinkedIn, attracting new assignments.
Make your expertise visible with a professional profile on Striive and LinkedIn. Respond to relevant opportunities via the Striive assignments page. Reach out directly to companies that could benefit from your skills. Networking, both online and offline, remains essential. Finding a freelance or interim job in the Netherlands doesn't have to be a challenge, and preparation is key.
Use the benchmark tool to check if your rate aligns with market standards. Justify your pricing with experience, specializations, and proven results. Adjust your rate for longer assignments or added responsibilities. Always communicate clearly what’s included in your rate.
Interim freelancing is ideal if you thrive on variety and responsibility. By understanding the differences between freelance and interim work, setting a well-founded rate, and maintaining visibility, you increase your chances of securing long-term, high-value assignments.
Use the Striive Hourly Rate Benchmark Tool and explore our services to strengthen your positioning and grow your career with confidence.