Do's and Dont's for contractors (and other questions)

**pmeswani** · 31 December 2010, 11:03

See inline comments/

Originally posted by tulipz View Post

Hi All,
I am a new contractor. I've been a permie for over 7yrs. I have no contractor friends so I am finding it really difficult to seek some day to day advice

Here are some of my questions. Could veterans please share your thoughts?

1. What are basic do's and dont's for a contractor. I am worried I might end up doing something (thats okay for a permie to do) thats a total no-no for a contractor!

*** Don't expect your contract to last more than your notice period. Don't get comfortable, otherwise you may be seen as a disguised employee. Also read the First Timers Guide on the right and side.

2. What are the things I should strictly follow to manage an extension? I am very keen on working with this client long term since I like the team here and also, its quite close to home.

*** Extensions are never guaranteed, no matter how well you do, or how nice you are. Do the job as required, and when your contract is due to expire, ask the question. Don't get political with anyone.

3. I am a Business Analyst, planning to take ISEB Diploma. What other certifications will make my CV strong enough for getting an interview? (I am thinking long term here. My current contract is for 6 months)

*** Qualifications are role dependant. I don't know much a bout ISEB, so can't tell you how relevant it will be to the market you are in. But my advice is don't rely on your qualifications to get you an interview, just rely on your skills that have been acquired during your career. Use qualifications as value add.

4. Some more questions:
a) is it okay to browse the internet while at work? (not all the time, but just sometimes, like 15mins break?)
b) Should I strictly follow the teams timings? (all of them come in at 9am sharp...I usually come in at 9:10. Wondering if I should strictly disipline myself)

*** Always read your Clients AUP and follow it. Surf the internet as and when required. If you want to do some personal stuff, do it during your lunch break. Don't assume your client isn't monitoring your surfing habits. If access to web-email is allowed, then use it prudently. Don't over use it otherwise it could be treated as suspicious, even if you haven't done anything wrong.

5) If you are a manager/lead handling contractors, what are the things you'll look for to extend the contract? also, what things will p*** you off badly that you decide not to extend (or even terminate) the contract?

*** I'm not a manger or a team lead, but if you don't intend to renew and topic arises in good time, tell your client sooner rather than later. (If you are going via an agent, tell your agent first, and let them handle the relationship with the client).

Sorry if these questions seem silly, but trust me, these are genuinely my doubts.

*** You are right, these are silly questions.

Thank you,
Tulipz

**Scrag Meister** · 31 December 2010, 11:44

Try reading some other sections of the site.

Contractor UK :: First Timers Guide - for IT Contractors
Guide to Recruitment Agencies for IT Contractors :: Contractor UK

**VectraMan** · 31 December 2010, 12:14

How is it that somebody is able to sell their services as a "business analyst", yet needs to ask what role contractors play in a business and what is expected of them?

**tulipz** · 31 December 2010, 12:59

Originally posted by VectraMan View Post

How is it that somebody is able to sell their services as a "business analyst", yet needs to ask what role contractors play in a business and what is expected of them?

I do my job really well. Period. THats the reason this client offered me a contract (I worked with them before as a permie)

The reason I posted those questions was to know if there is anything ELSE that is taken quite seriously (that I am unaware of) in the contracting world.

I am reading through the first timers guide. Thank you. But that doesnt address most of these questions.

Also, I am quite disappointed by the attitude of the above poster. Either help/dont help. .. Yes, I DONT KNOW whats expected from me (apart from doing my job well).. Were you born with this knowledge? You learnt it from experience or you must have spoken to other contractors. I am doing the second one here. Any problems?

As I said, my questions are genuine. I've done my homework, but still didnt find answers to them. Thats the reason I posted here. I'd rather ask questions (however silly they might sound) than be a fool not asking them.

Ps: I read on another forum that someone lost a contract (terminated) because he made a few personal phone calls from his office phone. How silly is that?

**nomadd** · 31 December 2010, 13:18

Originally posted by tulipz View Post

Also, I am quite disappointed by the attitude of the above poster. Either help/dont help. .. Yes, I DONT KNOW whats expected from me (apart from doing my job well).. Were you born with this knowledge? You learnt it from experience or you must have spoken to other contractors. I am doing the second one here. Any problems?

That's the spirit! You are now learning what it's like to be a contractor.

My tips (after 22 years in "The Game"):

1. Don't - ever - get involved in any office politics.
2. Try and be polite and thoroughly professional at all times. But at the same time, never, ever take any s-h-i-t-e from permies - especially permie Managers. If you don't fight your own corner as a contractor, no one will fight it for you and you'll end up in a world of s...
3. Invoice on time. Immediately chase agent over any late payment.
4. Certifications aren't worth much these days. Don't sweat over them. Still, if it's something you have a genuine interest in, do it anyway.
5. Experience is ALL as a contractor - much more than qualifications. Try to work across a broad spread of industries. Oh, and if you plan on staying in the UK as a contractor, make sure one of those industries is Investment Banking.
6. Socialise with the permies, but always be on your guard regarding what you say, especially after a few drinks.

**VectraMan** · 31 December 2010, 14:20

Originally posted by tulipz View Post

Were you born with this knowledge?

No, I built knowledge and experience though years of permiedom. Asking whether it's okay to arrive by 9:10 and are allowed to use the internet at work makes you sound like an 18 year old starting his first job. A support monkey, or developer asking these question might not be so bad, because the required expertise is technical, but I thought it was ironic that a Business Anaylst was asking these sorts of questions.

If you want some helpful advice: if you meet and preferably exceed the client's expectations, none of this other stuff will matter. They'll give you extensions because they know they can count on you, not for qualifications or because you're punctual. But remember that part of being a contractor is fitting in, so you don't want to wave your extra freedom (and £50 notes) in front of the permies too often or people will start to see you as a source of friction.

You can bet that in the case of the contractor "terminated for using the phone", that was just the excuse the client used to get rid of somebody who was otherwise useless.

**cojak** · 31 December 2010, 15:22

Originally posted by tulipz View Post

Ps: I read on another forum that someone lost a contract (terminated) because he made a few personal phone calls from his office phone. How silly is that?

Welcome to CUK, Tulipz. Ignore the other posters while you're in the Professional forums. (and can I please remind the other posters to go easy on newbies here, Tulipz did ask reasonable questions)

As for advice:

Be good at your job.
Be a quick learner.
Don't be the drunkest person in the pub.
You have 2 ears and 1 mouth, use them in that order.

As for your PS, you can bet your sweet patootie that a couple of private phone calls weren't the only reason he was terminated.

**Clippy** · 31 December 2010, 15:32

Originally posted by tulipz View Post

Also, I am quite disappointed by the attitude of the above poster. Either help/dont help. .. Yes, I DONT KNOW whats expected from me (apart from doing my job well).. Were you born with this knowledge? You learnt it from experience or you must have spoken to other contractors. I am doing the second one here. Any problems?

As I said, my questions are genuine. I've done my homework, but still didnt find answers to them. Thats the reason I posted here. I'd rather ask questions (however silly they might sound) than be a fool not asking them.

At least half of your questions would be better addressed to the client/colleagues rather than a bunch of strangers on the internet. No?

**pmeswani** · 1 January 2011, 10:32

Originally posted by tulipz View Post

Ps: I read on another forum that someone lost a contract (terminated) because he made a few personal phone calls from his office phone. How silly is that?

Not really silly. I have known permies to be shown the door for making personal International phone calls on company phone line.

I don't know the circumstances surrounding the other forum, but suffice to say, the business is well within their rights to terminate the contract if the contractor is in breach of their acceptable T's & C's.

Do's and Dont's for contractors (and other questions)