First gig - general advice

[PurpleGorilla]

I start my first contract shortly. I want to set the right contractor tone (not a permie, not a push over), and behave appropriately (capable, value adding).

So back to basics advice please. What tips would you give in terms of starting out?

Thanks

[GazCol]

I start my first contract shortly. I want to set the right contractor tone (not a permie, not a push over), and behave appropriately (capable, value adding).

So back to basics advice please. What tips would you give in terms of starting out?

Thanks

Keep your head down and keep invoicing.

[Antman]

Can this thread be moved into General?

[NickNick]

First gig I ever had the advice another contractor gave me was "Be the first in and the last out every day". Mind you this was at a small start up who were paying very well.

[cojak]

Can this thread be moved into General?

No. It's a valid question.

[cojak]

I start my first contract shortly. I want to set the right contractor tone (not a permie, not a push over), and behave appropriately (capable, value adding).

So back to basics advice please. What tips would you give in terms of starting out?

Thanks

You already know.

• Define what is 'capable' from the client's point of view, learn fast.
• Discover how you can 'add value' to the client - what do they need? Why did they engage you?
• Expect to deliver 'something' (a bit of the need) by the end of the 1st week (at the latest).

Don't expect to be spoon-fed by the client - that's a permie trait. Be self-sufficient and find out stuff yourself.

[GillsMan]

Deliver what the client needs, not what the client wants.

[Antman]

No. It's a valid question.

Awww.

+1 for Cojak's last suggestion, it can be an excel sheet with some numbers to state a problem that is known in the org (but no-one's actually defined) with some suggestions as to how to solve it.

All the best.

[Old Greg]

I start my first contract shortly. I want to set the right contractor tone (not a permie, not a push over), and behave appropriately (capable, value adding).

So back to basics advice please. What tips would you give in terms of starting out?

Thanks

Let's say you have six month contract with the possibility of being extended. For a first contract, I would suggest that getting an extension is very important. Your deportment and work outputs should be aimed at getting that extension. So, have a think over the first couple of weeks about what criteria they will use to give you that extension and then keep that in mind in everything you do.

In my first contract I was one of 50 contractors on the project. I was the last one out. I'm not so worried about it now, but it was important to have a long contract on my CV and build up a warchest. Good luck.

[PurpleGorilla]

Some great advice here - much appreciated.