I can't do what they hired me to do

[MarillionFan]

Happened in my career a few times. I interview well and so sometimes the interviewer offers based on that as opposed to the actual skills.

I've done the skill up. Bit stressful but doable.
I've reached out to other contractors with the skills to lend a hand until I skill up and I do remember once coming up front that I didn't have those exact skills and we just parted company. Whatever you reckon you can swing is valid.

[Bronco Billy]

For me, the OP reads that you are being asked to do something completely different to what you were hired to do ? If so, I would have thought that a huge negative pointer for D&C. Unfortunately this happens from time to time.

In answer to the question, my contracting philosophy (pre-IR35) was to always try and be as flexible as possible to a client's needs. My reasoning being that it stood you in good stead for being extended, or re-hired at a later date.

It's as much about damage limitation for me. As recommended above, I'd mention that you are lacking experience in the relevant technology, while also showing willing in being proactive to try and pick up as much as you can.

It may result in you being terminated, in which case you can move on. Or you may even be moved to a project more relevant to your current skills.

Whichever way, don't panic. If you play it correctly then it could turn out to be a good opportunity.

[BrilloPad]

What are brilliant learning experience for you. Thing of the skills you will add to your CV at the end. Sounds like you are doing the right thing - just carry on.

They wont want to terminate you - imagine the aggro of getting in someone else.

[d000hg]

My advice to you is - Everything you need is on the internet. - you have forums you could post questions online. What you about to do -- someone else have probably done it.

All you need is about 4 hours on the internet for 4 days and you would catch up real quick.

Talk less if you dont understand and ask tactical questions . -

This is often not the case for proprietary technologies, though it is becoming rarer thankfully.

[suityou01]

When in meetings try to be as vague as possible while skilling up. Here's a few for you :

It's a reasonable question. Several answers spring to mind but I'd rather give this some more thought. The devil is in the detail.

I agree totally, but it's never that simple. So long as we meet the requirements with something robust and on budget I'm happy.

Let me think on that.

I'm still coming up to speed with the business side of things, can you pop your query in an email and I'll get back to you by end of day.

[d000hg]

Listen to SY01. He's an expert on this.

[suityou01]

Listen to SY01. He's an expert on this.

<nodding>

[jmo21]

I'm only 3 days in, what would happen if I speak to my boss and request they terminate my contract and there's no need to pay me. I'll happily not be paid if it means I don't get sued. Is this something that they might accept?
Would my recruitment agent - who is effectively the one paying me and with whom I signed the contract, will they attempt to sue me?

My questions are: Who should I speak to about terminating the contract and what are the possible implications? Serious answers only please.

If you really want to quit, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Usually you hand in your notice to your agent, but in this instance I feel talking to the client about it might help, and might remove any hassle from the agency.
Go to your client contact, tell them why. Tell them you are giving them your notice period whatever that its (month etc), but you are happy to leave immediately, or with a day's handover for anything you might have done.

[evilagent]

Thanks to everyone for the serious responses.

This isn't a case that I can't do it - I've read documentation and taught myself the technology, it's just the speed and quality I think the client is expecting.

I'm only 3 days in, what would happen if I speak to my boss and request they terminate my contract and there's no need to pay me. I'll happily not be paid if it means I don't get sued. Is this something that they might accept?
Would my recruitment agent - who is effectively the one paying me and with whom I signed the contract, will they attempt to sue me?

My questions are: Who should I speak to about terminating the contract and what are the possible implications? Serious answers only please.

Quantify what you can do, and what you cant.
What are they expecting you to do that is on your CV.
What are they expecting you to do that is not on your CV.

If you can say "I can do 80% of this", etc, they/you can gauge whether its worth keeping you on, and helping you skill-up.

If the workload isnt on your CV as a skill, tell them that, and also the effort you made to skill-up.

If the "I can do XX%" is high enough, they may give you workload closer to your skills; if too low, they may decide to drop you.

Proactively approach them, and quantify what you can do, and what you cant.
I might want to wait until they have signed at least 1 timesheet though!!

[rurffy]

Thanks to everyone for the serious responses.

This isn't a case that I can't do it - I've read documentation and taught myself the technology, it's just the speed and quality I think the client is expecting.

I'm only 3 days in, what would happen if I speak to my boss and request they terminate my contract and there's no need to pay me. I'll happily not be paid if it means I don't get sued. Is this something that they might accept?
Would my recruitment agent - who is effectively the one paying me and with whom I signed the contract, will they attempt to sue me?

My questions are: Who should I speak to about terminating the contract and what are the possible implications? Serious answers only please.

This is exactly why people miss their luck and don't grow.
For some reason i think you are at the right place at the right time. Use that opportunity mate!! Dont be a scary bloke!

And be friendly with you boss - you can do it if you dedicate your time.

Ok. enough of my encouragement!
Do what you want!!!