Starting a new job - tips

[JackOfAllIT]

Hi All, after being an employee for 7 years im about to start my 4th contract. Starting a new job is never easy and im getting better at it now.

Starting a new one on Tuesday as a project manager (I have 6 years experience in project management) and was just wondering if there are any general tips that you may have around best things to do at the start of a new contract in terms of getting off on the right foot with the right people.

Of course theres the obvious stuff like be on time, look smart, etc etc. Im not so good at remembering names so this is something I will focus on as well as finding out ASAP who does what are my agenda for the first week.

Any tips and general input on this would be much apreciated

[BrilloPad]

Park your ferrari in the MD parking spot. Wave round wads of £50s like Harry Enfield. Offer to bleed all the radiators.

[cojak]

Don't expect serious answers if you post a question in General.

[MrMarkyMark]

Walk into the MDs office, whack out a large bag of Coke, pour a pile on his desk and ask him if if fancies a livener.

Always works for me.

HTH

[Milkyway]

@OP: did you get your contract reviewed for IR35? And did it pass, before you signed it.
Also after you start the work, watch out your working practices to be in compliance with IR35 regulations.

[original PM]

@OP: did you get your contract reviewed for IR35? And did it pass, before you signed it.
Also after you start the work, watch out your working practices to be in compliance with IR35 regulations.

Must be easter... Some half sensible advice.

[original PM]

Also first things understand the environment you are in.

Is it stable or has it recently gone through changes/restructure.

If it is a stable environment you may find there are already processes in place so learn em and use em.

What is the general view of 'projects' or more generally 'change'.

Listen for who is make the most noise and unless they are a major stakeholder or sme then get the quiet ones on board.

[alreadypacked]

Find out what the problems on the project are, if they say there are none, you have a problem. you need to find them.

You need to look at the documention, see how it's weighted. Are all areas covered evenly?

Maybe it's just me but usually they don't bring in a contractor unless there is a problem.

[northernladuk]

You don't sound very confident in yourself. How do you get contracts sounding like that???

[MrMarkyMark]