Before starting a contract, consider the following:

• Is a BPSS check necessary?
• Is a DBS check necessary?
• Is the start date dependent on the client providing a laptop and completing setup?

Red Flags and Lessons Learned

• Be cautious when:
  • Code reviews are done by someone not actively working with you or partially working with you.
  • Organizations use ServiceNow for project requests instead of support/change tickets.
  • There are no operational tasks done in a squad/team.
  • The lead engineer is not working on your project.
• Best practices:
  • Get to know all ongoing projects before focusing on one.
  • Create a onboarding Jira ticket if possible.
  • Conduct 1-to-1 meetings with all team members.
  • Focus on making a positive impact and building workplace relationships rather than just performance.

Questions to Ask the Client

To determine the viability of a consulting project, consider the following factors:

1. Can the client easily find a solution online?

• Ideally, the answer should be “no”, indicating that the problem requires specialized expertise.

2. What are the consequences of a failed solution?

• The cost of failure should be significant, but not catastrophic. This could include financial losses, reputational damage, or operational disruptions.

3. How quickly can you deliver a solution?

• The faster you can deliver a working solution, the better. This demonstrates your value to the client and helps build trust.

4. How confident are you in your ability to deliver a great solution?

• You should be 100% confident in your ability to deliver a high-quality solution. Anything less may undermine the client’s trust and make it harder to close the deal.

1: Introduction

Self-promotion is one of the key ingredients of success in the workplace. This guide will provide you with tips and tricks to help you sell yourself and advance in your career.

2: Pronouns and Communication

Using the right pronouns in conversation can be a subtle yet effective way of self-promoting. Taking credit for your work and avoiding the use of “we” when discussing individual accomplishments can help you get the recognition you deserve.