Getting started: three starting points, a few clear rules.
The path depends on who contacts me: a recruitment agency, the company running the project or the end client. Some conditions, however, always apply.
Direct or through intermediariesAgency, software house or end client: the steps change, the rules don't.
Clear rules from the startConfidentiality, duration and what I don't do, stated from the first conversation.
Three starting points
01
Recruitment agency
First the working relationship is defined, then we talk about projects.
It usually starts with an interview with HR staff: framework contract, CV and rates. At this stage I also make clear what I don't do. When a suitable opportunity comes up, the agency arranges a call; from there things proceed as in cases 02 and 03, but the discussion covers only the project and my CV, because everything else is already settled.
The steps
Interview with HR staff
Framework contract, CV and rates
What I don't do, stated up front
A call about the project when there is an opportunity
02
Company running the project
At least one technical call, to check the fit with the project.
We discuss the project, my CV and the team's working methods. If the contact is directly with this company, the general terms are explained first, and the agreements are signed after a positive interview. In some cases the first contract is a 2–3 month trial period, followed by a long-term contract.
The steps
Technical call on project, CV and methods
General terms explained
Agreements signed after a positive outcome
03
End client
The path depends on how the contact comes about.
If the introduction comes through an agency or an intermediary company, it may be immediate or require another interview with the client's staff, depending on how the project is organised. After a positive assessment, onboarding at the client begins and we go into the details of the project.
If the contact is direct, I start by analysing the client's situation and problems. From there we choose the most suitable form: a fixed-price project, with analysis of the request and a technical and financial proposal, or an ongoing collaboration, invoiced periodically for the work done.
With a direct client
Analysis of the situation and problems
Fixed-price project: technical and financial proposal
Or ongoing collaboration, invoiced periodically
Conditions that always apply
Confidentiality
Confidentiality agreements on every engagement.
Respect for the end client
With agencies and intermediaries, I undertake not to work directly with the end client for the agreed period.
Minimum duration
On complex projects it is normally 6 months, because ramp-up takes 3–4. Sometimes the first contract is a 2–3 month trial period.
Remote
I work mainly remotely. Visits to the client are possible on request, but because of travel costs they are usually occasional.
I work with my own licences, for example for Visual Studio: always with direct clients, and according to their policy with intermediaries.
Hardware
I normally work on my own hardware; I use client machines when specific software or security and administration requirements call for it.
What I don't do
I say it from the first conversation, so that nobody wastes time.
Projects on obsolete stacks. The exception is migration to current technologies.
Work centred on the database: administration, or engagements where a significant part of the work is database development, such as complex stored procedures.
Fixed on-site presence one or two days a week, partly because of the costs. Occasional travel on request is fine.
The first message
A little information is enough to see straight away whether and how I can help.
who you are: recruitment agency, service provider, end client or other;