Applying at a computer repair shop...

[steezemageeze]

I'm thinking of applying for a job a computer repair shop down the road from me. I've never been there before, since my dad and I have always done our own repairs (he majored in Comp Sci and works IT). I was wondering if I really have a chance at getting employed there. First, and most importantly, 16 on January 4th, and I have never had a job before. I think I have the knowledge to work there, but I'd like a second opinion. What should I make sure I know going into it? What kind of questions might they ask? Should I have some kind of resume, and what should I put on it? 

[SPAS-ID]

then you must know how to solder and desolder the Board which is pretty hard

[TetraSky]

Depends, are they even hiring?

Usually, small computer repair shops already have all the employees they need. (ie the owner and possibly one or two others)

[KirbyTech]

You should wait till you are 16 and yes you need a resume. I would get my A+ in the mean time since I know every shop here requires it and I figure they would there too.

[EpicGeekonFire]

Seldom that they even need extra help. 

 

You should know how to use a rework station and solder etc.

 

Otherwise, basic knowledge about computer hardware and past repair experience. 

[Opeth747]

You're probably too young, but I don't know. All the shops around here require at least an A+ Certification. 

[steezemageeze]

Soldering sounds like it'd be a bitch, but I learn quickly. And 200 bucks is a lot to waste on an certification that doesn't even guarantee I'll get the job... Maybe Burger King would be a better idea.... ugh.

[Guest]

I'd say wait until summer and get a summer job.

[MatthewEnderle]

Honestly all these people saying that you need to know how to solder is garbage. If a client comes in with a computer that needs a component soldered they probably won't have a new guy do it. Since you're young you will want to approach them and say something along the lines that you are really interested in the professional side of the IT business and that you would like to shadow them and help out. If you are dedicated and like they WILL hire you regardless whether they are actually hiring or not. You probably won't believe me, but you should try it. What do you have to lose if you don't have a job anyways.

 

I've had a ton of jobs throughout many career fields by doing this method.

 

Also about the whole A+ thing, I wouldn't worry about it unless they come to you after a while and say they'll hire you if you get the cert. If they say that you can probably ask them about sponsoring your test, meaning it's free or cheap to you but then you will be obligated to work for them for said months.

[Opeth747]

Soldering sounds like it'd be a bitch, but I learn quickly. And 200 bucks is a lot to waste on an certification that doesn't even guarantee I'll get the job... Maybe Burger King would be a better idea.... ugh.

I have an A+ Certification. Very handy to have. 

If you want to get into the tech field I would change that view. It's a good place to start. 

[steezemageeze]

Honestly all these people saying that you need to know how to solder is garbage. If a client comes in with a computer that needs a component soldered they probably won't have a new guy do it. Since you're young you will want to approach them and say something along the lines that you are really interested in the professional side of the IT business and that you would like to shadow them and help out. If you are dedicated and like they WILL hire you regardless whether they are actually hiring or not. You probably won't believe me, but you should try it. What do you have to lose if you don't have a job anyways.

 

I've had a ton of jobs throughout many career fields by doing this method.

 

That was my thoughts exactly. It can't kill me to just ask, right?

[KirbyTech]

Soldering sounds like it'd be a bitch, but I learn quickly. And 200 bucks is a lot to waste on an certification that doesn't even guarantee I'll get the job... Maybe Burger King would be a better idea.... ugh.

If you want to do anything in IT then A+ is worth it, even for down the road. It is not a waste of money unless you plan to not work in IT.

[steezemageeze]

I have an A+ Certification. Very handy to have. 

If you want to get into the tech field I would change that view. It's a good place to start. 

 

I don't doubt that it's handy to have... It's just that the whole reason I want to get a job is because I don't have a lot of money.

[MatthewEnderle]

That was my thoughts exactly. It can't kill me to just ask, right?

The only thing worse than failure is regret. 

 

Also IDK if you read my third paragraph since I edited it in and it's not in your quote.

[Opeth747]

The only thing worse than failure is regret. 

 

Also IDK if you read my third paragraph since I edited it in and it's not in your quote.

He of course can try. But literally the majority of shops require at least an A+. They don't usually hire without some experience, either. Maybe his local shop is different, though.

Do they have a website? They might list on there what they require. 

[steezemageeze]

The only thing worse than failure is regret. 

 

Also IDK if you read my third paragraph since I edited it in and it's not in your quote.

 

I didn't see the third paragraph originally, but again, that's exactly what I was thinking. We must think very alike lol

[MatthewEnderle]

If I had a guy that came in with an A+ and no job experience and a guy that came in without any certs but could prove to me that he can troubleshoot I would pick the later guy because troubleshooting can't be taught. Troubleshooting will be the make-or-break part of getting hired. Sure knowing the difference between dual-link and single-link DVI cables is nice, but being able to determine that this computer is not working because the bios needs a videocard in order to boot is more favorable. I know you can pass a test on that, but can you apply that to the real world situations where everything is timed.

 

I work on a jet for the airforce and there are 10+ operators on there and if a piece of equipment goes down I have to know exactly what broke. My instructors can tell me what it does, signal flow, connections, etc, but can they tell me that if abc computer dies that xyz radio wont work in this mode? Sure that sounds easy, but what about when that system is life or death and abc computer is running, and xyz radio doesn't work? Then what? A+ cert won't help you there, what will is called a screwdriver-on-the-rocks.

[steezemageeze]

He of course can try. But literally the majority of shops require at least an A+. They don't usually hire without some experience, either. Maybe his local shop is different, though.

Do they have a website? They might list on there what they require. 

 

 

We are Microsoft Professional-certified in computer repair and have served central Pennsylvania computer users with a variety of computer services since 1990.

 

 

That's the only thing on their website about certifications. I looked into MS professional certs before and couldn't figure out which one I needed

[Opeth747]

If I had a guy that came in with an A+ and no job experience and a guy that came in without any certs but could prove to me that he can troubleshoot I would pick the later guy because troubleshooting can't be taught. Troubleshooting will be the make-or-break part of getting hired. Sure knowing the difference between dual-link and single-link DVI cables is nice, but being able to determine that this computer is not working because the bios needs a videocard in order to boot is more favorable. I know you can pass a test on that, but can you apply that to the real world situations where everything is timed.

 

I work on a jet for the airforce and there are 10+ operators on there and if a piece of equipment goes down I have to know exactly what broke. My instructors can tell me what it does, signal flow, connections, etc, but can they tell me that if abc computer dies that xyz radio wont work in this mode? Sure that sounds easy, but what about when that system is life or death and abc computer is running, and xyz radio doesn't work? Then what? A+ cert won't help you there, what will is called a screwdriver-on-the-rocks.

As I said, A+ and real-experience. That might be you, but unfortunately that's not how it works most of the time. I'm speaking from experience, as I have worked for multiple computer shops. 

[vXhanz]

I would apply regardless of what others on here tell you. You'll learn a lot through applying, getting rejected, or applying and getting accepted. You won't know unless you try. 

 

Since your dad is in IT and has experience in the tech field, have him help you draft a resume (I recommend this to anyone, even a teenager). You can even use your "life skills" (though limited) to list your repair experience/computer building skills, as well as punctuality (school), attention to detail, etc. If you do any volunteer work at your church, or help others in class (tutoring) these things help as well. 

 

Go to the shop and see how they dress too, is it polo's and slacks? Or do they wear pressed shirts and ties? Either way you'll want to dress up, shine your shoes, cut your hair and be well groomed. 

 

Burger king isn't the best job in the world, though it will bring you some cash. I used to work there when I was your age, and don't miss it at all. 

[MatthewEnderle]

Also when I got into IT I was in 8th grade and transferred to the public schools. My teachers noticed that I knew my way around computers and I was admitted into an apprenticeship with the technology administrator and basically did all the front end work. They approached me at the end of the year and asked if I had a job for the summer, did now. I did all the server migration from Novel Zenworks to Microsoft's Active Directory and created a multitude of scripts and programs that allow them to manage students across all the school district's systems. Many of the scripts are being used by other schools throughout the state. Since then I've had job offers from multiple companies. I got denied a job later because I was too Cocky and came off like a know-it-all guy. After that I switched to farming and loved it more.

 

#endersbio

[Opeth747]

I would apply regardless of what others on here tell you. You'll learn a lot through applying, getting rejected, or applying and getting accepted. You won't know unless you try. 

 

Since your dad is in IT and has experience in the tech field, have him help you draft a resume (I recommend this to anyone, even a teenager). You can even use your "life skills" (though limited) to list your repair experience/computer building skills, as well as punctuality (school), attention to detail, etc. If you do any volunteer work at your church, or help others in class (tutoring) these things help as well. 

 

Go to the shop and see how they dress too, is it polo's and slacks? Or do they wear pressed shirts and ties? Either way you'll want to dress up, shine your shoes, cut your hair and be well groomed. 

 

Burger king isn't the best job in the world, though it will bring you some cash. I used to work there when I was your age, and don't miss it at all. 

I agree. I'm definitely not trying to discourage him. I'm just giving it to him straight. 

But, yeah. You won't know unless you try. 

[brandishwar]

First, ignore the ones saying to get an A+ cert. You're not yet 16. They're not going to expect you to have one. Instead knowing how to apply what you've learned is what'll make or break you. I did PC troubleshooting 15 years ago as a side gig for the community college I attended. I knew my stuff, and I could demonstrate that, and that's what matters more than a piece of paper.

Best way to get your foot in the door is to actually get your foot in the door -- i.e. walk in and talk to them. Not about a job, but see if you can just shoot the breeze about computers and troubleshooting and learning about who they are. That's how you show them you know your stuff and have an interest in what they do. Depending on how the conversations go, they may offer something or they may not, depending on whether they're looking for someone. But you first need to get your face in front of them and talk with them. Even if they're not hiring now, they may keep you in mind.

[RuffRuffmcgruff]

My First job was in a Laptop repair shop, I was 17 and all I did was format drives and install OS. As mentioned before a lot of the specialist issues will be handled by the more specialised person. Just make sure you know the basic components and know how to deal with people !