Tips for Job in Computer shops?

[FMT_WL]

Hey guys!!

 

I want to get a job at local computer shop, but I don't know what sort of skills are MUST HAVE and GOOD TO HAVE.

 

Right now, I've been feeding myself with lots of videos on Youtube (Linus, Jayz, HardwardCanucks, Bitwit) to learn about current PC market, but I don't have too much hands on experience with hardware. All the practical experiences that I have are from building my own system, and a casual employment as a computer technician. But the experience i have with my casual employment is mostly setting up new computers, fixing network issue and replacing faulty parts in a system, so I'm not sure whether that's going to be a huge bonus for a PC builder.

 

Anyway, I'm open for all suggestion! Thanks!!

[themctipers]

in my area theres only one or two people tending the 'computer shops' (not places like canada computer, more like hole in the mall type shop)

that means you basically have to do everything and y'know.. talk to people and sell things, which is scary, /r/talesfromtechsupport,

also, get ready to know how much of a pain in the ass laptops are to service, and the normal common problems (virus, hdd failure, etc)

 

see what position you are interested in.. and see what position they're hiring..

[Crunchy Dragon]

Certifications can go a long way, especially in IT.

 

I would recommend studying for and getting the CompTIA A+ certification, you can learn a lot through just studying for it that's useful knowledge in the PC business. Also being in an area where you can learn(like this forum) is a really good thing to do/have, I've learned quite a bit since joining especially in the area of troubleshooting.

 

When it comes to hardware, nothing is as important as a good hands-on experience. Knowledge of fixing and diagnosing hardware problems is a must-have if you want to work in this area(obvious, but worth mentioning). I've learned quite a bit just with the amount of systems I've worked on and used. My journey to get both my XP machine for retro gaming and my main gaming rig was a tough one, each rig had its own different problems. From PSU failures, to OS compatibility, drive problems, and and various other things.

 

Laptops are hard to service, especially on the hardware end. I've had to repaste and dust a couple laptops, and even just getting them open is a process.

[dizmo]

Mechanical aptitude. It's something you're born with, or not. There's really nothing you need to work at a computer shop, it's all pretty easy to learn. Just start applying. Chances are small shops won't hire you because they are generally run with very small staff.

 

Are you just looking for a minimum wage job? Computer builders in shops don't make a ton of cash.