Can ya get a Job doin this?

[Nathan G.]

Make up a resume and go around to lacal Computer stores. I bet you can land a nice "Summer Job"!!! and you never know it may lead to much more... oh yeah,get me good deal when you start. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[AuraEdge]

Hmm...U think i should look in the want ads? or just skip that completely?
I doubt I can get this, but if I do, Ill be VERY happy (doin what I like and makin a good premium outta it too!)
Thanks for the response. Are there any Junior Comp Tech's out there?
If so please reply and tell me how you got ur job

[Nathan G.]

Classified adds are not a great job resource.IMHO
There is a reason most of those Co. have to advertise for employes.The good openings sometimes dont get as far as newspaper.If you answer a Classified add ,you will be competeing with many more people for the job, but if you happen to walk in BEFORE they placed add then its inexpensive for them to give you a shot. ie they havent spent $ on a Classified add or time interviewing.
I work in electronics now and i started on a "summer" job in a stereo store which led me to pursue a carrer (sic) in electronics.. Get a good suit, spend weeks making a great resume,make a cover letter and hit the streets!! yes answer newspaper adds also.
Undestand that you probably wont get that 10-15 buck position (dont know pay scale in your area)because you probably are not qualified as a "Junior Tech". The site you were looking at may consider a "Junior Tech" as someone fresh out of trade school,minimal experience or an associate degree.Dont mean to be a bummer, but hey, you got to start somewhere. Interviewing for jobs will be a good experience for you at the ripe old age of 16!!!hehe
GO FOR IT...Dont forget i want a good deal!!
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Nathan G. (edited 06-19-99).]

[Dominus]

I'm 16, and making a fair bit of money helping people with computer problems (certainly not $15 an hour).

Screw the computer stores/firms. If you live in a small town (or even a city) just start a business for yourself. Honesty, a more personal relationship with customers and a far cheaper and reasonable price outweigh a the "dime-a-dozen" generic IT courses that most technicians have. (sorry if I've offended anyone, but almost all technicians in my town are boggled by the simplest of problems, and I've yet to see one of their jobs done right.)

From my experience, people respect the opinion of someone who isn't making money off selling them stuff more than someone with certification, but with profit to be had.

Maybe it's just my area in which these people are dishonest and stupid, I don't know.

Just start some word of mouth around your neighborhood, and set rates that are at least half what the local computer store charges. Don't sell anybody anything; fix what they have, or tell them a good place to get the bare minimum parts they need, and do the work for them. If they want your advice and are planning to upgrade, give them lots of options and tell them your honest opinion of the best products for them. The computer industry is very confusing to the average person, and they appreciate an objective person helping them sort through all the hype and disinformation. The more good jobs you do, the more word of mouth, which beats the hell out of any kind of advertising. Just imagine setting up a reliable, easy to use LAN for a business/school for a fraction of what it would cost them to go elsewhere. That kind of credentials beats the hell out of anything a certificate could offer.

Again, sorry if I've offended anyone in the computer business; I guess I've just had to deal with a bad group in my area, with a monopoly on the market.

[AuraEdge]

After reading firingsquad's build your own PC section, I saw a little plug saying that a Junior Computer Technition can make $10-15 an hour. I thought...hey with summer coming up and all, I need a job..and maybe I could get a job doing this. Well...heres my question to u guys..How would I go about finding a position to work as a Junior Computer Technition? (I'm 16 from New Jersey if that makes a difference)

[BBA]

Well, I got to tell ya, If your 16 and looking for part time money from PC builds, you need a first job too.

The best way is a lot of good impressions with the strangers needing help, be courteous and accurate, dont assume things and dont belittle anyone (if you can help it).

It's about building a reputation, then getting the job.

BBA

[AuraEdge]

Thanks for all the replys. I live in a pretty large city, yet I dont believe computer shops are too common around here. I first became intrested when my friend had a job as a local ISP operator, and his friend was applying to become a technical support at the internet place. Well I was there at the interview, and I had to watch him bomb every single question the guy threw at him, while I knew all of em. Since I just love this hardware stuff and shy away from programing (C++, VB...any stuff like that scares me) I decided this would be best. Spreading the word in a city like mine isnt so easy..wish it were.
Thanks for al the replys. Im probably just going to post something on any thumbtack board, and forget about it til someone calls me up. Thanks alot guys..Im probably in the worst case senario to want a job, but gotta start somewhere.

[BBA]

Actually, you age makes it easier to make a good first impression, people will tend to think your a smart honest young man trying to do the best job he can to make something of himself! Mostly because your not old and burnt out, unemployed and just trying to get a buck (that looks bad).

Good Luck,
BBA

[Bleeding Edge]

AuraEdge is a he?!? Get out! She's a spunky young lady BBA. Learns really quick too. Absorbs all types of info.

yeh. I think a young upcoming Wiz can make a good impression, too.

She's got the advantage here.

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 06-20-99).]

[AuraEdge]

BLEEDING YA NUT
IM A GUY FOR GOD's SAKES!!!
HAHAHA
Nice goin bro!
I love this place!
P.S. Ya know how i use shortcuts like u for you and dont capitalize n stuff?
Only a guy would be too lazy to capitalize..
thats for future reference....uh huh....

[This message has been edited by AuraEdge (edited 06-20-99).]

[Bleeding Edge]

oops.

[Nathan]

Well here's my nickle's worth. The bottom line is experience. Many people who pass a test, can't perform in the field when the heat is on. Certs are fine to open the door, but the bottom line is experience. And nothing short of that. Now some times companies will take a chance on you because they'll have to train you and think you'll amount to something. But the first thing is to get in the door. Even if it's for minimum wage. You have to start somewhere. And if you are really serious, volunteer your services at different places to gain even more experience. Now one example is daycare centers. That will look good in other ways too. Then after several to 6 months, you will be in a better position get the bigger money. And it'll look good on a resume too.

Be patient. Keep in mind that many who pass a test can't work in the real world's computer problems UNTIL they get the experience. Some companies will test you on the spot. "You say you have your MCSE, Ok sit down there and do this and that. Then log this computer onto the network." And most can't do what they are asked to do.

Gain the experience and get the certifications. Don't be to concerned with the money at this point. Your only 16. If you get the first two, the money will come. Trust me on that.

[AuraEdge]

Oh yea...pathmark here I come!

[MadMatt]

Alot depends on the job market and the company you're applying to. You're eagerness and intelligence will probably serve you better at the corner comp shop, but certs are THE way in to bigger companies. I had a job at a small shop, but got my A+ and now make about 48k/year doing a whole lot of nothing. I now have benefits which include the company paying for school and spend about 50% of my time at work studying for my MCSE and my A.S. in programming. However, I live in NorCal, and to be frank, you could probably get an IT job here just by knowing what a computer is... Plus, 48K/year here will barely keep you fed..

[Nathan]

1. Prepare yourself.

2. Have the right attitude

3. Most people get one big break in life. If you're lucky, you'll get 2 or 3. Develop the wisdom to know the difference. And that comes with experience.

4. Don't be afraid of the mistakes! Believe it or not, count on them. Hope you get them. They season you. We learn more from our mistakes than from our successes. Remember the first motherboard you fried, the first time your computer crashed (and you lost everything), the first time you installed an operating system, the first time you helped someone else, etc., etc.. And look where you are right now. Let your work and how you carry yourself speak. Sooner or later the right person will spot you and the rest will be history.

Hope this helps you.

[Ed_S]

Good advise, Dominus. Would like to add suggestion that there are lots of places to advertise this kind of business for free. Any stores near you that have bulliten boards (The old-fashioned kind) are a good start. Barbershops are perfect, people are there waiting & always read. Print up something tasteful, not too "busy" or loud, black ink on light colored paper. 1/2 sheet paper, full sheet takes up too much room & will be removed before long.
Also make, or have made, some business cards. Again, keep it simple. Last I checked, box of 1000 cards on decent paper was about $20

Develop a relationship with at least 2 comp. stores near you. You need someone honest & reliable to send anything you can't handle. Hopefully this will be two-way street, they do get work that they don't want. But be sure they're good, customer will blame you if referred to poor service. Also you need this to be a good source for parts with no hassle about RMAs.

Play this right, do a good job for a fair price, and this could lead to something that makes $15 hourly look like chump change! Just look at Anand!

But whatever you do, at your age make sure your parents are behind you!