I need a job!

[MJCRO]

I really want to work somewhere, like computer servicing, but I'm only 16. I'm really experienced when it comes to both hardware and software aspects of PC's. Coming out of Westchester, NY, any suggestions if even I could get a job in servicing at 16, and if so how would I approach it?

Edited June 9, 2009 by MJCRO

[Coors]

Lots of people wanting jobs these days. Good luck finding one without any certs or a degree or real experience. You said you do have experience but tweaking with your home PC isn't gonna impress an employer. If you're really serious about it you should start with an A+ cert. It really doesn't mean squat other than showing a potential employer you have some initiative to put forth the effort to learn. But A+ is really outdated and is really just a good starting point for getting more certs.

[tkrow21]

Lol yeah, you're not finding jobs anytime soon.

[robAP]

but that brought up a point. you need a "portfolio" of things you've done to impress the employer. Get certifications from multiple software houses. like the A+ mentioned earlier. its a place to start and then go after others. it at least shows ability. Do some hardware creation. Know of a controlling component, or test hardware that's always expensive? make your own version and spend $50 instead of $500 for the real thing. get some wire, some resistors, some prototyping boards little bit of this and that and make your own piece that costs hardly anything. Build your own test rig. bring it or pics of it to show that you really know what to do. I'm sure the right servicing business will let you work part time in some sort of job. A good friend's little brother started working part time where his mother worked and wound up working with the IT guys there. Over the next few years in high school, he had re-written various programs they used and once off to college, he learned enough to do a semester of school and a semester of internship....every year. problem was he couldn't tell anyone what his internship was about. I never knew. My friend has to say his brother is an "analyst" in Virginia when asked.....think about that one for a minute.

 

So your 16. even if you get a job servicing it might not be the deep case digging and probing you want. but you'll get there if not alot farther. The point is this. your experienced and have the knowledge and practice. but nothing to show others that you really do have that. so. you need to devise ways to show them you really do know what your talking about. If you really want servicing, build your own test rig and equipment. i'm sure they'll like that especially if the alternative was super expensive.

 

disclaimer: i have no idea about the inner workings of the computer service industry. its not my thing. but i know what it takes to get places and impress people. i never would be able to fly for a living if i didn't know how. the skills to do the job as just as important as getting along with people and having job seeking skills to go with it.

[SMeeD]

I think your jumping way ahead of your self if you're going for your A+ only being 16 with no prior job experience. As everyone knows you dont need an A+ cert, or even know anything about computers to get a job with Geek Squad. Spend an hour or 2 and put a resume together even if you dont have much on it, it makes you look 100% better than every other 16 year old because you put the effort in. Submit your app and resume and read up on what to expect when it comes to a traditional interview.

 

Get your basics down first.

[Coors]

I think your jumping way ahead of your self if you're going for your A+ only being 16 with no prior job experience.

 

A 10 year old could get an A+ cert. I wouldn't really call getting an A+ getting ahead of yourself. Like I said its a good starting point.

[MJCRO]

Ok, where could I go to get A+ Certification? But, I'm definitely feeling towards SMeeD's way.

[fire_storm]

At your age your best bet is probably to start a small computer repair side job put some ads in the local paper or online to advertise your self charge a low rate if you do a good job fixing people's computers you'll get more calls. It will maybe help you make some connections and help you get an IT job at a company.

 

Otherwise there's not much out there for a 16 year old. Most companies don't even look at your job application unless you have certs or experience working with computers in a corporate environment. With the job market being bad it doesn't help your situation out either. When your that young you can't get too picky about jobs either sometimes your first job isn't always enjoyable or what you want.

[fire_storm]

Ok, where could I go to get A+ Certification? But, I'm definitely feeling towards SMeeD's way.

 

First buy some cheap study books to refresh yourself with the materiel.

 

Then when your ready you take 2 tests to earn your A+. The tests can be taken at either a Pearson Vue or Prometric testing center.

[Savan]

When I was 16, I would fix peoples computers for spending money. It was all word of mouth. One of my parents friends would have a problem, I fixed it, they told one of their friends and so on. I would charge $10/hour, but I would usually end up getting around $20 because I was very friendly, and explained things in a way that wasn't condescending, or overly complicated.

 

You need to know what your doing (which Im sure you do), you need to be good at explaining things in plain language, and you need to look presentable.

 

It usually ends up being a virus or another simple problem. You will probably need to install some free anti virus software and run it (which is usually good for an hour to an hour and a half). Just be personable, and they will usually be very happy with the results pay you more than you are asking because you took the time to explain it to them, and even paying you extra its still cheaper than taking it to geek squad or the like.

 

It wont keep you very busy, like a full or part time job, but it is good for some spending money.

Edited June 9, 2009 by Savan

[Coors]

Well it's not really one way or the other. A resume is just as important too. But seeing as you're 16 i'm guessing it's not gonna be very long. And any worthwhile employer will see past any "fluff" you try to add to fill a page.

 

Getting some certs is stuff you can even add to that resume.

 

 

Ok, where could I go to get A+ Certification?

Come on now...employers like people with basic Google skills =P

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%2B_certification#CompTIA_A.2B

[shibby_geek_guy_69]

Im a 19 Year old responsible for a network of a little short of 100 PC's. About 60 are Windows Clients in the classic Desktop, there are probably 10 - 20 notebooks getting around and another 7 servers.

 

We run our own proprietary software for managing out inventory, cut sheets (we are a manufacturer), etc. I Am responsible for keeping this together.

 

How did i get this job? A Good resume, a Bloody good letter of application and a Tailored Suit (That i got while on holidays in Thailand)

When i went chasing this job, i was in no way "Qualified" to take it, nor am i to this date. I Had very little experience (Formal experience) up my sleeve and really not a lot to base my justification as to why they should put me on, and not some 40 year old with half his life in experience in the industry.

What i could demonstrate was my ability to code (By showing them a few useless apps i have made in my years, which although are of no use, they do create and output from an input), showed them a good ethic background and at once stage i offered a weeks free labor as a trial period. I Never went well in school, haven't been to university, but i showed that what i had to offer was useful, and they fell for it.

 

Have been here for some time now.

I May or may not have also spoke scathingly of Uni Students with 4 years of theory behind them, but not a minute of real world experience...may not always work but in my case it did.

 

I Put "Qualified" In quotes. I Dont think it means a lot in this industry. Actual ability will land you the job, IF you can convey that you will be an asset to the target company strongly enough.

 

If you do need a hand with a resume, shoot me a PM - I'd be more than happy to help.

 

Also when you do start applying - be very Very VERY wary of spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc in your communications between yourself and prospective employer. From time to time i need to convert job applications into different formats (Stingy guys in Finance wont buy office 2007) and this comes across very poorly when i see spelling mistakes.

 

Go for it, and prove those with little or no faith wrong...I did

 

I Must also say that before landing this job, I Used to do repairs on the side.

I Was also a telemarketer working in excess of 58 hour weeks, and at once stage doing Confined Space Laboring as a 40 hour/week job, with a 5 hour daily commute.

I didnt just walk in and be upper class. I Still to this day deliver fast food of a night time and am constantly chasing night work as a bar-tender or similar. Every cent counts! (and maybe I'm a workaholic)

Edited June 9, 2009 by shibby_geek_guy_69