What the hell happened to all the PC Repair jobs?

[antonaf]

If you are excellent with PC Repair then why would you subject yourself to someone else to fill their pockets. I suggest you start your own business (in-house). Start small and think BIG!

You should start locally by handing out flyers and business cards. Putting a classified ad in the local newspapers and phonebooks. Getting as many word-of-mouth referrals as you can. It's not an easy task, but you can do it! You can do repairs and sell custom-builds at the same time. That's my advice, because you are still young, you may not need to worry about health coverage as much for yourself (and a family), therefore you can struggle for a while without it, until your business is off the ground.

If you would rather work for someone then the power is in your resume and your ability to communicate. Employers are human and you want to ask yourself...why would I give a person a call from their resume??? Why would I hire someone for a job??? Answer these questions and you are a step closer to securing a job. Finding a job takes dedication...you have to treat it as a job. Give yourself dedicated hours throughout the day at least Mon-Thurs. 9am-3pm...that's when you search online for a job, when you make new contacts, and when you schedule interviews. Your resume should be consise and keyword-rich...it may be worthwhile to have your resume professionally done. And you should submit your resume to at least 5 or more online job boards, including www.DataCenterLife.com

Good luck! I hope things work out for you.

 

[Thresh]

Awesome advice, thanks man. I've been considering the whole pc repair in my own home thing, but people get weird about you having there stuff especially without papers and stuff to sign. I could come by there house to and do it, but I know I wouldn't like some 19 year old kid showing up at my house claiming he can fix say..... my plumbing. I would have to be pretty pushy letting them know that I know what im doing, and I hate doing that just because people start to regret calling you once they think your unsure of a problem. I mean I like working by myself, because you don't have to worry about jackass coworkers and boss's breathing down your neck, its just its alot of pressure I guess? Bleh I dunno, im definitly a social person, ive been a salesman for both circuit city and compusa but that would be different.

 

[antonaf]

Well, first you have to start somewhere. Which means you should begin soliciting friends & family, while adhering to the previous advice.

As for a 19 year kid doing your computer repairs, that's fine with most. It is mostly about appearance and professionalism. A shirt and tie means a lot. Being professional means a lot. You should have them sign something, not only for their protection but for your protection as well. It can be a basic service agreement. Also, I notice you said Richmond...which I'm assuming Richmond V.A., this is a city and it has colleges...which can be your area of target. Pass out flyers or brochures at colleges and the best thing you can do is have reasonable rates, especially for college students....maybe even a student discount for those with a student ID. Find out what your competitors are charging...call around as a potential customer/client and find out their rates, then charge a cheaper rate.

It can be done!

I hope that helps!

 

[beedubaya]

I am sorta in a similar situation. I have my A+ Certification and I can't even get the geek squad to take me. The geek squad manager took this other jock-type guy who doesn't know a thing about computers just because the he's a friend of his sons' friend. I'm currently attending college, but in my area a college degree doesn't mean a thing...its all who your friends are. All my friends are still working food service, so that doesn't help me any.

I have done a bit of the PC repair work on the side, and it works great. And yes, its all about appearance and professionalism.

 

[antonaf]

I am sorta in a similar situation. I have my A+ Certification and I can't even get the geek squad to take me. The geek squad manager took this other jock-type guy who doesn't know a thing about computers just because the he's a friend of his sons' friend. I'm currently attending college, but in my area a college degree doesn't mean a thing...its all who your friends are. All my friends are still working food service, so that doesn't help me any.

I have done a bit of the PC repair work on the side, and it works great. And yes, its all about appearance and professionalism.

That actually is not that uncommon. Before experience...it's about who you know! Not what you know! My first break in IT was because I knew somebody...they told me they didn't care I didn't know a thing about computers, because they can teach me all that stuff, but they wanted someone who could get along with the current team....which I was a perfect candidate since I'm a people person. It was completely cluesless in the beginning but here I am 8 years later, doing my own thing and thensome, just because I knew someone who decided to give me a break.

That's why communication and making the right contacts is essential. Also, don't hesistate to take advantage of the consulting companies, third-party recruiters, and temp assisgnments. Just because it is not a permanent position doesn't mean it is completely useless. Sometimes there has to be dark clouds for the sun to shine through. If nothing else it will be another addition to your resume and overall experience.

 

[brady]

Thresh :
Post your resume here if you don't mind.
Also:
Post your res on Monster.com and Dice.com
Make sure you update your resume EVERY day, even with just a slight modification like a period or comma.
Reason why: Everytime you "update" your resume it looks to monster and dice.com like a "new" resume. Which inturn sends the notification to the companies that are with monster/dice.

What kind of Certification do you have ?
Ever thought of taking a course for your MCSE ?
MCSE = GOLD in IT world right now.

Basically "you" and everyone else in your shoes are competing with Coleman College graduates that are willing to make 9 bucks an hour doing anything they can.

You have to be extremely patient.
Don't forget to post your resume please.
you can pm/email me and I will personally help you.

 

[Thresh]

Sure, i'll post it for everyone. It's in a .doc format with pics and different text formats so it's going to be some mixed up text and alignment issue's.. Can I e-mail you a .doc copy?

Rydell G. Hall
8005 Megan Way
Richmond, Virginia 23294
Cell (804)267-0166 Home (804)627-0166
rydell_hall@yahoo.com

Education

Highland Springs Technical Center (September 2003-June 2005)
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Dual Enrollment
Computer Systems Technology Program
Highland Springs, Virginia

Learned concepts of software and hardware of a computer.
Hands on experience maintaining, repairing, and upgrading PC computers.
Participated in 2003 VICA competition and won first place in the region.
Member of the Robotics Team in 2003-2004

J.R. Tucker High School (2001-2005)
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Dual Enrollment 22 Credit Diploma
Anticipated Graduation August 2005
Richmond, Virginia 23294

Participated and graduated in Programming Honors (C++ and Visual Basic 6)
Participated in Robotics in 2002
Participated in Graphics Communications and learned the principles of 3D Studio Max



Work Experience


DNS
Data Network Services, Inc (January 2005-April 2005)
Corporate Headquarters
Richmond, Virginia
(804) 359-1633 Fax (804) 359-8714
http://www.dns-net.com/index.html

-Intern over the 2 1/2 month period furthering my skills and shadowing learning the following:

Network Troubleshooting
PC/Laptop Service and Repair
Viri removal on all Windows Based Platforms
PC/Laptop Building
Being out on call to other Business's Working on Site,
Working in a Shop Environment
Phone Tech Support



Circuit City (May 2003-September 2003)
Glen Allen, Virginia
(804) 262-8011

Product Specialist (Customer Support for PC Hardware, Software, and Networking)


Henrico County Technical Center (June 2004-July 2004)
100 Tech Drive
Highland Springs, Virginia
(804)328-4075

Summer Intern (Network and PC troubleshooting and Cat5 Cabling)


Comp USA (September 2004-January 2005)
Richmond, Virginia
(804) 217-6888

Networking and Upgrades Sales Representative (Customer Support and sales for PC and Network Hardware)


Skills and Awards

2004 VICA First Place Regional Medalist in PC Repair and Maintenance
All Windows Operating Systems
Mac OSX Operating System
MS-DOS Commands Fundamentals
75 WPM
Microsoft Office
Virus Removal on Windows Platforms
PC/Laptop Repair and Maintenance
Basic Network Troubleshooting
Customer Service
Cat5 Cabeling and Patch Cabeling
Sales and Stocking


References

Melanie Davis- A+, CCNA, MCP
Assistant Principle (Former Highland Springs Technical Center Computer Instructor)
HCPS
Ratcliff Elementary
2901 Thalen Street
Richmond, Virginia 23223
(804)343-6535

William Crowder-MCSA, MCP, A+, Network+, i-Net+, CIW-A, CST, CNST
Computer Systems Technology Instructor
Highland Springs Technical Center
100 tech Drive
Highland Springs, Virginia
(804)328-4075

David B Campbell
Supervisor at Data Networking Systems
3600 West Broad St., Suite 696
Richmond, Virginia 23230
Main: (804) 359-1633 Fax (804) 359-8714

Dave Bickett
Technology Supervisor at Henrico County Public Schools
100 tech Drive
Highland Springs, VA 23075
(804)328-5220

Van Chou
Supervisor at CompUSA
10931 West Broad Street
Colonnades West
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Main: (804) 217-6888 Fax: (804) 217-6998

 

[antonaf]

This is just to give you another idea of a resume. It is a bit long but it details everything I have experienced. When job hunting this resume always got me in the door...of course I do update frequently but this was the basis.

The bottom section titled "Knowledge" is just a place to stuff all keywords...any product, application, or technology you have touched or have basic knowledge of. This is an important section when submitting to job boards because 90% of the time your resume will be found by the keywords used. Many companies use search software to sift through hundreds or thousands of resumes in their database...therefore the Knowledge (a.k.a. "keyword) section is essential.

Hopefully, this will give you some hint of how to spice your resume up.




Objective

In search of an information technology role. Looking forward to providing superior service, prominent technical abetment, professional IT support, management, and solutions


Professional Profile

• Project Management
• Network Administration
• Systems Administration
• Security Administration
• Server Administration
• Information Technology Support
• Help Desk / Desktop Support
• Conventional, Strategic, and Creative Planning
• Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• IT Training
• Design and Development
• Self-Starter


Professional Experience


Company Name, City, State
1/2003 – 7/2005
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATOR

• Corporate Environment
• Windows NT/2000/2003 Server
• Windows NT/2000/XP Client

Project Management:

• Prepared, scheduled, and managed field site visits
• Prepared, scheduled, and managed roll-outs, upgrades, and change request
• Prepared, scheduled, and participated in Information Technology meetings/events
• Executed and delivered projects on or before deadline
• Asset management and inventory planning
• Spearheaded multiple projects (multitasking)
• Prepared weekly reports on multiple projects
• Followed through on each project to the point of satisfaction
• Reported directly to the Director of Information Technology

Network Administration:

• Installed, configured, and managed RRAS (Routing and Remote Access Server)
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Virtual Private Networking LAN (VLAN)
• Installed, configured, and managed Domain Name Services (DNS)
• Installed, configured, and managed Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• Installed, configured, and managed GFI Network products
• Installed, configured, and managed multiple Cisco routers, switches, and wireless LAN’s (WLAN)
• Installed, configured, and managed multiple 3Com hubs
• Designed and planned ethernet local area network (LAN) architecture

System Administration:

• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Internet & Security Acceleration (ISA) firewall server
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Active Directory
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Exchange 5.5 Server
• Upgraded and migrated from Microsoft Exchange 5.5 to Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Exchange 2003 in a test environment
• Installed, configured, and managed Symantec SMTP Gateway Anti-Spam Mail Security
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Internet Information Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft SQL Database Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Veritas Backup Exec
• Installed, configured, and managed ARCserve 2000
• Installed hardware, software, and firmware upgrades, patches, and releases
• Created and deployed custom ghost images for client-server installs and configurations

Server Administration:

• Installed, configured, and managed Dell Server hardware and software
• Installed, configured, and managed Windows NT Server
• Upgraded and migrated from Microsoft Windows NT Server to Microsoft 2000 Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
• Upgraded and migrated from Microsoft Windows 2000 to Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
• Performed SCSI RAID 1 server builds
• Performed SCSI RAID 5 server builds

Desktop Support / Help Desk:

• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP Clients
• Installed, configured, and managed Symantec Client Security (firewall / anti-virus)
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Virtual Private Networking (VPN) PPTP client
• Installed, configured, and managed Linksys/Cisco VPN client routers, wireless routers, and access points
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Office 2000/XP/2003 Suite, including Microsoft Outlook client
• Installed, configured, and managed Symantec PCAnywhere for remote access
• Upgraded and migrated from Windows NT to Windows 2000 and Windows XP Professional
• Performed client system builds and rebuilds
• Provided quality client support via email, phone, and person-to-person


Company Name, City, State
10/2002 – 1/2003
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATOR

• Government Environment
• Novell Netware 5
• Novell Zenworks
• Windows 2000 Server
• Windows 98/2000/XP Client

Network Administration:

• Provided senior level LAN Administration to on-site school technicians
• Analyzed and monitored network activity

Systems Administration:

• Managed Oracle database
• Managed TAO email system
• Managed educational applications and proprietary applications
• Supported Microsoft Office 2000 Suite
• Installed, configured, and managed HEAT call tracking and ticketing system



Company Name, City, State
1/2001 – 3/2002
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATOR

• Corporate Enterprise Environment
• Windows NT/2000 Server
• Windows 98/NT/2000 Client
• Novell Netware
• Mainframe 3270 emulation

Project Management:

• Prepared, scheduled, and managed roll-outs, upgrades, and change request
• Prepared, scheduled, and participated in Information Technology meetings/events
• Executed and delivered projects on or before deadline
• Asset management and inventory planning
• Managed, maintained, and renewed vendor contract agreements
• Spearheaded multiple projects (multitasking)
• Prepared weekly reports on multiple projects
• Followed through on each project to the point of satisfaction
• Reported directly to the Information Technology manager

Network Administration:

• Installed, configured, and managed RRAS (Routing and Remote Access Server)
• Installed, configured, and managed Virtual Private Networking (VPN) PPTP clients and server
• Installed, configured, and managed Domain Name Services (DNS)
• Installed, configured, and managed Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• Installed, configured, and managed UniCenter TNG Network Map
• Installed, configured, and managed multiple Cisco routers and switches
• Installed, configured, and managed multiple 3Com routers and hubs
• Designed and planned ethernet local area network (LAN) architecture
• Supported token-ring network
• Supported Wide Area Network

System Administration:

• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Proxy firewall server
• Installed, configured, and managed Windows Clients
• Installed, configured, and managed Novell Clients
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Active Directory
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Internet Information Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft SQL Database Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Veritas Backup Exec
• Installed hardware, software, and firmware upgrades, patches, and releases
• Created and deployed custom ghost images for client-server installs and configurations
• Supported Lotus Notes R5 email system

Server Administration:

• Installed, configured, and managed Dell Server hardware and software
• Installed, configured, and managed HP Server hardware and software
• Installed, configured, and managed Compaq Server hardware and software
• Installed, configured, and managed Novell Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Windows NT Server
• Upgraded and migrated from Microsoft Windows NT Server to Microsoft 2000 Server
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
• Supported AS/400 systems
• Supported IBM-AIX systems
• Performed SCSI RAID 5 server builds

Desktop Support / Help Desk:

• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Windows 98/NT/2000 Clients
• Installed, configured, and managed Novell Netware client
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Virtual Private Networking (VPN) PPTP client
• Installed, configured, and managed Microsoft Office 97/2000 Suite
• Installed, configured, and managed DameWare NT Client for remote access
• Installed, configured, and managed Symantec PCAnywhere client for remote access
• Installed, configured, and managed Peregrine web-based call tracking and ticketing system
• Upgraded and migrated from Windows NT to Windows 2000 Professional
• Performed client system builds and rebuilds
• Provided quality client support via email, phone, and person-to-person



Company Name, City, State
8/2000 – 1/2001
HELP DESK ANALYST


Company Name, City, State
6/1999 – 8/2000
HELP DESK ANALYST / DESKTOP SUPPORT TECH.


Company Name, City, State
10/1998 – 6/1999
HELP DESK ANALYST


Personal Experience
• Support, maintain, and manage my own web server (at home)
• Support, maintain, and manage my own Local Area Network (LAN) (at home)
• Support maintain, and manage 3 servers and 3 clients (at home)
• Support maintain, and manage systems/network security and firewall management
• Routinely update, patch, and secure hardware, software, and firmware
• Support, maintain, and manage the following server services (at home): Active Directory (domain controller), DNS, DHCP, Windows 2000 file server, Windows 2003 web server, Windows 2000 Exchange mail server, MySQL database server, PHP, Perl, and CGI
• Personal install and configure experience with Linux Redhat 7.2 and Linux Redhat 9.0
• Installed dual Operating Systems (Windows/Linux)
• Performed server builds using SATA-RAID 0, SATA-RAID 1, and SCSI-RAID 0+1


Education

School Name, City, State
7/1997 – 5/1999
A.A., Computer Information Systems


Knowledge

Operating System:
Windows DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2003 Server, Linux RedHat 7.2, Linux RedHat 9.0, FreeBSD, mainframe, Novell Netware

Productivity Applications:
Microsoft Office 97-2003 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, InfoPath), Symantec !ACT, Microsoft Project 97-2003, Microsoft Visio 97-2003, Remedy Call Tracking, Peregrine Web-Based, Call Management System, Lotus Notes, Lotus 1-2-3, WinZip, Adobe Acrobat, Roxio CD Copier, ADP Payroll Software, Ceridian Benefits, TValue, Internet Explorer 4.0-6.0, Netscape Messenger, Netscape Navigator 7.0, Mozilla, Mozilla Firefox, Windows CE, TAO

Server Administration:
Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Internet Information Services 4.0-6.0 (IIS), Active Directory, SMTP, POP3, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, Array Manager, Syscon, RConsole, PConsole, Symantec SMTP Gateway, Internet Security Accelerator 2000 (ISA), System Management Services 2.0 (SMS), Microsoft Exchange 5.5-2000, NWSAA Administrator, Veritas Backup Exec, ArcServe 2000, Service Update Server (SUS), Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS)

Security Administration:
Symantec Client Security, Innoculan, Zone Alarm, Lavasoft Ad-aware, Symantec SMTP Gateway, Internet Security Accelerator 2000 (ISA), TrendMicro, Norton Anti-virus, Network Associates VirusScan, McAfee Anti-Virus, AVG, AntiVir

Development Applications:
Microsoft FrontPage 2000-2003, Macromedia Dreamweaver 2004, Adobe Photoshop, Banner Maker Pro, Crystal Button, PhotoFiltre

Database Application/Services:
MySQL, Microsoft SQL 2000, Oracle, Microsoft Solomon, ODBC, FRx, FASACCT, Hyperion Essbase, Hyperion Wired for OLAP, Crystal Reports

Hardware Manufactures:
Dell, HP, Compaq, Linksys, 3Com, Lexmark, Intel, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Cannon, Maxtor, Xerox, IBM, Sony, Newton, Blackberry, U.S. Robotics, Sybex, Xircom, Newton, Treo, Cisco, Ascentia (AST), APC

Networking Hardware:
Cisco Routers, Cisco Hubs, Cisco Switches, Cisco Bridges, Linsys Routers, 3Com Hubs, 3Com Switches, 3Com Network Interface Cards, HP NICÂ’s, Intel NICÂ’s, Xircom PCMCIA, 3Com PCMCIA, Tricom Patch Panel, ADIX (IWATSU)

Network Administration:
UniCenter TNG Network Map, VPN, Symantec PCAnywhere 9.0-11.5, Citrix, Dameware NT Utilities, Dameware Mini Remote, UniCenter Remote Control Option (RCO), RemoteWare, RemoteWare Client

Protocols/Connectivity:
TCP/IP, PPTP, IPX/SPX, 802.11b, 802.11g, PPP, DSL, ISDN, High Speed Cable Modem, T1, T3, VoIP

 

[Thresh]

I knew your resume would crush mine haha. Thanks I feel alot better!! Guess the trick is making what little you have on your resume look very attractive.

 

[brady]

exactly... they don't want to read a Novel when they are looking for someone to hire. I would bulk all your skills into a manageable and easy to read group on the top of your resume.