I.T. Related Job Interview

M4RK

M4RK

M4RK

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I.T. Related Job Interview

Hi, my first post, i've been a regular visitor to OverClockers for some years but only just signed up...

Anyway I'm going to an interview on 2nd October for an "Computer Technician" Role, and basically... the ad said it would involve the following;
Testing, Repairing, Software Installation, etc. it also stated I would go under a practical and theory test prior to the interview on that very same day,
and basically I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what to expect in the practical, theory test and interview?

Much Appreciated!
 
Claimed!

M4RK said:
I.T. Related Job Interview

Hi, my first post, i've been a regular visitor to OverClockers for some years but only just signed up...

Anyway I'm going to an interview on 2nd October for an "Computer Technician" Role, and basically... the ad said it would involve the following;
Testing, Repairing, Software Installation, etc. it also stated I would go under a practical and theory test prior to the interview on that very same day,
and basically I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what to expect in the practical, theory test and interview?

Much Appreciated!
Click to expand...
I'd imagine they'll be looking for you to demonstrate you know what you're doing, know what's involved in building a PC from scratch, what components do what, what things to be wary of (ESD, etc...). Might also want to test your ability to troubleshoot problems, i.e. what do you do if you build a machine and it doesn't work when switched on for the first time, etc...

As for the software side of things, I guess they could ask anything at this level... something mundane like "what's the registry in Windows and how do you use it?" or something more specific to the environment or specific apps they use. Dunno really.

Did you get the interview through an agency? Can they offer you any advice? Remember their bonus could well be dependent upon you getting the job ;)

edit: Oops. After re-reading your post I see I was talking complete *****, I dunno why I thought it was a system builder role, so ignore the first part of my reply... I blame alcohol.
 
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Cheers NiCkNaMe!

GarethDW... I got the interview direct with the company itself from an advertisement in the local paper, that aside I read through your post and with what you said is at my level and you never know they might even ask that in the "Computer Technician" role of which I am attending.
 
"Testing, Repairing, Software Installation, etc."

I'd ask them when they ask you "do you have any questions?", "why do you think your software needs testing and repairing?". Then gauge the reaction from the interviewers. It'll put them on the back foot and you can find out what sort of company you would end up working for.
 
digipeep testing of machines to see the working state of them I would imagine, then taking action in order to fix them to be of working order. Then obviously the testing of new software they are using or even plan to use in the near future.
 
NiCkNaMe said:
In the practical do not always assume that the answer is difficult. Look for obvious solutions to problems first.
Click to expand...

I heartily agree.

The test could be just about anything. Keep away from the techie explanations that you read about on here (ie registry hacking, memory voltages and all that) and just stick to logical common sense at a higher level.

An employer would rather see potential as they usually can hone you the skills you need, but if you're stupid or argumentative they won't be interested.
 
Yeah, sounds pretty much straight forward MagicBoy :)
If anyone else could give me some imput I would appreciate it
 
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Just be enthusiastic and show that you have the ability to learn too.

You cant know everything :)

Regarding what to expect, no idea. Ive not heard of practical tests like this for such a role but go in confident and be honest i guess.
 
I's say the most important thing is to get across that you don't know everything and you're not the sort of bloke who will bumble around a PC for 4 hours when a 10 minute search on google will find the answer.

Yes, you know x,y and z but anyone saying they know everything is lying.

I did this in my interview for a smilier role and was offered it later that day.

Good luck. Make sure you let us know how it goes!!
 
Well from all the advice so far it's made me more relaxed and gave me an idea as to what I can expect and how I should be carrying myself in the Interview, I really appreciate all the comments guys, I'll deffo. let you know how I get on.
 
digipeep said:
"Testing, Repairing, Software Installation, etc."

I'd ask them when they ask you "do you have any questions?", "why do you think your software needs testing and repairing?". Then gauge the reaction from the interviewers. It'll put them on the back foot and you can find out what sort of company you would end up working for.
Click to expand...
This is a good idea.







If you want to be escorted off the premises after 2 minutes.
 
digipeep said:
"Testing, Repairing, Software Installation, etc."

I'd ask them when they ask you "do you have any questions?", "why do you think your software needs testing and repairing?". Then gauge the reaction from the interviewers. It'll put them on the back foot and you can find out what sort of company you would end up working for.
Click to expand...

Yes, the sort of company that won't hire you.

The answer is so obvious that it could be construed as an insult. I'd certainly take it as an insult. I've interviewed cocky people before and, trust me on this, it just doesn't work.

Maybe if you are going for an acting audition it might...but not in IT, we prefer people with a more stable personality and/or a lvl 60+ WoW character.

:)
 
lol, well I wont be following his advice ;) but yer... I'm all set (i think), maybe you could give me some advice Mr^B ?
 
1. Be honest - if you don't know something say 'I don't know' - and then explain how you would find out the answer; ask a colleague, google it, etc.

2. Be yourself - don't be the person you think they want to hire - I would sometimes check for traits that I don't want and makes sure they aren't just going to say 'yes' to everything I ask for.

3. Don't try and be clever - A theory says that you should make sure you stand out from the other candidates. This is a good idea, but the best way to do this is through 1 and 2 above, not by having 'smart' replies to some of the stock questions.

4. Good luck!
 
Thanks mate, I really appreciate all this :) any ideas as to specific questions that you think they might ask though?
 
I would say that the key thing they are after is good communication skills - so that you can deal with queries etc that are bound to come up amongst staff, etc.

This means just showing off your keen personality, willingness to help and assist others. The rest will be your technical skills in being a techy type.
 
is the job at OcUK? I got the impression that it was, but then i re-read and saw than you don't actually mention them.
 
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