New Job - IT Technician

Chiz · 14 Jan 2007 at 10:37

So i had two interview, one on Thursday, then the next of Friday, and they offered me the job on the latter.

I will be supplying support, along with a group of about 5-7 people to roughly 700 workstations, being in the building, outwidth, and also offshore.

Anyways, this is my first real proper job, as i am straight out of university, and i was wondering a few things. Firstly, is there anything i should be aware of when working in an office, anything at all? how to deal with people.. what not to EVER do.. etc..

And secondly, i need some suits ties, and also shirts, and well shoes, the whole shabang really. Is there any good combinations, or links for good (relatively cheap) clothing and footwear?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, because i'm very very excited but a little nervous as well

fonzee · 14 Jan 2007 at 11:05

1. Never play office cricket with 10+ expensive Dell TFTs in the room

2. Asda george maybe? cheap and cheerful.

Beerbaron · 14 Jan 2007 at 11:07

1. check out all of foxy office ladies

2. Next or Burtons

oddjob62 · 14 Jan 2007 at 11:09

I've always found M&S suits to be decently priced, and machine washable helps cut down on dry cleaning bills

Cybermyk · 14 Jan 2007 at 11:38

Your'e going to get grubby and carry stuff around a bit. Make sure everything is easy to wash. George is your friend with your initial bulk buy.

Relax and listen to the more experienced guys but try not to fall for too many jokes. Ask about the more common faults and fixes and look in their knowledge base if they have one. Make sure you listen to all the safety stuff.

Oh and congratulations

oddjob62 · 14 Jan 2007 at 11:42

If you aren't sure how to do something, ask.

At our place someone deleted a whole load of user accounts from AD thinking that was how to remove them from a distribution group.

On that note, for the first couple of months keep a notebook, and write down everything you learn. The most annoying thing a newbie can do is ask the same question again and again.
"yeah i know you showed me the other day but i forgot" will not get you far.

Tru · 14 Jan 2007 at 11:45

Get to know the receptionists or PAs. Depending on the office set up they usually work closely with your boss and can be a useful ally.

Infact, apart from working hard, the best thing to do is socialise. Introduce yourself in the canteen, go out for a drink if you get invited, take up smoking etc.

Chiz · 14 Jan 2007 at 11:53

keeping a note of things would help me out lol, my memory isn't the best lol.

The building is huuuge, it's the talisman building in aberdeen, so knowing the receptionist wouldn't benefit me too much (although i'm social enough so i'll be nice)

I think george would be good too, i've been told it's half decent as well, so that's the best bet, untill i get some money on the go.

Oh also,

Would i be cheeky if i asked for an advance on my wages? for I start on the 22st and i think the cut off date is the 20th for that month, and, well i'll need money to buy some essentials etc..

XPE · 14 Jan 2007 at 11:55

IT Technician

From now untill the day you retire your job will be to answer the question of "where is the any key"

Jimmi · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:00

Chiz said:
Would i be cheeky if i asked for an advance on my wages? for I start on the 22st and i think the cut off date is the 20th for that month, and, well i'll need money to buy some essentials etc..

Its a fair question, you can only ask, most places will give an advance especially if you havent worked before.

antc · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:02

XPE said:
IT Technician

From now untill the day you retire your job will be to answer the question of "where is the any key"

heheh, i was waiting for that comment to come up in this thread

congrats on the new job mate. just to echo whats already been said, make sure you get all the knowledge you gain from your first few months in your own little knowledge base. it will help no end.

listen to/watch the more experience people in your team, you will pick up quite a lot from them no doubt.

lso with regards to cloths tesco do quite a decent range of suits, ***** and ties. machine washable as well.

And last but not least good luck mate. hope you enjoy it

toy_soldier · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:07

Tru said:
take up smoking etc.

lol

sja360 · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:08

out of interest what qualifications/experience do you have currently in IT Chiz?
as i've been applying for jobs left/right/center and i'm not having any luck with just having a HNC+HND plus a MCP, and im thinking a degree may be in order..
p.s. sorry for the OT

asim · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:09

sja360 said:
out of interest what qualifications/experience do you have currently in IT Chiz?
as i've been applying for jobs left/right/center and i'm not having any luck with just having a HNC+HND plus a MCP, and im thinking a degree may be in order..
p.s. sorry for the OT

experience. not a degree. i have a degree and a ccna but jobs are still hard to come by. they all want experience.

sja360 · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:14

asim said:
experience. not a degree. i have a degree and a ccna but jobs are still hard to come by. they all want experience.

what kind of experience? as i did work in a local computer shop fixing anything from windows 95 machines to windows xp for 2 years.

Jimmi · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:23

asim said:
and a ccna but jobs are still hard to come by.

CCNA's are all to common these days, you need to get to CCNP for it to be worth anything again

Chiz · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:34

i got a HNC in computing and also an HND computing for internet and multimedia, which really was a waste of time tbh. Not really much jobs of that type in aberdeen (mostly oil related).

But as of experience, i have none. I worked for makro for 6 years and also jd sports for like 2 months. But i guess i have first hand experience of dealing with customer enquiries and problems etc.

I got the job through an agency though, and just appeared enthusiastic, and confident throughout the interviews.

The company said they take on people with little to no experience just as long as they show they are able and enthusiastic throughout the interviews. I count myself quite lucky really. First proper interview (bar makro) and i got the job!

And thanks for the support.. i can't wait! (alerady spent my first wage in my head lol)

gambitt · 14 Jan 2007 at 12:46

Once you have 2-3 years experience built up you'll be good to go.

I came out of uni with a maths degree. That summer I got an IT contract as a field engineer (driving around the country fixing things). Then moved onto another contract and on my 3rd contract with Siemens as a desktop engineer, I was offered to go permanent and I still have no IT qualifications!

Qualifications help get you started but evetually it's all about experience.

clockworks · 14 Jan 2007 at 13:09

gambitt said:
Once you have 2-3 years experience built up you'll be good to go.

I came out of uni with a maths degree. That summer I got an IT contract as a field engineer (driving around the country fixing things). Then moved onto another contract and on my 3rd contract with Siemens as a desktop engineer, I was offered to go permanent and I still have no IT qualifications!

Qualifications help get you started but evetually it's all about experience.

What part of Siemens do you work for?

I've been with Siemens ITS (now Fujitsu-Siemens) for 9 years. Started as an installations engineer, installing and upgrading ATMs. Then worked as a field engineer on contract. Finally taken on permanent nearly 6 years ago.

Before Siemens, I did 20 years in the field with Burroughs/Unisys, followed by a short stint with NCR.

I left school with A levels, and have only ever had in-house training, plus a couple of manufacturer-specific courses.

gambitt · 14 Jan 2007 at 14:08

I work for SBS (Siemens Business Services). I think we're changing name to SIS now though. I started there as a contractor about a year ago, went permanent in September.