How to Get Computer Hardware Jobs

Introduction

The term computer hardware job, can bring to mind more visions than there are types of jobs. Computer hardware has to do with the physical computer components versus the software side that deals with ideas such as programming codes and applications that run on the physical computer or machine. As both aspects of technology change at radical rates, those who want to jump into the field must be able to change as well. Read on to learn more.

Steps

1 Step One

Find your niche and know it well. With several subfields under hardware, you must be able to specialize in one area or two related aspects and be able to know and apply them well. Specialize in what your strength is. If networking is your thing and not putting computers together then go with it.

2 Step Two

Read about the changes that are happening in the computer field in general and not just your niche. Networking people need to know about platforms and any future changes if they are going to be able to interview with prospective employers and show them so they can be an asset to the company.

3 Step Three

Create a resume that acknowledges your education as well as the projects that you have worked on and created. Let your prospective employer know that what you have learned in school and in theory you are able to produce in the real world.

4 Step Four

Dress professional but be social while in the interview. Several times the people you will interview with will be with who may be working for or with. A social person that comes across friendly and knowledgeable will come across more favorably than an applicant that is narrow minded and has tunnel vision.

5 Step Five

Show up to an interview with time to take the work environment into account. Ask questions about what the work environment is like. The same way the company is looking for an employee that will be productive and help the team, you must find a place that you will be comfortable in.

6 Step Six

Take the initiative and send a follow up thank you for the interview opportunity and to reiterate your interest and eagerness to start the job.

How to Find a Computer Hardware Engineering Job

Introduction

While Computer Hardware Engineering has been a rapidly growing field recently, however with this growth, the number people obtaining degrees and knowledge for this field has been increasing as well. Therefore it is prudent for job seekers in the Computer Hardware Engineering field to be very tenacious in their search for employment.

Steps

1 Step One

Check the Internet. There are plenty of job sites that are dedicated specifically Computer Hardware Engineering Jobs. (see below for specific sites)

2 Step Two

Make sure the qualifications listed on these Computer Hardware Engineering Job descriptions closely match the qualifications on your job seekers resume. It is a good idea to alter the resume to meet job qualifications as long as the job seeker possesses these skills. Oftentimes job seekers make a one-size-fits-all resume and are excluded from jobs that they would otherwise be qualified for.

3 Step Three

Join Computer Hardware Engineering Associations. These groups provide some invaluable contacts for obtaining jobs in Computer Hardware Engineering field. Information on these groups can be obtained through the Internet or through a local college. (see Internet contacts)

4 Step Four

Locate the correct job Market Locale. For instance the job market for Computer Hardware Engineers are considerably better in certain areas of the country (Austin, TX, San Jose CA, and the research triangle in NC) and often near colleges.

5 Step Five

Call a local company that employs Computer Hardware Engineers and inquire if the company has an mentor program for people wanting to be a Computer Hardware Engineer. If the company does not have a mentor program ask if they would allow a person to job-shadow a computer hardware engineer for a day. This will prove invaluable to the applicant, because often there are aspects to the job that a person who is new to the field did not even envision.

How to Become an LAN Administrator

Introduction

In most work environments, there is one person whom everyone knows. That person is the computer technician who manages to fix everything that goes haywire on a computer. The official name for person is the LAN Administrator. He is vital to maintaining the daily operations in the workplace. This is how LAN Administrators get their jobs.

Steps

1 Step One

Make security the goal in every task that is performed. This type of work is the main line of defense from viruses and hackers. Read about the latest security measures taken by large companies, as well as the government. The buck stops with the LAN Administrator if anything happens to security. Learn how to work with end users and department managers to make security manageable.

2 Step Two

Use checklists. It will be the LAN Administrator's responsibility to make sure that a variety of tasks are performed. Learn how to use checklists in daily life to get tasks done more efficiently. If, for example, the LAN Administrator has to make sure that every computer in the company has the most up-to-date software, a list of some kind is in order.

3 Step Three

Become a public speaker as well as a good one-on-one communicator. LAN administrators will be responsible for training staff on how to perform various tasks related to software and hardware set. A good trainer will avoid issues in the future with the improper use of equipment and software.

4 Step Four

Review disaster plans from governmental organizations. LAN administrators must be familiar and know how to implement these types of plans. Contact the Department of Homeland Security and study any plans that you are allowed access to that relate to IT in any way.

How to Dress for a Computer Hardware Job

Introduction

Dressing for a computer hardware job is driven by your specific duties, but following a few basic guidelines will keep you safe and not embarrassed. Whether a technician or an engineer, a computer hardware job can require certain activities that need the appropriate dress. Crawling under desks, reaching, bending, bending over to look behind the hardware, stooping and many other minor office acrobatics may be required and if not dressed appropriately, wardrobe malfunctions could be workplace fodder for many days.

Steps

1 Step One

Follow the company’s dress code closely until you have a better idea of the culture and how folks interpret the rules. Casual days can mean different things at different companies, from shorts and flip flops to jeans and short sleeved collared shirts with casual shoes. Use the example of your co-workers and bosses when deciding on your wardrobe. Start at the conservative end and loosen up as you understand the culture.

2 Step Two

Avoid jewelry that can get caught, or worse, cause a short to you or the hardware when bending over pieces and parts of computers. If you can’t lose the necklace, at least tuck it in your shirt when troubleshooting. Neckties are also a danger for getting caught where you don’t want them to, tuck them into the middle of your shirt or don’t wear them if not required. Don’t forget to un-tuck them if you are meeting customers or vendors.

3 Step Three

Keep the skirt length long enough to not distract your co-workers while bending or stooping. Even if your skirt meets the dress code length requirement, make sure that if you are on your hands and knees plugging something in that people are still focused on their own duties, not your backside. Granted, the attention might be fun, but it’s not the best approach to making sure you are known for your skills.

4 Step Four

Do not show your cleavage or underpants. None of these are appropriate for your co-workers. Get a belt and save the party clothes for the nightlife. Be judged for your and work not your sex appeal (or lack of).

5 Step Five

Make sure to test your work wardrobe before buying by bending over, stooping, sitting and crossing your legs in the dressing room. If you cannot comfortably do these things without flashing or binding yourself, keep trying.

6 Step Six

Wearing closed toed shoes may be required if you spend time on factory floors. Find out about this before investing in lots of shoes. As well, know how much time you will be on your feet and if it’s carpet or hard surfaces. Having comfortable feet will make your happier through the day.

How to Understand Different Computer Hardware Jobs

Introduction

The term "computer hardware" conjures up images of large CPUs and bulky prototype computers. But in reality, computer hardware and the jobs related to it are more about networking, security and other functions than computer upkeep and repair, though that certainly is one computer hardware job.

Steps

1 Step One

Check out job sites like Monster and Careerbuilder for listings and descriptions of computer openings. This is probably the best way to get the most current computer hardware job descriptions and ascertain their popularity.

2 Step Two

Study course descriptions from computer schools. They often help you to differentiate between engineers, who work with every aspect of installing and configuring computers, and one tier computer jobs like repairman.

3 Step Three

Ask your local computer geek! He or she will be glad to talk to you, and you might get your computer fixed for free.

4 Step Four

Understand that jobs like systems administrator may involve managing and implementing an entire network of computers within a company, often at different locations. A job of this nature is one of the more complicated within the field of computer hardware and may require knowledge of routers, firewalls and computer security within that network.

5 Step Five

Know that computer hardware engineers need to deal with a broader base of functions than software or language programming specialists. There may be engineers who choose to focus only one computer function, like network security or routers, but most need to teach the whole spectrum of computer hardware utilities.

How to Find a Computer Hardware Job Internship

Introduction

Computer hardware job internships will provide you with the hands-on experience that you need to get a great job after you graduate from college. However, finding a great internship that will offer you the type of experience you are interested in can be difficult. Use these steps to help you identify internship opportunities that your fellow classmates may not be aware of.

Steps

1 Step One

Talk with your college's career counselor or academic adviser. Some colleges have a pre-approved list of computer hardware internship opportunities that you are required to use for your internship. If this is the case, then you will only want to contact the companies on the list. If this is not the case, then you can use this list to help get you pointed in the right direction.

2 Step Two

Look for local computer hardware job internships. Contact local companies that either work exclusively with computer hardware, such as computer repair or tech support company, or contact local companies that you would like to work for and ask if they are interested in taking you on as a computer hardware intern in their tech department. You can find the contact information for local companies in your local phone book in the yellow pages or business directory.

3 Step Three

Talk with someone from a professional organization that specializes in computer hardware to see if they have any leads for computer hardware internships. For example, you can talk to a rep from the Association for Computing Machinery, the International Association of Computer Professionals or the Information Technology Association of America to see if either they offer an internship program or if they know of any companies that do.

4 Step Four

See if your campus, or if other local campuses, offer computer hardware internships. Work-study programs in the tech department of colleges can offer you the chance to not only gain experience, but to also earn a little extra money. Many of these programs accept applicants that have little or no computer experience. This means that they are a great option for freshmen looking for an internship opportunity.

How to Prepare for a Computer Hardware Job

Introduction

Computer hardware jobs will increase faster than many other fields through 2014. Increased use of networks, peripherals and home computer use will create many opportunities for hardware technicians, support specialists and computer hardware engineers. To prepare for these opportunities, you will need both education and certifications.

Steps

1 Step One

Review the career options in computer hardware. Most jobs will require an Associate degree, even if you are the neighborhood "geek." Use the College board website to narrow your choices and find out more about the education required.

2 Step Two

Search for financial aid and scholarships. There are fewer scholarships available for 2-year degrees than for 4-year degrees. Financial aid and scholarship money can be put towards certification costs as well as degree costs.

3 Step Three

Select a school to attend for your initial computer hardware training. You can take computer hardware classes online or on campus.

4 Step Four

Complete the admissions process and take the classes that you need for the initial computing degree that you chose. Try to also include an internship in a computer hardware job that is similar to the one you are pursuing. You will make valuable contacts and get relevant experience for your resume.

5 Step Five

Apply to take the appropriate certification exam for your intended job. Use online preparation courses or purchase the materials to study at home. Hardware jobs require an A+ certification. Network hardware jobs are vendor specific. Cisco and Microsoft have different certification requirements that are not transferable.

6 Step Six

Complete your initial computing certification exams at CompTIA.

7 Step Seven

Apply for jobs using your school's career placement service, online job banks and internship contacts.

Tips & Warnings

• Vocational and technical schools offer good options for preparing for a computer hardware career.
• Associate degree programs often have less expensive tuition than bachelor's degree programs.
• Quite a few technology-oriented sites offer free online hardware courses. Take one or two to find out if this career is really good fit for you.
• Many online sites only offer self-study classes. Learning how to troubleshoot computer hardware properly requires some interaction with an instructor.
• Get recommendations from trusted sites before you pay any money for computer hardware training classes.
• Don't attend vocational or online schools that are not accredited.