Tech Repair Specialist Troubleshooting and Fixing Devices for a Living
Repair Technician skills for your resume and career
Repair technicians need to have a variety of technical skills. These include the ability to handle hand tools, plumbing, diagnosis, and dexterity. They must also have experience with electrical systems, HVAC, and test equipment. Additionally, they need to have a strong work ethic and provide excellent customer service.
In addition to these hard skills, repair technicians need to have soft skills. They must be able to work effectively with customers, providing strong customer service and maintaining a positive relationship with them. They also need to be good communicators, able to explain problems and solutions to customers in a clear and concise manner.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical repair technician skills. We ranked the top skills for repair technicians based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 16.5% of repair technician resumes contained customer service as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a repair technician needs to be successful in the workplace.
How to Get a Job as a Computer Technician: 10 Tips
Theres hardly a single industry where computers dont play a role. That means there will likely always be a demand for computer technicians and support specialists to keep those computers and networks running. Learn more about this quickly growing field and get yourself job-ready with these ten tips.
What does a computer technician do?
Computer technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot hardware and software for businesses and organizations. Depending on what type of company you work for, your day-to-day tasks may include:
Setting up hardware and installing software
Performing repairs on computers and other peripherals
Providing support for technical issues with software or hardware
Assisting with the IT aspect of onboarding new hires
Answering technical questions
Performing regular software updates
Troubleshooting system failures and bugs
Managing security updates
10 tips for getting a job as a computer technician
If youre interested in starting a computer technician career, here are ten tips to help you prepare for and secure a job.
1. Get certified.
One way to validate your skills to a potential employer is to earn a computer or help desk support certification. Consider starting with a foundational certificate, like the CompTIA A+ credential, to help make your resume stand out to hiring managers. With the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, youll learn the job-ready skills you need while preparing yourself to pass the CompTIA A+ exam, even with no previous experience.
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate has helped me get a headstart on my degree in Computer Science as I did not have to take the How Computers Work class and my certificate was recognized as proof of knowing some of the basics. In addition, this certificate gave me the confidence I needed to apply for the degree program. -Jason N., Coursera learner
Some companies require you to get technician certifications in the specific product that the company uses. For example, a company working with Apple computers might prefer the AppleCare Mac Technician (ACMT) certification, while a company that uses Windows may want the Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification.
Check some job listings of positions you might want to apply for to see what industry certifications are recommended or required.
Learn more: 10 Essential IT Certifications
2. Gain essential skills.
Forty percent of computer technicians have a bachelor's degree, 38 percent have an associate degree, and 10 percent have a high school diploma [1]. Most commonly, computer technicians study computer science, computer information systems, information technology, or a related field. A training program or college degree can help you build your technical knowledge, provide opportunities to gain practical experience, and give you a competitive edge over other applicants.
Tip: Consider pursuing your degree online from an accredited university so you can continue working (and earning a paycheck) as you learn.
3. Build a computer.
Get to know computer technology inside and outliterallyby building your own computer. As you gather and assemble the components of a computer, youll learn about its structure, what makes it work, and what hardware issues correspond to what parts.
In addition to the real-world experience, youll end up with a machine customized to your needs and likely for less than what youd pay for a comparable pre-built computer in a store.
4. Practice fixing common computer problems.
One of your biggest tasks in a computer technician job will be identifying and solving hardware and software issues. But you dont need to get hired to start gaining experience fixing computers.
Chances are your family members, friends, and co-workers experience computer problems from time to time. Let them know youre willing to help. You can also search local classified ads for unwanted broken computers that you can try to diagnose and fix. Keep track of your work so you can add your successes to your resume.
My advice for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in IT is to own it. Even if you don't have the background, education, or experience needed to start a new role in IT - take the time to sit down with a laptop and learn absolutely everything you can. Anything is possible. -Sean F., Coursera learner
5. Develop your non-technical skills.
Strong technical skills and knowledge of computer systems are critical for success in the IT industry, but keep in mind that youll also be working with people. Developing these "soft skills" can not only help you impress hiring managers but can help make you a better technician once youre on the job. Here are a few examples of skills you'll need for a successful career in this role:
Learn more: 7 In-Demand IT Skills to Boost Your Resume
6. Volunteer your skills.
Another excellent way to improve your skill set while earning resume-ready experience is to volunteer for an organization in need of computer repair. Check with local schools, small businesses, or not-for-profit organizations to find out where you can help.
Remember to ask for a letter of recommendation outlining the type and amount of volunteer work you performed, including specific IT tasks. Keep the contact information of the people you work with. They might make excellent references when you start applying for jobs.
Read more: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation (Template + Tips)
7. Apply for an internship.
Get hands-on experience and expand your professional network by applying for help desk internships in your area or online. With a paid or unpaid internship, youll get to learn from experienced IT professionals while troubleshooting hardware and software problems in the real world.
Check for intern openings on LinkedIn or other local job boards. If youre enrolled in a degree program, the career services department of your university may be able to help you find local opportunities.
8. Update your resume.
Your resume or CV is often the first impression youll have on a recruiter or hiring manager. Invest the time to make it as good as it can be now, and youll be that much closer to securing interviews later.
As you build or update your resume, be sure to include any certifications and degrees youve earned, as well as volunteer or other previous experience youve had with working with computers. Highlight the skills youve developed, especially those skills listed on the job description for the position youre applying for. Try to be as specific as possible when describing your achievements.
9. Practice common IT interview questions.
Interviewing for a job can feel like a big step, and its normal to feel a little nervous. Build your confidence by rehearsing some common interview questions ahead of time. When youre sitting in front of the hiring manager or recruiter, youll look and feel more prepared. Here are some questions to start with:
How do you communicate technical information clearly to non-technical people?
What is your troubleshooting process?
How do you keep your skills and knowledge current?
What operating systems are you familiar with?
Can you tell me about a time youve had to deal with a difficult person? How did you handle it?
What do you do when you encounter an error you cant solve?
What are your favorite or least favorite technology products? Why?
What questions do you ask when troubleshooting a users computer problem?
How do you prioritize your work when you have more than one project at a time?
Learn more: 10 Common IT Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
10. Start applying for jobs.
Set aside some time each day to browse job search sites for computer technician positions. Pay careful attention to any directions regarding how to apply. Some companies will have you fill out a form and upload your resume. Others might ask you to email a cover letter along with your resume.
Dont be afraid to apply to jobs even if you lack some of the qualifications. You might be the best candidate even if youre not one hundred percent qualified (especially if you can demonstrate your passion and customer service skills).
Regarding job searching, don't be intimidated by the job descriptions and think you're not qualified enough for the position or any position. Apply with confidence, interview with confidence, and be prepared. - Stevenson B., Coursera learner
Remember that your first job as a computer technician is also the first step in what might be a much longer career. The experience you gain can create opportunities to advance to other, higher-paying career paths in cybersecurity, app or software development, systems administration, or cloud engineering.
Take the next step toward your computer technician career with Coursera
You can gain in-demand hardware and software skills with an industry leader in technology through IBM's IT Support Professional Certificate. In this beginner-friendly, self-paced online course, you'll practice setting up and troubleshooting hardware and software through hands-on exercises.
What does a computer repair technician do?
What is a Computer Repair Technician?
A computer repair technician is responsible for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing hardware and software issues in computers and related devices. Their primary focus is on resolving technical problems that arise with computer systems, including desktops, laptops, servers, and peripherals such as printers and scanners.
Computer repair technicians possess a deep understanding of computer hardware components, operating systems, and software applications, allowing them to effectively identify and resolve issues that impact system performance and functionality. They may also provide technical support to users, offering guidance on system setup, configuration, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
What does a Computer Repair Technician do?
Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe duties and responsibilities of a computer repair technician vary depending on the specific job and work environment, but some common tasks include:
- Diagnosis and Troubleshooting: Computer repair technicians start by diagnosing the root cause of computer problems reported by users. This involves listening to user descriptions of issues, asking probing questions to gather additional information, and using diagnostic tools to identify hardware or software malfunctions.
- Hardware Repair and Replacement: Once the issue is identified, technicians perform repairs or replacements on faulty hardware components. This could include repairing or replacing parts such as hard drives, RAM, motherboards, graphics cards, power supplies, and peripherals like keyboards and mice.
- Software Troubleshooting and Installation: In addition to hardware issues, technicians troubleshoot software problems such as operating system errors, driver conflicts, and malware infections. They may perform software updates, patches, and installations to resolve these issues and ensure system functionality.
- Data Recovery and Backup: Computer repair technicians assist users in recovering lost or corrupted data due to hardware failures, accidental deletion, or software issues. They may use specialized tools and techniques to recover data and help users implement backup solutions to prevent future data loss.
- System Maintenance and Optimization: Technicians perform routine maintenance tasks to optimize computer performance and prevent future issues. This includes tasks such as disk cleanup, defragmentation, system updates, and performance tuning.
- Customer Support and Communication: Computer repair technicians provide technical support to users, offering guidance and assistance in resolving computer problems. They communicate technical information in a clear and understandable manner, ensuring users are informed about the status of their repairs and any recommended actions.
- Documentation and Reporting: Technicians maintain accurate records of all repairs, including details of the issue, diagnostic steps taken, repairs performed, and any replacement parts used. They may also generate reports on common issues, trends, and recommendations for improving system reliability.
Types of Computer Repair TechniciansComputer repair technicians can specialize in various areas based on their skills, expertise, and the types of computer systems and devices they work with. Here are some types of computer repair technicians:
- Data Recovery Specialists: Data recovery specialists specialize in recovering lost or corrupted data from storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), USB drives, and memory cards. They use specialized tools and techniques to retrieve data that has been deleted, formatted, or damaged.
- Desktop Computer Technicians: These technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing issues with desktop computers, including hardware and software problems. They may work on both Windows-based and macOS desktop systems.
- Hardware Technicians: Hardware technicians specialize in repairing hardware components of computers, such as hard drives, RAM, processors, graphics cards, power supplies, and peripherals. They have expertise in identifying faulty hardware components and replacing them with new ones.
- IT Support Specialists: IT support specialists provide technical assistance and troubleshooting to users experiencing computer hardware, software, or network issues. They diagnose problems, offer solutions, and ensure that systems are operating efficiently to meet users' needs.
- Laptop Technicians: Laptop technicians focus specifically on diagnosing and repairing issues with laptop computers. They are skilled in disassembling and reassembling laptops to access internal components for repair or replacement.
- Mobile Device Technicians: Mobile device technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing issues with smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They are skilled in repairing hardware components such as screens, batteries, and charging ports, as well as troubleshooting software issues.
- Network Technicians: Network technicians focus on diagnosing and troubleshooting issues related to computer networks, including wired and wireless networks, routers, switches, and network protocols. They ensure that computers can connect to the network and communicate effectively with other devices.
- Software Technicians: Software technicians specialize in diagnosing and troubleshooting software issues in computers, including operating system errors, driver conflicts, software installation problems, and malware infections. They are proficient in using diagnostic tools and software utilities to resolve software-related issues.
Are you suited to be a computer repair technician?
Computer repair technicians have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means theyre intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also conventional, meaning theyre conscientious and conservative.
Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if computer repair technician is one of your top career matches.
Take the free test now Learn more about the career testWhat is the workplace of a Computer Repair Technician like?
Computer repair technicians work in diverse environments that include tech repair shops, electronics stores, IT departments of businesses, educational institutions, and as independent contractors. Tech repair shops and electronics stores often employ technicians to diagnose and fix issues with customers' computers and devices. These settings may offer a fast-paced work environment, with technicians handling a variety of repair requests, from minor software glitches to complex hardware malfunctions. The atmosphere can be dynamic, with technicians interacting directly with customers to understand their issues and provide timely solutions.
IT departments of businesses and organizations also employ computer repair technicians to maintain and troubleshoot the company's computer systems. In these settings, technicians may work as part of a team, collaborating with network administrators, system administrators, and other IT professionals to ensure the smooth operation of computer networks and systems. They may handle tasks such as hardware upgrades, software installations, and troubleshooting employee computers and peripherals. The workplace environment may vary depending on the size and industry of the organization, ranging from corporate offices to manufacturing plants or healthcare facilities.
For independent contractors, the workplace of a computer repair technician can vary widely. Some technicians may operate out of their own repair shops or home offices, while others may offer mobile repair services, traveling to clients' homes or businesses to perform on-site repairs. This flexibility allows technicians to manage their own schedules and serve a diverse range of clients, from individual consumers to small businesses and organizations.
Computer Repair Technicians are also known as:Computer TechnicianComputer Service TechnicianComputer Repair Consultant
