Jobs in the computer industry
 

Ive been ever dyin to get a job in the computer retail industry. However no one would want to hire me to become their sales associate due to my lack of retail experience. I have a high interest in computers as I also know how to repair them. My only work experience that I only have so far is as a busser at a restaurant, which has nothing to do with retail.

I also finished taking a p/t compTIA course at BCIT and soon will be taking the test for the certification.

Anyone can advise me what to do? Should I keep sending resumes to NCIX, Futureshop, Bestbuy, etc? Or can someone ever be so kindy to hook me up?

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

Explain why are you so attracted to working selling computer parts? Discount?

If you are interested in computers go find something else you are good at. Selling comp parts = clothing sales

I would be able to advertise cuz I know my stuff and recommend which components are perfect for the individual. Yeah I guess you are right too about clothing too.

Futureshop/Bestbuy - during busy season.

Futureshop/Bestbuy - volunteer in their tech room . It's grunt work and no pay but I did it for a summer and sold pc's a couple of years later.

I think you got the wrong message here.

If your interested in a computer related field why limit yourself to just being a sales rep?

Judging from your post you are still young and potential is limitless.

Definetly give apple a shot, correct me if I'm wrong, but the position would be "Genius" where you would work as a customer service/fix up damages to macs, macbooks, etc... If they won't hire you for that, I'd go a step lower and do the sales rep position which is "specialist" i believe, and work your way up..

i dont like macs LOL i dont even know how to service a mac, PC FTW but thanks for your input

still though... you might not be able to get what you want straight away.. so that's another option for you to decide from

Try London Drugs, look on the online job postings

Your best bet at getting a job at best buy is if you apply for a seasonal position (usually summer, back to school, and christmas). They don't usually make you go through the whole process and you might skip a few steps a long the way. Or ask a friend to refer you. During the inbetween seasons, they don't hire as much since they tend to keep those from season who can work FT and people end up going back to school and working PT.

I used to work at best buy and helped out in the Computer's department a lot. Like yourself I love computers and I know how to fix them. I thought that the fact that I did love them and that I would be making money helping people buy computers was fool proof... Most of the time you're just there trying to differentiate two computers that are almost exactly the same to a customer who only needs it to watch youtube videos and facebook. You'll also be pressured by your supervisor/managers to their rip off warranties to customers who are already asking for a deal. And even though you're non commissioned you still need to hit sales numbers and you don't get any reward for doing well. I'd say about 60% of the customers are easy to deal with and aren't there looking to get a $700 laptop for $500. But other times can be brutally painful and you just want to get out of there but you can't lol.

It's also pretty fun working there depending on who you're working with. It's pretty chill and easy going when there are no customers especially before closing. You can pretty much just do w.e you want. Everyone is usually easy going as well and aren't always "by the book" type of employees they always do their best to help you out.

But if you really do love computers don't get stuck in sales. I work as a developer now and I get to work with a lot of computers and also make programs, games, and web apps. I find that it's a lot better for me than working with sales.

My $0.02

I'm an in house tech/assembly, as well as prototype assembler for NCIX, what I can tell you now is, if you start in futureshop/bestbuy, you will become desensitized to computers REALLY quickly, as you are only hitting the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the industry.

If you have to, start as a sales, having the knowledge as well as enthusiasm will allow you to go further in the chain of command. but keep in mind you only get to sell the parts you love, you do not get to see it, open it, touch it, use it, or in any way sample it.

Being a tech will allow you to go hands on, but you only get to see the broken/used parts of the computer, you will never see the new stuff, unless the customer requests you to build it.

Thats my 0.02c, I worked hard, got where I am today.

edit: just to add on, we're about to hit a hard electronic recession, you won't find a job unless you stand out.

This is still slow season for retail. This is the time of year where those companies have laid people off. You're better off waiting til mid spring or summer which is when they mass hire regardless of experience. That will give you the experience, and if you kick some ass in sales you won't be the one laid off. I warn you with my vast retail experience, it's generally cut throat, high pressure sales. Your numbers lack you're gone. No if's, and's or but's.

Just a heads up about the Genius position. I have a friend who currently works as one in the Oakridge Centre location and he's told me that they very rarely hire Geniuses from outside the company. Anyone looking to become one would be better off starting as a regular associate and working their way up. Unless of course you have vast amounts of Apple related knowledge and are a complete iWhore like he is :)