I have been looking for It jobs on and off for 3 yrs now. I have computer repair experience but I don't have the A+ certifications. I've had calls about jobs but when they find out I don't have my certs they say sorry we want someone that is certified.

Try the online job sites, monster, dice, careerbuilder. look into recruiters and temp services.

Temp jobs will get you the experience. Even if you take jobs that are for a week that is still gaining experience. When that is over move on to the next available temp position. Some may even be temp to hire.

In this economy, even Entry Level jobs require 2 sometimes 3 years experience (go figure). The A+ cert is a cycle thing. There are times when it is not required (like just before the colapse of the economy), and times like now when most employers expect you to have either a college certificate or a degree. I know folks that have a 2 and 4 year degree in CIS and still can't find a job (just too much competition out there right now, employers have their pick and they know it). Best bet is to set yourself up with a Temp agency and get whatever work you can out of them. Once they get to know who you are, you will start getting more assignments

The other option, which is the one I'm shooting for, is to start my own business and Market, Market, and Market some more!

Social networking sites are a good way to get to know people. I also talk a lot when I go to any type of computer store about everything. That way you get to sort of know the people in that field.
You might want to check out some of those free list (IE: Craig’s List, etc,) either do your own post for volunteering or some places do hire through there.
I know a person that answered an ad on Craig’s for a pc/television job. He now is learning more and more about raids and such. He's not getting paid much but he is gaining much needed experience.

The job market is bad yes indeed, but with the knowledge that you have about computers it can be your answer. As Gabriel mentioned, You Can Start Your Own Business.

I am fortunate to be employed, but the 1st week of January this new year I decided to take a leap of faith and started mentioning to people I work with that I repair computers, remove virus's and malware. I had been doing this for my own personal computer and those of friends just as favors.

I got to looking around and listening what people had to say about their computing experiences. Many of them are fighting virus's,spyware, and PC & Laptop breakdowns. The vast majority of them have no idea what to do or how to solve these issues, nor are they interested in learning how.

Many of them have contacted the local computer repair shops and are finding it will cost the a week's pay in some cases just to get their computers cleaned out and protected. The laptops are so popular today but they are very delicate and easy to damage. What many of them are finding out is they are also very expensive to repair. Many of them are in a fix, they can't stand not to be able to use their PC,s or Laptops but they can't afford to just go out and buy a new one and most of them can not afford to pay the local shops the high fee's that they are requiring to fix those item's.

So how does that help you? Well 1st off, you have or are learning the necessary skills to solve their problems. If you are like myself, I started learning this to be able to service my own, cause I can't afford to pay the outrageous prices being asked. On top of the outrageous prices is the lack of pride in their work, the idea of doing it right is many times low on their list of priority's. All they are looking at is getting the money, who cares about customer satisfaction and pride in craftsmanship. What the H**L is that?!

This can be your golden opportunity. Go out and offer better service for less, be very courteous and mindful of what you do. BusDriver has mentioned this in some of his posts throughout the forum. He is telling it straight. People are hungry for honest, dependable, affordable service. Give it to them and you just might be surprised at how fast you can turn your situation around.

As a way of proof, I will give you an example of what is happening to me. January 2nd,2011 I heard a friend mention that his nephew's computer was infected with a virus or virus's. The local shop told him that they would look at the unit and could probably fix it for around $169.00-$225.00 depending. Depending on what ? He asked them, their answer was, "Depending on what we find!"

Being just after Christmas, he did not have that kind of money to spend. I asked him if he would be interested in getting it looked at and cleared for $60.00 max, maybe less. He asked Who,Where, and When? My answer was that I would do the job as soon as he could get the computer to me. 4 hours later I returned the computer to his home ready to roll and well protected with a free antivirus program, which out performed his previous "protection!" I just love what the free edition of Avast can do. I'm like Popeye, I hate Norton.

I then handed him my bill, and waited. He could not believe his eyes, my bill was for $45.00! He nearly knocked me over putting the money in my hand. $45.00, I know, big deal right. That's not gonna buy much is it. Well about and hour and a half later he drives into my driveway and blows the horn on his car. I'm thinking, oh oh what did I miss or mess up. I walked out to his car to see what the problem was. It was a big problem, a very big problem. He needed my assistance to unload 6 PC's and 1 laptop for me to work on. He had known several other people in the same boat he was in. He was so happy with the work I had done and the price I had done it for, he brought me more work. Those 7 item's earned me $330.00!

Another Lady he knew, brought me her laptop that needed a new keyboard. She said that the local shop told her it would be $250.00 + tax to fix. She left it with me, after about 4 hours searching the net I found her a new matching part numbers keyboard, I called her and informed her I would be able to fix the laptop for a grand total of $60.00! She almost proposed marriage to me! It has been non-stop every since.

I work a 12 hour shift as a mechanic in a carpet mill, making $15.06 an hour, believe me when I say, "I work hard for my money!" I gave them notice this AM before I left for home that wanted to switch to the weekend shift,3 day's a week instead of 4, so that I could continue to build my business, before quitting the factory. They may refuse the transfer, so they informed me. My answer was that,s up to them, I could make it on my own if need be.

This long winded post is meant to inspire those of you that may be struggling trying to find work and feed your families. The chance is there just grasp it, go slow, be upright and not greedy. You just might find yourself in the same boat. I hope and pray it will be that way. Just remember that doing the best possible work and taking less can end up paying you way more in the long run.

Just in case you are wondering I am 58 years old and this is a relatively new field to me. If I can do it I just know and believe you can too.
Sorry about the long post!

OldMan
Proud owner of The Hitman Computer Services

links not working

Sorry about that Popeye, did't mean to make it look like a link. I don't have a site yet. Just an easy to remeber name and a dream that's building

start with a blog it will give you some ideas for for starting your own website and you can still use it for advertising.

Do contract work like at OnForce.com

Hi

I need help to pass my A+ Comptia exams. Please guide me through with resources that will help me to pass my 220-701 and 220-702 exams.

Much Appreciated

Regards,
Maz