42 Examples Of Computer Technician Interview Questions

A computer technician fixes a variety of computer problems. They may also build hardware, instal software and update a company's computer network. If you are applying for a job as a computer technician, learning the questions you may hear during an interview can help you prepare strategic answers. In this article, we list 42 questions a hiring manager may ask during a computer technician interview and share five sample answers to help you craft your own.

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General Computer Technician Interview Questions

A hiring manager may ask basic computer technician interview questions to learn more about you, your personality and your work ethic. These questions can also help them determine your ability to work with your prospective colleagues. Here are some general questions a hiring manager may ask at the beginning of a computer technician interview:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What is your greatest strength as a computer technician?

3. What is your greatest weakness as a computer technician?

4. Why do you want this job?

5. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

6. Tell me about your career aspirations.

7. What do you know about our company?

8. How did you hear about this open position?

9. Why should we hire you?

10. How do you define success?

11. How soon can you start?

12. What is your preferred schedule?

13. What is your preferred salary?

14. Why are you leaving your current job?

15. Do you have questions for me?

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Questions About Education And Background

Along with learning about you as a person, hiring managers want to know that you have the professional qualifications and expertise to handle the job. Because of this, they often ask questions about your formal training and experience as a computer technician. Here are some questions the hiring manager may ask:

1. Tell me about your academic history.

2. Tell me about your experience as a computer technician.

3. Where did you receive your education as a computer technician?

4. Which of your classes best prepared you for this role?

5. Tell me about your strongest qualifications for the job.

6. What were your duties at your previous job?

7. Do you have relevant certifications?

8. Do you have information technology experience?

9. Tell me about your computer expertise.

10. What computer systems are you comfortable using?

11. How has your previous experience in this industry helped you as a computer technician?

12. Do you have experience using software distribution tools? Which ones and how did you use them?

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In-Depth Interview Questions

A hiring manager asks in-depth questions to learn how you apply your experience and skills on the job. Your answers to these questions can also help them determine how you handle certain work-related situations. Hiring managers may ask the following in-depth computer technician interview questions:

1. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a colleague. What happened?

2. Tell me about a time you made a mistake as a computer technician. How did you correct it?

3. Have you ever disagreed with a superior? What happened and how did you resolve the matter?

4. Tell me about a time you positively affected a customer.

5. Tell me about a time you fixed a computer issue.

6. Explain your process for clearing computer viruses.

7. Tell me about the desktop operating systems you are comfortable using. What makes them easy to use?

8. Explain your process for troubleshooting a user's computer.

9. What would you do if you did not know how to fix a computer issue?

10. Describe a time you completed a task successfully.

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Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Before your interview, consider holding a mock interview with a friend or family member. A mock interview can help you practise your body language and responses to common interview questions. Review these questions with sample answers to help you consider your own replies during a computer technician interview:

1. Describe a time when you had to build or repair a computer.

Interviewers may ask this question to help them determine if you have basic computer technician experience. Knowing the knowledge and skills you possess can make it easier for them to make a more informed decision about your qualifications or skill level. When you answer, provide an example of a time you built or repaired a computer successfully, whether as a computer technician or in a related role.

Example: "During my internship, I fixed our customers' damaged desktop computers and laptops and installed software. I built client computers based on ordered parts. I also freelanced for two years and worked with a variety of clients and systems. These experiences helped me gain the skills I have today and allowed me to hone my craft and learn how to work with different computer types."

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2. How would you verify and solve an issue with a computer where the tower is on, but the monitor is not?

An interviewer might ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills. There may be several reasons a computer monitor may not turn on, so this serves as an opportunity for the interviewer to identify if you know how to fix this common issue. In your answer, explain your process and highlight your problem-solving skills and troubleshooting abilities.

Example: "There are several ways I might try to identify the issue. First, I would verify the functionality of the outlet the computer uses. Then, I would ensure the cords for the monitor and tower connect to each other properly. Finally, I would change out the cords to see if it was a faulty one causing the issue."

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3. Tell me about a time you dealt with an angry customer. How did you resolve it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess how you communicate with people and resolve challenging interactions. Knowing how to resolve situations like this can show your ability to work under pressure, take control of a situation and exhibit good customer service skills.

Example: "When I worked as a freelance computer tech, I had a client who was unhappy with my service because they believed I took too long to fix their computer. I remained calm and explained why it took longer than expected to repair. I told the customer I found additional issues that needed repairing before I could move forward with the initial repairs, which helped to diffuse the situation. The customer expressed satisfaction with my response and thanked me for the additional work on his system once it was ready."

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4. Do you know the difference between a hub and a switch?

Hiring managers may ask this to learn about your basic knowledge as a computer technician. Try to respond with confidence and provide a brief explanation. Interviewers expect genuine answers because it helps them determine your knowledge level.

Example: "Yes, the hub is a networking device that allows multiple computers to connect to a single network. In contrast, a switch allows multiple devices to connect to a single computer network. Basically, the hub helps to extend the network by offering additional ports, while the switch separates the network into smaller parts so there is less congestion."

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5. How do you stay current with technology?

As computer technology changes, companies often expect you to stay up to date on the latest technology and computer advancements. Hiring managers may ask this question to learn whether you understand the value of staying current with technology news. They might also ask about your favourite mediums for technology and computer news.

Example: "I follow a variety of social media news pages. I also follow a tech blog because it provides updates as soon as new information releases. To ensure I receive the newest information, I set alerts on my phone so I can immediately see when they make a new post. In addition, I follow video streaming sites that offer great tech news."