Computer operators administer the proper functioning of the computer hardware systems. Their responsibility spreads between two extremities. The subordinate or the initial positions are occupied by the clerks who look after the system without the processing part. They handle terminal purchases or examine the spreadsheets in their place of business. The high-end positions include the programmers or the engineers who are responsible for the development of the computers and the processing system. Thus, they supervise both mini and mainframes including other secondary devices that are connected to the main system. Therefore, computer operators require hands-on experience, technical expertise and functional knowledge.
Various Skills Possessed by these Professionals
The computer operator job aspirants should have the necessary prowess to achieve success in this profile. The various skills they need to be adept in are as follows:
- Technical Knowledge and Expertise: This is one of the primary skills the expert needs to acquire. The computer operator needs to acquire the knowledge of each and every computer parts that affect the functioning of the computer system as a whole. They are required to know and understand the various operating systems like Java Enterprise System, Microsoft Windows, Sun Microsystems and UNIX. Familiarity with the database interface software such as Microsoft Access, IBM DB2, Sybase SQL, and Teradata Enterprise Data Warehouse is a necessity. Other than this an understanding of the network monitor software such as Novell NetWare, Hewlett-Packard HP OpenView software to name a few is a plus point.
- Functional Knowledge: This is the second most essential skill that requires proficiency for the role of a computer operator. This includes the potential to detect and examine operational issues. The computer operator should have the professional know-how to identify the deviations and changes in the performance of the system. Fixing the problem post identification is their core responsibility. Fixing might involve substituting the malfunction parts or the software. These experts acknowledge the error messages and integrate commands in the areas needed. They make use of the debug software to augment the performance of the systems.
- Good verbal and non-verbal communication skills: Computer operators often need to know and interpret the technical info that includes technical diagrams and application manuals. They also need to communicate this information in simple language to the other people of the organisation who requires it for their work. They also need to be a good listener and curious to get deeper into the problem.
- Adept in Customer servicing: Apart from the technical knowledge, the computer operators should have the basic servicing and clerical expertise. They can manage files and database with word processing and database management skills. Putting their effort efficiently, they need to assess customer requirements and meet their needs.
Be Prepared to Nail the Interview
After you have acquired the necessary skills, the next step is to prepare for the interview. Here are certain areas that you need to highlight and your interviewer will dig deep when it comes to a job in computer operations:
- Task and Responsibilities: the first and foremost thing the interviewer will be inquiring about the specific tasks you have learnt and accomplished in your previous experience. If you are a fresher, he will be evaluating you whether you have the potential for performing the necessary skills.
- Key Performance Areas: a computer operator can be asked about the key performance indicators of the job. Therefore, the candidate should be aware of the role and particular responsibilities to frame the answer accordingly. Good answers will take into consideration the operation times, actions taken to combat the issue detected and how the performance of one system cooperated with that of the other.
- Any latest skills acquired: the recruiter will take into consideration any recent skills picked up by the operator that will help him to advance in his career. Candidates who have additional certifications will have a favorable chance to be onboard. Mostly, the career of computer operators after several years of experience branches out to systems analyst or software engineer. Thus, his extra skills will grab recruiter’s attention.
- Future career plans: this is one basic question is common to all job seekers. Every employer wants to know where the candidate sees himself five years down the line. This gives the recruiter the understanding that the job seeker is serious about his career and has a well- thought career plan.
Therefore, grabbing a desired computer operator role is not that difficult if you have the right skills in place and nab your interview well. Prepare for a successful career by honing your skills and combine with the right amount of confidence that will allure the interviewer to your job application.
Author’s Bio: Agniva Banerjee is a writer by profession. She likes curating informative articles and blogs on diverse areas that provide a good read. She loves engaging the readers through her words and welcomes feedback of all sorts. Connect to her on Twitter @Agniva_B