#1 Skipping the Basics (And Why Your Ego is Lying to You)
Every tech, no matter how seasoned, has committed at least eight of the "Top 10 Rookie Mistakes." The other two? They’re lying.
I’m going to break these down one by one over the next few weeks to help you keep your cool (and your reputation) on the job.
1. The "I Checked Everything!" Trap
We’ve all been there. You walk into a room, the user is stressed, and you want to look like a hero. You start opening the Command Prompt and digging into registry keys like you’re defusing a bomb in an action movie.
The Reality Check: Meanwhile, the actual problem is usually much less "Hollywood":
- The monitor button wasn't pressed.
- The power cable is wiggling for its life.
- The power strip was turned off by a rogue vacuum cleaner.
- The user accidentally kicked the Ethernet cable across the room.
Why do we do this?
It’s a mix of panic, adrenaline, and the desire to look smart. When you’re new, "The cable is unplugged" feels too simple. You feel like you should be doing something more complicated to justify being there.
How to Avoid the "Basics" Ghost
Follow the CompTIA A+ Golden Rule: Start with the simplest, most obvious cause. Before you re-image a machine, check the plug. If you skip the basics, the basics will eventually come back to haunt you (usually in front of your boss).
Need a "Don't Panic" Reminder?
If you're worried about freezing up on your first day, I've got you covered.
- Junior Techs: Grab my FREE: The Junior Tech's First-Response Checklist to keep your head in the game.
- The Full Kit: Check out The Tech Survival Kit e-Book for more "real world" advice that textbooks leave out.
And don't worry, senior techs—you'll still need to teach them your tribal knowledge, but these guides handle the "is it plugged in?" talk for you.
#Junior Tech Tips, #IT Troubleshooting, #New Tech Career, CompTIA A+