Best Buy's Geek Squad

C

CoRPS

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Feb 19, 2004
Messages
1,389
I will probably get flamed for even asking this question, but I will proceed to anyway. Recently I got fired from my job (I worked for Cold Stone Creamery, an ice cream shop) and I'd like to work for Geek Squad, or Tiger Direct. Thing is, I have no idea what their requirements are.

- How old do you have to be?
- Would school be a bad thing in terms of scheduling? (Does Geek Squad hire part time?)
- Do you need any kinds of certs?

I know Geek Squad rapes their customers with unbelievable rates, but.. I really need a job, and I don't think I'm going to go back into the whole food thing. I'm great (by Best Buy's standards) with computers, and I'd like to make it my next job.

Btw I'm 18 and in High School.
 
Probably the best answer is to actually go into a local Bestbuy and ask them. Things like pay rates, job requirements, scheduleing, etc varies from location to location.
 
I wouldnt be caught dead driving one of thier cars...

There has to be more options then that, look in your newspaper. :)
 
i believe that you have to be 18, and have A+ certification (which does not really mean anything, anyone who has built a computer can pass the test pretty much)

i am not sure though, your best bet would be to go to best buy and ask
 
If you have no experience, I've heard you have to be a computer salesman at BB first, then you can work yourself "up to" Geek Squad.

Make sure you learn what you are doing as to not perpetuate the Geek Squad sterotype of "worthless hack" (which turns out to only be about 95% accurate (margin of error +5% :D)).

Can't wait to hear Tengis' colorful (albeit crude) metaphors and explitives on this one.
 
Well, like I said, I need a job. No and if's or but's about it. and, to be honest. I'd rather be labled a retard working for Best Buy then a burger flipper. So.. :eek:
 
I saw a Geek Squad Car in Willamantic a few weeks back. I couldn't start laughing.


Anyway, back on topic. You do have to be a sales person to become a part of the Geek Squad. Just make sure you know what you are doing. Like the person above us said, most of them don't know what they are doing.
 
covertclocker said:
I saw a Geek Squad Car in Willamantic a few weeks back. I couldn't start laughing.
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You couldn't "start laughing" or "stop laughing"?
 
I would put an ad in the local paper advertising computer work. If you know what your doing and such you would probably make better money and not get flamed.
 
Do yourself a favor and don't get a job at Best Buy, Best Buy has to be BY FAR the shittiest place to work if you have any modicum of talent with computers. The way the company likes to handle customer services just results in you getting yelled at by customers due to Best Buy's ass backwards infrastructure. Aside from Optical drive and HDD replacements Best Buy techs can't do shit in store it all goes to the service center and customers get pissed when the service center has their item for two weeks....not only do you have to handle computers, but you gotta handle bullshit like Digital cameras, camcorders, VCRs, TVs, Microwaves, Vaccuum Cleaners (by far the WORST), you also have to check every fucking thing that a customer wants to return.

You have to be 18 to be a member of the dork....I mean Geek squad....and that's about all you have to be. Before I left Best Buy they hired some fuckwit to manage the computers department and the tech bench, the guy was such a moron he swore to me up and down that the nForce chipset was for Intel CPUs. Work on your education, get you a job at a decent place to work like Lowe's (worked there for almost 2 years and it really wasn't all that bad and real easy) while you're in school.

Thanks to the half-wits at Best Buy's geek squad and their OUTRAGEOUSLY high rates, My business partner and I have managed to start a successful in-home service business. Customers are especially thankful that I don't charge a $130 appointment cancellation fee.
 
Geek Squad should be called something a little bit mroe professional. Nothing like trivializing your employees positions right off the bat.

Besides ... how hard is to to build a computer ? It should be called something like

"The not a dumb ass squad" (In relation to ppl who are scared to open up a rig and take a look)

Honestly I learned everything I know, about building a system, from opening up a box and taking a look at what things do. Its not really hard if you have more then half a brain, but so many people have their head so far up their ass, that its hard to see out.
 
Mr_Evil said:
Do yourself a favor and don't get a job at Best Buy, Best Buy has to be BY FAR the shittiest place to work if you have any modicum of talent with computers. The way the company likes to handle customer services just results in you getting yelled at by customers due to Best Buy's ass backwards infrastructure. Aside from Optical drive and HDD replacements Best Buy techs can't do shit in store it all goes to the service center and customers get pissed when the service center has their item for two weeks....not only do you have to handle computers, but you gotta handle bullshit like Digital cameras, camcorders, VCRs, TVs, Microwaves, Vaccuum Cleaners (by far the WORST), you also have to check every fucking thing that a customer wants to return.

You have to be 18 to be a member of the dork....I mean Geek squad....and that's about all you have to be. Before I left Best Buy they hired some fuckwit to manage the computers department and the tech bench, the guy was such a moron he swore to me up and down that the nForce chipset was for Intel CPUs. Work on your education, get you a job at a decent place to work like Lowe's (worked there for almost 2 years and it really wasn't all that bad and real easy) while you're in school.

Thanks to the half-wits at Best Buy's geek squad and their OUTRAGEOUSLY high rates, My business partner and I have managed to start a successful in-home service business. Customers are especially thankful that I don't charge a $130 appointment cancellation fee.
Click to expand...


Wrong ! He's a young man looking for job and needs to make money. Who cares if someone else likes or dislikes BB that should not influence his chance for any job. When I was 17 I worked as a janitor at a local hospital, that was my first job. It was disgusting but paid money for my college. I knew that it was just temporary.
Now many years later I'm a Programmer/Analyst. Point is, everyone needs to start somewhere. After all, how many people today work a lifetime at one place anymore ?

He likes tech stuff so that might be the place to start. Get it on your resume then use it as a stepping stone to something better.
I wish that kind of job was available when I was his age and just starting out in life.
 
msny said:
Wrong ! He's a young man looking for job and needs to make money. Who cares if someone else likes or dislikes BB that should not influence his chance for any job. When I was 17 I worked as a janitor at a local hospital, that was my first job. It was disgusting but paid money for my college. I knew that it was just temporary.
Now many years later I'm a Programmer/Analyst. Point is, everyone needs to start somewhere. After all, how many people today work a lifetime at one place anymore ?

He likes tech stuff so that might be the place to start. Get it on your resume then use it as a stepping stone to something better.
I wish that kind of job was available when I was his age and just starting out in life.
Click to expand...

MSNY very true. Jeebus ... I did landscaping for 5 years, while in highschool to make money. Back breaking work but hey there are benefits, especially at that age. You get a great tan ... and you get ripped and you make money .... All three things required for finding a nice 17 year old girl =).

"I keep getting older, but the girls stay the same age" :D
 
covertclocker said:
I saw a Geek Squad Car in Willamantic a few weeks back. I couldn't start laughing.


Anyway, back on topic. You do have to be a sales person to become a part of the Geek Squad. Just make sure you know what you are doing. Like the person above us said, most of them don't know what they are doing.
Click to expand...

willimantic ct?

do you happen to go to ECSU?
 
Ooo, more CT people. We should form a group 'cause it seems like theres a lot of us :).
Anyway: with the piss-poor state of the IT industry in terms of non-specialized services being either outsourced or handled by companies such as Best Buy and Circuit City, the only option for some people might be to work for the same people that are proliferating the problem in the first place. Sucks, but its a fact of life.
 
I don't believe you mentioned why you got fired....is it for a reason that may not allow for you to be hired by BB. Of course that is assuming BB checks backgrounds and actually calls former employers....in-wich I know some don't. ;)
 
Tiny said:
I don't believe you mentioned why you got fired....is it for a reason that may not allow for you to be hired by BB. Of course that is assuming BB checks backgrounds and actually calls former employers....in-wich I know some don't. ;)
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I too am interested in knowing why you got fired from Coldstone...

Did you forget to sing when someone tipped you ;-)
 
Nah, I didn't forget to sing. ( you bastard :D )

They said I wasn't interacting with the customers. ColdStone, especially the one I worked at, wanted yout o act like the customers were your best friend.. you had to talk to them like you haven't seen them in 10years. I fucking hated that.
 
Mr_Evil said:
...not only do you have to handle computers, but you gotta handle bullshit like Digital cameras, camcorders, VCRs, TVs, Microwaves, Vaccuum Cleaners (by far the WORST), you also have to check every fucking thing that a customer wants to return.
Click to expand...

What the hell, Geek Squad looks at home appliances? Did you already know how to work with microwaves/vacuum cleaners/cameras, or did you pick that up on the job?
 
CoRPS said:
Nah, I didn't forget to sing. ( you bastard :D )

They said I wasn't interacting with the customers. ColdStone, especially the one I worked at, wanted yout o act like the customers were your best friend.. you had to talk to them like you haven't seen them in 10years. I fucking hated that.
Click to expand...
oh yah
my friend works at a cold stone

the manager was out front and i noticed as soon as she came out NAtalie (my friend) started asking me al these BS quesitons like HOW WA YOUR DAY? DOING ANYTHING THIS WEEKEND?

I was like wtf.

-randyc
 
I worked for the geek squad for around a year, and have recently parted ways with them.

Pay Rate starts at $9.04 an hour for PT technician

You are required to handle all things as previously stated.

Here is part of my beef with bby and why I have since left.

As a Geek Squad Technician, we were trained to put the customers (and their computers) first. Which doesnt necessarily happen when you are dragged to the sales floor to sell computers when you have a Queue of computers that need diagnostics.

You also end up having to pull technicalities of the best buy service plan so people have to send their computers / electronics to a service center who will most likely break it more than it was when it was sent there.

You are promising an unrealistic 24-48 hour turntime in most cases.

Part of bby's SOP is that no technician is to sell computers unless all service tags are closed, but in most cases, they dont follow their own rules.

You do get a good work environment for the most part, but good work goes unnoticed alot, and there is shady business that occurs too.

pm me for more details, not making everything public.
 
I'm definitly going to apply at bestbuy some time for a job just becuase I've heard so many horror stories and I'm interested in hearing all the problems they have.
 
They dang nearly went bankrupt in '98. Turned it around since then.

If you need money, go for it. If not ( and I would wonder why you don't ), then take a lower paying job at a specialty computer shop and actually work on computers instead of selling extended service plans.

( personal note* in the spirit of full disclosure...I have a close relative that is a BB VP)

(second personal note* anyone have a spare bedroom for rent in a rent-controlled apartment or condo in Santa Monica....I NEED to get out of Minnesota)
 
I worked at Best Buy when i was in college. I didnt work in the Computer department, i worked in TV Video. It was a decent job, people were nice, but on the weekends it was pure hell. People yelling at you cause their DVD player doesnt work right. Of course they will come back to you and hold you responsible for it. People just dont know how it is to work in retail. Its a NIGHTMARE come Christmas time. Not to mention you get there at like 7am on most days and dont open till 10am. For those lovely 3 hours you get to swap price tags out, while trying to keep from passing out.

All in All....i would look for smaller local computer shops in your area and ask if they need any type of help. Tell them your experience, hell even better, bring your modded machine and show them. Geeks are very under rated now-a-days. We love our tech toys and I love when people ask me for help setting up their puter or Home entertainment center.
 
Sometimes a job is just a job. I would have loved to work on computer when I was 18, instead I was flipping burgers for Ronald McD.

As far as pretending customers are your friend, yeah, that's total BS. I mean, you can be friendly without having to act like you're their best friend. Where I work now, taking support calls, they want us to use the caller's name THREE times before ending the call. THREE times! My typical call lasts about three minutes. Personally, if I go somewhere or call somewhere, and the person uses my name three times, I'm going to get creeped out.
 
templarknightx said:
What the hell, Geek Squad looks at home appliances? Did you already know how to work with microwaves/vacuum cleaners/cameras, or did you pick that up on the job?
Click to expand...

I had to wing it, and Best Buy didn't care that I had to wing it either. I sold appliances at Lowe's, but I'll be damned if I know exactly how to diag the damn things. The Sales manager asked me once why I didn't diag a washer one time and I in turn replied "Do I look like the Maytag man to you?" Damn that bastard was a prick.
 
Interesting thread, I don't know the first thing about working at BB, but what seems to be a recurring theme is that some people are missing an important point. All of the jobs mentioned above are in the service industry, If you plan to make it as an employee in any industry you are going to have to be a good salesman, ie; be nice to your customer. I'm sure for most of these industries (BB, Stone Cold, etc... which by the way are succesful businesses) there has been substantial market research, not only into what their customers will pay, to how to make a sale (say their name 3 times, act like they are your best friend, or even promise them the moon!)
I think you need to go into your first couple of jobs to learn how to communicate effectively with people, your customers and your boss. If you go into a job with a rebel, I know more than you attitude, you are unlikely to enjoy your job or last very long. And having said that you may need a reference from that job in the future... don't burn any bridges.
(you can always come to the forum to rant).
my $.02
 
BaconGrease said:
... don't burn any bridges.
Click to expand...

good advice! I should be arrested for the amount of bridges that I have burned. :eek:
 
bonkrowave said:
MSNY very true. Jeebus ... I did landscaping for 5 years, while in highschool to make money. Back breaking work but hey there are benefits, especially at that age. You get a great tan ... and you get ripped and you make money .... All three things required for finding a nice 17 year old girl =).

"I keep getting older, but the girls stay the same age" :D
Click to expand...
Let me get this straight... You landscaped while you were in High School for 5 years? :confused: Hmmm... now either I need to go back to my hgih school math class, or it sounds like you were on the 5 year plan. :D
 
geek-squad-car.jpg


:p
 
IceDigger said:
I wouldnt be caught dead driving one of thier cars...
Click to expand...

the new beetle is pretty sweet..... i thought i would never drive one... my gf got one.. i drive it all the time... although she got the turbo one and the geek squad one is a 2.sl0w

....and if you mean cause it says geek squad on the side of it... then yeah....
 
killahgrag said:
Let me get this straight... You landscaped while you were in High School for 5 years? :confused: Hmmm... now either I need to go back to my hgih school math class, or it sounds like you were on the 5 year plan. :D
Click to expand...

In Canada we had 5 years of high schooling ... Grades 9, 10, 11, 12, and OAC(Grade 13)... well when I was in school we did. Since I was in high school, the High school system has combined grades 12 and OAC.

So when I went to high school we did in fact have 5 years of high school.

Not every country has the same Schooling system .... Mmmmmkay.
 
bonkrowave said:
In Canada we had 5 years of high schooling ... Grades 9, 10, 11, 12, and OAC(Grade 13)... well when I was in school we did. Since I was in highschool the Highschool system has combined grades 12 and OAC.

So when I went to highschool we did in fact have 5 years of highschool.

Not every country has the same Schooling system .... Mmmmmkay.
Click to expand...
that's right you hoser! Canada has a much different setup than the US dontchaknow! :p
 
ThisMonsterLives said:
geek-squad-car.jpg


:p
Click to expand...

I will post mine geeksquad vwbug pics...My friend works at the VW in San Antonio, and they got the shipment in for all of SA. So I took a pic with the whole vw bug squad :)
 
compslckr said:
..... and have A+ certification (which does not really mean anything, anyone who has built a computer can pass the test pretty much)
Click to expand...

While the A+ test is easy, yes, (for someone like me and you), I don't think that "anyone who has built a computer can pass the test" is an accurate assessment.


Sample questions:

What is the connector type that goes with CGA / EGA monitor?
A. DB-25
B. DB-15
C. DB-9
D. DB-5

IRQ2 is used with which of the following?

1. COM1
2. COM2
3. LPT1
4. Used to cascade second IRQ controller

Which of the following is port address for serial port COM1?

A. 3F0-3F7
B. 2F8-2FF
C. 320-32F
D. 3F8-3FF

How many devices, can a 16 bit SCSI-2 card support?


A. 8
B. 16
C. 7
D. 14

You are reported that the monitor at a client's place is having a problem. You are about to remove the cover of the monitor. What do you do just before opening the monitor cover? Choose all that apply.

A. Wear wrist strap to prevent ESD damage to the monitor
B. Make sure that the power is switched off and the power cord is plugged out
C. Make sure that the ESD is grounded properly
D. Connect the Monitor as well as the wrist strap to the ground


One of these answers is potentially FATAL


While booting up, a client's computer shows an error message with a code 201. What is the likely cause?

A. The CMOS battery is bad
B. The CPU is bad
C. The Hard disk is bad
D. The Memory test has failed


As a comptia SME, I can tell you that these are the exact type of questions you'll get.

I know the answers mind you, but.. "just because you built a computer" doesn't mean someone else does.
 
Laforge said:
While the A+ test is easy, yes, (for someone like me and you), I don't think that "anyone who has built a computer can pass the test" is an accurate assessment.


Sample questions:

What is the connector type that goes with CGA / EGA monitor?
A. DB-25
B. DB-15
C. DB-9
D. DB-5

IRQ2 is used with which of the following?

1. COM1
2. COM2
3. LPT1
4. Used to cascade second IRQ controller

Which of the following is port address for serial port COM1?

A. 3F0-3F7
B. 2F8-2FF
C. 320-32F
D. 3F8-3FF

How many devices, can a 16 bit SCSI-2 card support?


A. 8
B. 16
C. 7
D. 14

You are reported that the monitor at a client's place is having a problem. You are about to remove the cover of the monitor. What do you do just before opening the monitor cover? Choose all that apply.

A. Wear wrist strap to prevent ESD damage to the monitor
B. Make sure that the power is switched off and the power cord is plugged out
C. Make sure that the ESD is grounded properly
D. Connect the Monitor as well as the wrist strap to the ground


One of these answers is potentially FATAL


While booting up, a client's computer shows an error message with a code 201. What is the likely cause?

A. The CMOS battery is bad
B. The CPU is bad
C. The Hard disk is bad
D. The Memory test has failed


As a comptia SME, I can tell you that these are the exact type of questions you'll get.

I know the answers mind you, but.. "just because you built a computer" doesn't mean someone else does.
Click to expand...
lol i think i could answer one of them, who the fuck memorizes the serial port address for COM1 damn
 
You are reported that the monitor at a client's place is having a problem. You are about to remove the cover of the monitor. What do you do just before opening the monitor cover? Choose all that apply.

A. Wear wrist strap to prevent ESD damage to the monitor
B. Make sure that the power is switched off and the power cord is plugged out
C. Make sure that the ESD is grounded properly
D. Connect the Monitor as well as the wrist strap to the ground



Anyone who opens up a monitor period is a fool. I think it even says that in all the A+ guides out there ;)
 
ah yes the "geek: squad the same retards that tried to tell my wife she needed to buy a cellular modem and setup an account with verizon for wireless when she asked them where the access points were.
 
Do freelance computer work, alot more money to be made. Your own hours, your own rules, as long as you get the job done well and provide good customer service you will do alot better than any BB serivce job. The better service you provide the quicker your name will get out.
I found a small educational company that has 3 offices that require attention a few times a week and I do housecalls on the side. To think I *almost* applied to BB to eventually be part of the geek squad and make the same as I would at any other retail job. Ugh. After reading this thread I think I would most likely go insane there (and I know people that already have).
If you don't have an A+ cert. go get one. Some say its pointless but its better to have your bases covered.
 
Hamm705 said:
Do freelance computer work, alot more money to be made. Your own hours, your own rules, as long as you get the job done well and provide good customer service you will do alot better than any BB serivce job. The better service you provide the quicker your name will get out.
I found a small educational company that has 3 offices that require attention a few times a week and I do housecalls on the side. To think I *almost* applied to BB to eventually be part of the geek squad and make the same as I would at any other retail job. Ugh. After reading this thread I think I would most likely go insane there (and I know people that already have).
If you don't have an A+ cert. go get one. Some say its pointless but its better to have your bases covered.
Click to expand...

Some excellent advice there, I made $75 in five minutes setting up a customer's 3 computer network on Friday. I was already on-site to fix his Dell, and it was my last call for the day so I ended up setting up his network, installing his printer between all three systems, and transferring his old e-mails from his Laptop and older computer to his new one. The total damage came to $156 and some change (I have a Sales tax permit) The guy runs a life-insurance business from his home (serves some wealthy clients) and I reckon because of him I'll get referrals out the wazoo, not to mention the customers I get by leaving my business cards everywhere.
 
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