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So most companies make you test, even if - you have over 12 years of experience?

Posted: Oct 24, 2014

If so, does the version of Windows you have matter? I have Windows 8.1 on my laptop now. I know I am going to have to buy another computer IF I get another job as most require Windows 7 or 8. But I'd like to wait and see if I can get a job before buying another computer, as who knows if I will actually find one. I am hoping I can at least test on the laptop I currently have, which has 8.1. Thanks!

Yes, you can test...SM - Old Anon

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now on your laptop BUT you'll need whatever Windows operating system they require because that system interfaces with their platform which they download to your PC. I'm not a PC guru but maybe you won't need to buy a new computer. Maybe you can have a PC geek install whatever operating system they require on your present laptop. I use a small PC shop in town that offers personalized service. Check around to see what's out there and ask questions as to whether you could do this or not. It may be cheaper than buying a whole other computer Hope this helps.

Thanks Old Anon! - Kiki

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I had thought that if you had Windows 8.1 you can't go back to an earlier version...I was hoping I was wrong. Thanks for your advice about checking computer shops. :)

Your post - nn

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First of all YES you will need to test - -12 years experience is nothing in this profession. Secondly, I have a computer with Windows 8.1 on it and I have Word 2007 loaded and I am able to work. As well, this is a laptop. As long as you have either Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, you should be able to test.

Yes I know 12 years isn't much, but I - Kiki

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was recently offered a job (didn't accept) and that said I didn't need to test with 12 years' experience. ??? It did kind of surprise me..

The reason I wondered about the Windows thing is that every time I've seen system requirements listed, they always say, "need Windows 7 or 8, won't work with 8.1. So I just guess it depends on the job/platform and I really shouldn't try to buy a new one just yet. THANKS!

Kiki.... - nn

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Hi Kiki, I originally responded to your post when you were "computer shopping." It does not matter whether it is a desktop or a laptop. I have worked on a laptop for over 10 years and it is what I prefer. I have NO clue what operating system you have with a computer now. I have a computer with Windows 7 and I have a new computer with Windows 8.1. On my NEW 8.1 computer, I loaded Microsoft Office 2007. Microsoft nor most manufacturers will NOT support the "rollback" of a computer system -- i.e., 8.1 to 7.

I am not "knocking you" or any other MT for that matter, but when I started working from home in the late 90s, my COMPUTER was MY computer. My kids were NOT allowed access. The one thing that I have noticed, and I have helped MANY an MT through a "hump," is the fact that they have NO CLUE. Windows XP was going by the wayside 3 or so years ago. People panicked NOT knowing what to do. Before I ordered this computer (Windows 8.1), I talked to my company's tech about it. There are programs that "no longer work," but that is progress and technology. MTs NEED to get there heads out of the sand so to speak and learn. Quit being afraid to install or uninstall programs. Do NOT allow hubby, or children on the computer YOU use for work. Even though it is just me, I sign in to both computers using a password. I am the administrator, do people en know what that it?

In a nutshell, if you want to be an MT, then LEARN the equipment your are dealing with! If a company says " we don't support Windows 8, 8.1 or we want Office Professional, then that is what they mean!

To nn.... - Kiki

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In my post above, I did mention my operating system now was 8.1 (you say you have NO idea what OS system I had).

Not sure if that makes any difference, though. Not sure the point you are trying to make, either. I know when a company says they don't support Windows 8.1 they mean it, that's why I was trying to get advice on getting a new computer. I am an ex-MM employee and they supplied all computer equipment, I didn't need MS Word, and when I had a computer problem I called tech support (the company still stinks, but I digress)......

I do agree with what you say though about learning the equipment, not allowing anyone else on the computer, etc.

My biggest problem now is that I need to buy MS Word Professional 2007 and it seems it is impossible to find. Sigh......

Thanks for your reply. : ) Take Care.

You also may want to look into sm - helper

[ In Reply To ..]
having an additional operating system installed on your laptop. You can have an additional operating system installed and choose the one you want to use at start-up, but I would have a computer tech do the installation so that all is done correctly. It's called a dual boot system.

Interesting....didn't know that....thank you! n/m - Kiki

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x

Word 2007 - got mine from here...

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http://www.bestwholesalesoftware.com/products/microsoft-office-2007-professional

I wouldn't work for them if t hey didn't test me even after 23 years. - me

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m

In most professions you do not have to PROVE yourself with a test - if you have TWELVE years of experience!!

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But not this one. Even if you have 40 years they'd still want you to take a test. So stupid. I am pretty sure you learned what you need to learn in 10 years or more. If not, you won't make even 2 bux an hour, so what's the point?

On the contrary, in many professions you - do need to prove yourself.

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Years of experience do not mean that an MT's ability is good. The need for testing arose because there were no consistent standards in MT. Many MTs had years of experience, but their work was dreadful.

In many professions, you need to have credentials like certifications (CPA for accountants, CCS for medical coders, medical board certifications for physicians), registrations (RHIA for health information administrators), licenses (physicians, nurses). Those credentials have to be kept up every year.

Testing prospective employees is very common. Medical coders are often given a test. Interviews with computer programmers and engineers often require a test that is sometimes given verbally requiring an on-the-spot solution.

A new approach that has been seen with institutions that cannot "test" is a requirement that not only does experience need to be documented, but exactly what you did during that experience needs to be documented in descriptive detail. They are also beginning to require verbal descriptions in interviews, as well as submission of work samples.

Companies, including MTSOs, cannot afford to hire people who are unqualified, because removing the ones that turn out to be duds is expensive, difficult, and potentially dangerous. They have to weed them out in the application process.

Disagree - everyone has to

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prove themselves. In other professions you have an interview where you describe your accomplishments and they then call to verify.

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