Key Attributes Computer Operators Need To Succeed In Their Career

by Olivia Williams

Thursday, August 6, 2015

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Computer operators monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. They may also enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices.

The core tasks that computer operators are likely to carry out include:

Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.
Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.
Notify supervisor or computer maintenance technicians of equipment malfunctions.
Answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problems.
Record information such as computer operating time, problems that occurred, and actions taken.

In order to successfully forge ahead with their careers, analysts in a survey carried out by U.S. Department of Labor (via O*NET) have marked out the following as important attributes that computer operators would need. These attributes have been selected from characteristics and requirements strongly associated with the occupation. They are

Abilities: Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance
Interests: Preferences for work environments. Occupational Interest Profiles (OIPs) are compatible with Holland's (1985, 1997) model of personality types and work environments. Six interest categories are used to describe the work environment of occupations: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. An OIP consists of six numerical scores indicating how descriptive and characteristic each work environment (or interest area) is for an occupation
Knowledge: Organized sets of principles and facts applying in general domains
Skills: These include basic skills, which are developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge. Plus cross-functional skills, which are developed capacities that facilitate performance of activities that occur across jobs
Style: Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job

We have listed out attributes which were scored 80% or more in terms of importance by the analysts.

Having a strong preference for conventional work environments. Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Attribute Type: Interests Score: 100%

Being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 94.4%

Being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 92%

Being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 90.4%

Being honest and ethical.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 89.6%

Accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 87.6%

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Attribute Type: Knowledge Score: 83.4%

Being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Attribute Type: Style Score: 82.4%