6 Steps to Become a Technical Support Specialist
With the continuous improvement of the computer and communications industry, the need for technical support for the proper operation and troubleshooting of these equipments is necessary. This has paved the way for the creation of technical or IT support specialists.
It support specialists earn between $31,700 and $65,000 each year. According to a leading technology staffing company, no definite path is set for becoming an IT support specialist, but the ones that employers prefer are applicants who have innate problem solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and multi-tasking skills.
If you intend to become a technical support specialist, here are the most important steps you should undertake in order to secure a job in this field:
1. Know your skills.
The basic skills required for IT support include good customer service, a good understanding of technology, and attention to details. This job requires transmission of voice messages in which the caller relays his problems. This means that a tech support staff should have superb listening skills. He must have the ability to explain complex procedures in simple language. The nature of the support specialist’s job requires him to deal with irate customers every once in a while. He must have the ability to listen to an angry person without being affected and give his technical advice in order to diffuse the situation.
2. Assess your educational qualifications.
Not all technical support jobs require formal education, but it is important especially with the growing competition from fresh graduates that need to find a job as soon as possible. If you have an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or engineering, you will surely qualify for a job in technical support.
3. Learn the basic concepts of how computer hardware, software, and networking work.
Having a background of computer hardware, software and networking can greatly help you to secure a job in IT support. Most callers that are assigned to first-level help desk ask questions about how to install or uninstall software, where to find system information, or troubleshoot less complex issues about PCs laptops and printers.
4. Browse for employment websites that are looking for technical support applicants.
You don’t need to go anywhere to find a job in technical support. You only need to use a computer with Internet connection to browse for jobs that are open near your area. Once you find what you are looking for, review the qualification each company requires and match them with yours. Once you find a job that matches your knowledge and skills, you should write it down or bookmark the page so that you can submit your application later.
5. Create a resume and a cover letter.
If you don’t have a resume yet, you should create one so that you can submit it to the recruiting website. You also need to furnish your resume with a cover letter using keywords based on the employer’s job posting. Your resume should specify your computer skills, education, and experience. These are the most important things that employers are looking for from applicants for IT support.
6. Submit your application.
Once all the required documents are complete, you may submit it to the site. Do a quick research about the company you’re applying at and be prepared for an interview. Your knowledge about the company’s business and objectives can help you get the job you want.
These are the most important things you should take into account to secure IT support jobs from the web.