As the first point of contact for tech issues, excellent communication skills are essential. You need to be patient, good at understanding issues from the user’s perspective, and able to explain technical problems in simple terms. This makes it easier to resolve issues and ensures that users feel supported. Know the job, research the company, and practice answering common interview questions. Their job description primarily entails providing users with all hardware and software technical support.
If you enjoy working with people and technology, this position could be a great fit for you. Read on to learn more about help desk technicians and how to become one. We share everything you’ll need know about becoming and being a help desk technician.
For example, when a user has a question, the help desk technician must be able to diagnose the IT issue as well as explain the solution to the user. If you like to solve technical issues and work with people, then help desk technician may be a good next step for you. Today, it\’s easier than ever to launch a computer support specialist career.
You\’ll graduate a confident, highly trained computer support specialist. Many positions require that you report to the same office location every day. Other technicians may be able to provide support remotely and work from the comfort of their own home. In some positions, support technicians may need to travel to a client\’s location to resolve a complex problem. Computer support specialists enjoy the variety of work they encounter each day.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Help Desk Support
However, wages can vary depending on the industry, level of experience, and geographical location. When people have issues related to electronics, networks, or software, they turn to Help desk support professionals. These tech-savvy specialists work in a variety of industries and have strong career prospects.
While not every IT help desk role will have the same soft skill growth opportunities as Adams’ experience, he certainly values the chances he had. In order to excel in your help desk support career, you need to possess certain skills and qualities. In addition, having certifications like A+, Network+, or ITIL can significantly enhance your career prospects. If you can complete an IT certification like CompTIA A+, that should be enough to prove that you have the skills to do the job. But be warned, the CompTIA A+ exam can be difficult for someone with only a general understanding of how today’s tech works. A help desk technician is the first line of defense for troubleshooting computer problems.
Level 3 specialist
Help desk specialist salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Having specialized certifications and knowledge of specific software or systems will greatly influence their compensation. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S.
Some specialists work from home, especially if they’re helping people in different parts of the world. A help desk specialist makes sure everyone can focus on their main tasks by handling the annoying tech issues. These specialists are the first people you call when there’s something wrong with your computer at work. They know a lot about computers and help keep everything working well. He explains that these abilities will provide great value to you and your organization throughout the entirety of your career. That’s why we connected with IT professionals to find out just how valuable this experience is.
If you want a formal education but don’t want to spend the time and expense of a 2-year or 4-year degree program, consider a specialized certificate in PC repair or IT support. To find and apply for help desk technician jobs, you need to have a strong resume and cover letter that showcase your skills, achievements, and personality. You can use online platforms, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor, to search for openings in your area or remotely. You can also network with other professionals, join online communities, or attend events related to technical support. When applying for a job, make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific requirements and expectations of the employer. Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments, and show your enthusiasm and interest in the position.
Obtain Certifications
- Help desk technicians need a deep understanding of computer hardware and software.
- Aside from technical expertise, computer support specialists need to have quality soft skills and a patient attitude that can deal with all customer inquiries, no matter how small.
- The candidate will have a passion for technology and enjoy helping others solve technical problems.
Technical knowledge isn’t the only thing you’ll develop at the help desk. Working as a help desk technician can give you the opportunity to gain sought-after soft skills that are critical in the IT field, including communication, critical thinking and prioritization. With the technical and interpersonal experience you can gain in a help desk role, it’s no wonder why this is such a common starting point for IT professionals. If you’re serious about launching an IT career, one of the most-likely first stops you’ll consider on your career path is to work as a help desk technician. Compare top-rated online courses and degrees for help desk technicians and related roles. From 2021 to 2031, the BLS projects an increase of 6% for computer support specialists, with 56,400 net new jobs expected during that 10-year period.
Position Trends and Outlook for Help Desk Specialists
Continuing education, gaining additional certifications, and keeping up with technology advancements can further enhance career prospects. Choosing a career as a help desk technician offers a solid start in the IT industry. It offers a blend of technical challenges and people interaction, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving and helping others. Despite the potential for stress and the demand for continuous learning, the career prospects, and job stability make it a rewarding choice for those interested in technology. From 2021 to 2031, employment for computer support specialists is projected to grow by 6%, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the ongoing demand for technical support in various industries.
- This means you’ll handle more complicated problems, help out the newer team members, and make important decisions.
- They also help train Level 1 specialists and write guides to help solve common problems.
- In fact, there are a variety of short-term tech training programs that last less than a year.
Depending on the field that you work in, you will need to be familiar with using computers, tablets and smartphones. You’ll need access to a device connected to the internet or network to assist your clients. A help desk support professional is often the first point of contact for people who need help using their electronics how do i become a help desk or network. Some of your responsibilities relate to customer service while others have to do with technical fixes. A) Responding to user inquiries and providing technical support for hardware, software, and network issues.
This might include more complicated software issues or problems with the network. They also help train Level 1 specialists and write guides to help solve common problems. Help desk specialists usually work in an office, sitting at a desk with their computers, where they fix problems and answer questions. Sometimes, they might go to someone’s desk to help out with something like a broken printer.
Sometimes, the people you’re helping might be upset or frustrated because their tech isn’t working. It’s important to stay calm and patient, even when things get stressful. Keeping your cool helps solve problems faster and keeps everyone happy. Take some time to think about the salary, benefits, and what it’s like to work at the company before you say yes.
How do I apply for a job as a help desk support technician?
A help desk technician’s role can actually do you—and your career—plenty of good. Patience creates room for greater service; it allows the help desk support staff to take enough time to better understand the customer’s problems. To improve your performance as a help desk support professional, you need to develop certain skills and qualities. SNHU provides affordable online technology degrees respected by employers and universities nationwide. Research and compare top-rated help desk training programs online and in your area.
He is passionate about learning and enjoys writing engaging content to help current and future students on their path to a rewarding education. These are the types of transferrable skills that will stick with you on your journey of climbing the corporate ladder in the IT industry. “Technical knowledge doesn’t always stay relevant, but the ability to quickly research and master new challenges will never go down in value,” explains Nick Teeple, co-founder of Skyline Servers. Landing one of these positions could help you on your way to a long and robust career in IT, so let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the experience. Direct customers to self-service solutions like Q&A, forums, and video.