What does a Technical Support Specialist do?
Technical Support Specialists install, update and maintain desktops, laptops and peripheral devices. The Technical Support Specialist does not specialise in supporting a network. This is done by Network Support Technicians. Technical Support Specialists do however, need a basic knowledge of network hardware and protocols in order to troubleshoot connectivity issues when they arise.
Technical Support Specialist skills and qualifications
A Technical Support Specialist needs a combination of skills that include both analytical thinking and good interpersonal skills. Although their main task is to solve an IT problem, it’s also important for their clients to receive good customer service. A successful Technical Support Specialist candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Excellent teamwork, as IT systems involve many different professionals with different skill sets and levels of expertise
- Good problem-solving skills and the ability to come up with creative solutions
- Excellent listening skills to establish the issues that users are facing
- The ability to multitask, as they may be working on multiple problems simultaneously
- The ability to work well under pressure and remain calm when things go wrong
- Enough physical strength to carry and install IT equipment
Technical Support Specialist experience requirements
The level of experience a Technical Support Specialist needs will depend on the position. Candidates with basic IT skills may be able to secure a junior position and receive on-the-job training. Those who are applying for more advanced positions may need experience in user administration and supporting specific operating systems, such as Linux, Windows, and MacOS.
Technical Support Specialist education and training requirements
Experience, education and training requirements will vary from one organisation to another. Some Technical Support Specialists start their careers with a few GCSEs and basic IT skills and go on to develop through in-house training. However, Technical Support Specialists may also hold a degree, a higher national diploma (HND) or a foundation degree in an IT-related field, such as information systems or computer science.
As IT technologies continuously evolve and change, it’s important that Technical Support Specialists stay-up- to -date with the newest developments for instance by obtaining professional qualifications. Candidates can choose from a wide range of accredited certifications courses, including various CompTIA, Microsoft and Linux qualifications.
Technical Support Specialist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Technical Support Specialist is £24,115 per year. Salaries will vary depending on variables like location, employer and position.
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