Type in a career question:
salary_header

How to become a Technical Support Specialist?

1 Answer(s)
Top Answer
Talent.com talent.com
Answered March 25 2022
Career Expert at Talent.com
Often, people take their first step into the IT field by working as a Technical Support Specialist. Many entry-level jobs do not require higher education, but employers value candidates with a degree in Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or any courses specializing in Computer Networking and Hardware.

In the majority of the cases, companies will require applicants to have one or two years of experience working in the IT field or with customer service for entry-level jobs. Applicants can obtain this experience during internships or volunteer work that involves handling computer hardware or software. 

Employers also look for aspirants with comprehensive knowledge of specific programs, applications, or brands they work with, such as Cisco for networking or Oracle for databases. Experience in building or developing new software applications or hardware will also help candidates be successful in their job search.  It is not uncommon for Technical Support Technicians to be self-employed or work from home for local customers. 

How to become a Technical Support Specialist?
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills:
Having a logical and analytical approach to problem-solving is vital in succeeding as a Technical Support Specialist. They must pay particular attention to small details and find the right solutions by thinking creatively and outside the box.
  • Good communication skills:
Technical Support Specialists should have excellent listening and enquiring skills to understand issues when explained by someone without technical knowledge. They must have excellent manners when speaking with clients in person or over the phone and be able to explain matters to coworkers, staff members, or clients clearly and concisely, using non-technical language.
  • Excellent time management skills and ability to work under pressure:
Technical Support Specialists must be able to work in stressful environments, assessing issues in a timely manner and meeting deadlines. A crucial part of the job of a Technical Support Specialist is being able to work as fast as possible. As the person in charge of maintaining and fixing equipment in a company, the Technical Support Specialist must solve issues quickly, especially if the malfunctioning computer is causing delays in the other daily tasks of the company. The same goes for client-oriented Specialists, as customer service standards state that all requirements must be met and solved in as little time as possible.
Easteregg!