Looking to make the leap into a Technical Support Technician job? Learn the SPSC essentials and use our top tips for putting your best foot forward. This guide has the information you need to make your application successful.
Familiarize Yourself With the Types of SST Jobs.
Before submitting your application, familiarize yourself with the types of Technical Support Technician jobs available. Typically, SST jobs will fall into one of two areas: hardware and software support. Hardware support technicians troubleshoot and repair computer hardware, while software support technicians provide technical assistance with software installation, detecting bugs, and resolving compatibility issues. Knowing the specifics of each position can help you craft an appropriate application that showcases the skills relevant to each type of job.
Researching jobs in the SST field can also help inform your decision on the type of certifications to pursue, such as CompTIA A+ and Network+. These certifications demonstrate knowledge and skills in computer hardware, operating systems, software installation and troubleshooting, so they are important to have in order to qualify for most SST jobs. With the right certification and experience, you can set yourself up for successful job applications in this technical field.
Within SST, there are many different types of jobs. These include Technical Support Specialists, Systems Adminstrators, Network Administrators, Computer Scientists and Database Administrators. Each of these positions require specific technical expertise and certifications, so it’s important to know what you need to qualify for the job opening you’re interested in. Research typical job descriptions on sites such as Indeed or Glassdoor to gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities for that type of position. That way, when you apply for your chosen role in the SST field, you’re already informed about job requirements and duties.
Understand the Employment Specifications and Job Posting.
Go through the job posting thoroughly and read all of its requirements so you can clearly understand what type of experience and qualifications the employer is looking for. Most Technical Support Technician jobs will require at least two years of work experience in a computer-related field. It’s also important to make note of any customer service, troubleshooting, or communication skills that might be necessary for the job. Also take note of any certifications or degree programs that may be required.
Have a solid grasp of the different components of computers, such as memory, networking, software installation, input/output devices and peripheral components. Additionally, be aware of different operating system platforms as well as industry standards for systems security. Having up-to-date technical knowledge will also make you more competitive in the job market. Knowing how to quickly diagnose computer issues and develop strategies to fix them while communicating them clearly is essential to success in any SST role.
Identifying and understanding the job posting from the company or employer you are applying to is essential in order for you to make a competitive application. Be sure to clearly research each job well by checking which skills and experience are essential for success. Market yourself appropriately by highlighting any experience or certifications preferred or required by employers. You should also be sure to speak with knowledgeable experienced colleagues or recruiters in the industry so you understand what kind of performance is expected in these roles and how best to prove you have what it takes to succeed.
Understand How to Prepare a Technical Support Technician Resume.
A great way to standout and make a lasting impression on employers is your resume. Make sure you address all requirements listed in the job description, highlight only relevant technical skills, list previous projects or activities performed using those technical skills. Also, be sure to add any details that might give the reader context around what you do—like awards or customer service ratings from previous jobs.
As a Technical Support Technician, your resume should include two primary sections: Experience and Education. The experience section should be the longest, containing any internships and jobs you’ve held in the past 10 years that demonstrate relevant technical expertise. Educational accomplishments like certifications or degrees can also be added as well. Including a dedicated skills section on your resume is highly recommended if you have a strong background in technical problem solving, customer service, and software/hardware troubleshooting. This will give recruiters an immediate sense of how you’re suitable for the position.
More specifically, your resume should indicate that you possess the technical aptitude to handle issues without supervision and resolve them quickly. It’s also important to establish that you have strong verbal and written communication skills, and can effectively interact with dissatisfied customers. Finally, employers tend to prefer technicians who are friendly but firm when it comes to dealing with customers and easily adaptable in a variety of technological working environments. With these necessary traits listed on a Technical Support Technician resume, recruiters will be confident in offering the job to you.
Know Essential SST Interview Tips and Strategies to Land the Job.
Preparing for an SST interview is half the battle. Be prepared and research the company, familiarize yourself with their products and services. Have a few questions ready to ask that demonstrate your knowledge of the company. During the interview be sure to talk about successes or projects you feel particularly proud of, and discuss how they are relevant to the role they are interviewing you for. Make sure to be confident in your answers, let them know why you’re right for the job!
One of the most difficult parts of an interview can be presenting a good portfolio. Have a few examples ready to show how you apply your skill sets for this position. This will show them that you are prepared and serious about the role. If you don’t have any work in your portfolio that applies directly to this job make sure you explain the transferable skills from each project. And lastly, make sure to always follow up afterwards with a thank-you note or email outlining why you feel like you’re the right person for the job! They will be impressed by your enthusiasm and preparation!
Learn About Management Systems Used by Top Tech Employers.
It’s important to learn about the management systems used by top tech employers, so you can familiarize yourself with the type of software and applications they use. These may include enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems or customer service platforms. Familiarizing yourself with their programs and how they work will help you explain why you are a good fit for the role during your interviews.
To ensure you are prepared, research the type of management systems used in the tech industry. Next, see what programs your potential employers use. Many companies provide detailed lists on their website or job postings about the platforms they utilize. Try to customize your skills and knowledge to your prospective role so you can show that you understand how these programs work, and how you may be able to use them in future roles or projects.
Familiarize yourself with the agile project management system, which is popular in the tech software development world. Research lean processes like Kanban boards or use your own portfolio as a starting point to master this kind of system. Showing that you are qualified and have used one of these programs will ensure employers know you have tech knowledge, but also understand their virtual office environment.
