So You Want to Be an IT Support Technician? What You Need to Know.
Often when people think of a job in the IT sector, it seems like programming skills and appropriate technical training are the most important aspects of finding a good position.
While those proficiencies will be critical, whether you aim to work with infrastructure or on the application side, your customer service skills will mean you have additional value to potential employers. In fact, by honing your soft skills, you will significantly improve your chances of landing computer support technician jobs, especially in an IT help desk department.
Your soft skills — personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively and harmoniously — will not only help you land the job you want, but they will also be helpful throughout your career. Many times people find that IT support positions are an important stepping stone, so now is the time to focus on what you have to offer beyond your technical training.
Follow these tips to boost your performance and your attractiveness to employers.
Soft Skills to Develop for IT Support Technician Jobs
- Communication
An IT support technician knows when to talk and when to listen. He or she will understand that effective communication is two-way. If you can listen to people’s needs and frustrations, you will be better equipped to identify issues and solve them. Communication skills are also critical for explaining technical concepts to non-technical staff. IT technicians that can communicate well and can help people understand and use technology is great for productivity and morale. - Empathy
Working in an IT support department is not only about fixing problems, but also helping people to understand, solve, and prevent their own technical issues. If you can put yourself in someone else’s position, you will be in a better position to help them. - Calm
IT support technicians are not paramedics or firefighters, but it might feel like it. To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling, if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs (and perhaps even blaming it on you!), you will excel in tech support. - Patience
Whether you are waiting for a colleague, running a time-consuming process, or solving an issue for a challenging employee, your qualifications aren’t the only thing that will contribute to success. The ability to improve the things and model patience yourself will help you on a daily basis.
The need for IT staff who can communicate with others, lead effectively, and collaborate is a constant. These skills can help you get the career you desire and advance more quickly.
So many businesses need IT help desk techs that are not only well-trained, but also have empathy and compassion for people who are stressed and dealing with challenging situations.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Computer Support Technician Jobs?
Your tech experience and qualifications will speak for themselves. You can boost your IT-role punching-power, however, by developing your soft skills and demonstrating that you are patient, self-motivated, and friendly.
People who are naturally detail-oriented and personable will impress employers. If you love problem solving and computers enough that you continue personal IT projects at home, you will be an attractive prospect. Make sure to let your employers know about your relevant interests, whether in your resume or during an interview.
How to Develop Your Soft Skills
One of the best ways to develop your soft skills is to go out into the field, put them into practice, and pay attention. Focus on one area at a time. Try new approaches and see the difference this makes to your relationships.
Practice clearer communication, for example, by remembering to make eye contact and acknowledge everyone around you. Pay attention to the body language of others. Reading a book or two on the subject can help you.
One of our recruiters, TJ Eggleston, suggests starting with How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
You will be expected to work well in a team, so it will be beneficial to practice active listening. This means waiting until someone has finished speaking before asking a question, investing fully in each interaction, and looking at situations from the point of view of the speaker.
To be a better leader or member of a team, acknowledge people when they have done well. Make sure that everyone feels valued and important. Try to reflect on and learn from criticism, even when it is tempting to defend yourself. Being able to adapt and willing to learn are increasingly useful skills in a world of changing work environments.
Researching your target employers and developing your interpersonal skills can be rewarding, but it’s also time-consuming. We understand that your passion is IT, whereas ours is using our years of experience and expertise to help you land the best opportunities.
At Concero, we will help you get into the career that you feel is meant for you. We want to help you candidates develop your skills, show you in the best light, and land the job of your dreams. Let us know if you would like coaching about company culture and how to impress your potential employers with relevant soft skills.
We are not (just) a matchmaking service between job seekers and recruiters. We want to help you develop the skills you need for the roles that speak to you.
We aim to create talented, empowered, and satisfied workforces throughout St. Louis, Missouri. The better we know you and your needs, the better we can match you to openings when there is a good fit.
There are many opportunities for anyone looking for work as an IT support technician in St. Louis, Missouri, so if you’re curious to see if you’ve got what it takes or to find out more about possible positions, get in touch with us at (314) 748-1060 or contact us here.
