4 Skills an IT Specialist Should Possess
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March 21, 2017
An information technology (IT) specialist is an individual who helps people solve technical problems involving computer software, hardware, networks, Cloud platforms, etc. They may communicate via telephone, online chat, or face to face and use their IT support skills to assist computer users. Some exclusively help their company’s customers, while others will primarily focus on helping a business’s employees.
Some work from a central office, while others may work out in the field and travel from location to location. In some cases, an IT specialist will design new technology systems or make adjustments to an existing system to maximize efficiency. While this position requires a plethora of skills, here are four of the most important IT support skills that a specialist should possess.
1. Ability to Diagnose Problems
Due to the wide variety of issues that can be encountered at any given time, it’s necessary for an IT specialist to quickly examine multiple scenarios to determine the specifics of a problem. To accomplish this, it requires an extensive knowledge of information technology and enough experience to come up with the right solution. Consequently, they must be familiar with major operating systems and stay abreast of recent updates. With technological advancements moving quickly, it often requires ongoing research to remain effective at this position.
2. Attention to Detail
Failure to take minute details into consideration can mean the difference between a timely resolution and unnecessary mistakes. That’s why an IT specialist must have an eye and ear for catching information that others may miss out on. They have to ask the right questions to guide the interaction in a way that a customer or business employee thoroughly explains the issue and must listen carefully and never overlook any details.
3. Analytical Thinker
As they acquire information, an IT specialist must be able to analyze it so that they can come up with the best plan of action. They need to take all the information given and synthesize it within a matter of minutes to develop a practical solution. By examining the individual problem areas, they can see the big picture to tell exactly what needs to be fixed. It’s also ideal for an IT specialist to excel in mathematics because it’s helpful for understanding the inner workings of telecommunications systems. In particular, it’s beneficial to understand the principles of geometry, calculus, and statistics.
4. Communication Skills
No matter how intelligent and tech savvy a person is, it’s difficult to perform this job well without effective communication and interpersonal skills. Being able to seamlessly communicate with others is important for two reasons. First, it helps an IT specialist better extract the information needed to diagnose a problem. Second, it’s important for explaining what the problem is and which steps need to be taken to resolve the matter.
With many computer users only having a basic comprehension of technology, it’s critical that a specialist is able to break information down into layman’s terms so that users can grasp the concept. This is especially important when communication is done over the phone or through online chat. In addition, a specialist should have sound etiquette and a polite demeanor to ensure pleasant conversations.
Having these four IT support skills lays down the framework for a specialist to perform their duties. When they do their job correctly, a specialist not only solves the immediate problem, but equips computer users with the knowledge to potentially fix it on their own if it happens again in the future.
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