If you’re interested in a job with low stress levels and steady work-life balance, you might want to consider hiring computer support and service specialists. The demand for these specialists has increased significantly since the dawn of the digital age, and is expected to continue to rise over the next decade. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be nearly 88,000 openings per year by 2024. Many of these openings will be due to the need to replace workers who are retiring or have retired. You can learn more at Computerbilities, Inc.
Hiring technical support specialists is an important part of any enterprise. They help keep systems connected, software updated, and prevent non-technical coworkers from breaking into tears. To find the best candidates, make sure your job description is compelling and is designed to attract the right candidates. Positions ranging from chief information and technology officers (CIOs) to entry-level IT assistants are in high demand. However, frontline tech workers are also in high demand.
In addition to offering technical support and advice, computer support specialists are responsible for maintaining a standardized inventory. They also must be available to help clients identify and fix recurring software and hardware problems. Some support specialists even work off-site to troubleshoot peripheral equipment and software. They also maintain a clean work space and participate in regular staff meetings. And, of course, it’s vital that the computer support and service specialists are licensed and trained in the software they use.
The median salary for computer support and service specialists is $52,690 in 2020, with the highest-paid 25 percent earning more than $68,500 a year. These professionals typically work a 40-hour week. Some employers may require certification or a postsecondary degree, and some will assess applicants for customer service skills, technical aptitude, and overall competency. A computer support and service specialist’s salary should be in line with the position’s qualifications.
The computer support and service specialist will respond to inquiries from computer users, run automatic diagnostics, and train others to use a computer. A technical support specialist may also manage a company’s computer network or perform network maintenance tasks. Many of these positions also require long hours of talking, typing, and looking at computers. These professionals can also experience back, eye, and hand discomfort from the prolonged workday. Some computer support and service specialists work independently from their client’s offices, and some may work as consultants in their own firm. As computer networks continue to expand, more specialists are now able to connect to customer networks from remote locations.
Aside from being patient and sympathetic, computer support and service specialists also need to have excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. Often, they help frustrated computer users find solutions to their problems. Computer support specialists should be able to identify basic computer problems as well as more complicated ones. They should be able to explain the solutions in easy-to-understand language. They should also be skilled in writing and speaking in English.