What does a Desktop Support Specialist do?
Desktop Support Specialists are employed within a variety of different sectors to provide technical support to their clients. They may work for companies such as computer hardware manufacturers and retailers, software developers, call centres, and IT departments throughout both the public and private sectors. Desktop Support Specialist duties vary depending on the sector in which they operate. However, it’s the responsibility of the Desktop Support Specialist to ensure that end-users are uninterrupted by technical difficulties.
When problems arise, they troubleshoot, document issues, and problem solve to return hardware, software, and applications to working order quickly. In today’s ever-changing online world, Desktop Support Specialists are crucial for businesses to ensure their employees can work effectively, uninterrupted by technical issues. When problems arise, getting teams back online swiftly is the Desktop Support Specialist’s top priority.
Desktop Support Specialist skills and qualifications
Strong hardware and software skills are essential for successful Desktop Support Specialist candidates. However, excellent written and verbal communication skills are equally as important to advise, teach, and problem solve with end-users in-person and remotely. Top skills for Desktop Support Specialists include:
- Inquisitive problem-solving skills, including replicating technical issues to further investigate where necessary
- Effective time management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including the ability to prioritize based on business needs
- Adaptability and the ability to tailor technical advice based on the end-users technical abilities
- Clear communication skills to troubleshoot, advise, and educate end-users and other Support Specialists
- Competent debugging and reprogramming of technical systems
- Efficiently setting up hardware and installing relevant systems and software
- Ability to meet deadlines
Desktop Support Specialist experience requirements
Typically, Desktop Support Specialist candidates need to have two or more years of experience in similar roles, with senior and supervisory roles requiring upwards of five years of experience. Where a particular software or system is widely used within your company, or with end-users, experience with said systems or software is highly beneficial.
Desktop Support Specialist education and training requirements
Desktop Support Specialist candidates are required to have completed a college program in computer science, computer programming, network administration, or related field. However, there are exceptions for those with equivalent industry experience. Additional training and certification programs are available from software vendors and are beneficial when that software is one your company uses.
Desktop Support Specialist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Desktop Support Specialist in Canada is $20.59 per hour. Wages may vary depending on a candidate’s experience, location, and company.
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