Qualifications to be a Desktop Support

Hello guys,

What exactly are the necessary qualifications to be hired as a desktop support if the candidate has no prior experience?

Which certifications?

Thank you.

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stryder144

Well, I would suggest the CompTIA triple play: A+, Network+, and Security+. While studying for those, I'd also pick up the MCSA: Windows 7 (70-680 and 70-685 exams).

Gorby

If a candidate had no experience then the comptia trio would help to get them the interview. But then it should depend on whether they had a basic grasp of computer technology.

I interviewed a candidate when I was desktop manager and they had the trio, but couldn't tell me what active directory was or why you would use pinging

jws86

I just got hired on as helpdesk support for my first IT job. I have absolutely no prior experience in the field besides what I have done on a hobbyist level and what I have learned in school. I am 6 months from completing my associates and I have no certifications. I displayed my soft skills in the interview more than my technical skills. I did answer some tech questions to the best of my knowledge. The ones that I didn't know I explained to the guy that I have not yet had a chance to work with that issue, but I might start by doing a, then b, then c. If I couldn't handle it I wouldn't be afraid to ask for help. I sealed the deal by writing what I would consider amazing thank you letters the monday following the interview, nailing a second phone interview from the hr lady and providing excellent references for her to contact the next day. The day after an offer was submitted to me.

So is what I guess I am saying is that you don't have to have tons of experience. Desktop support is entry level. They would expect you to have basic knowledge of networking, active directory for user control, troubleshooting skills, and definitely good soft skills and people skills.

amigo23

Guys, thank you for the responses.

I'm still kinda confused because the Desktop support is always related with MS Active Directory, but none of the trio CompTIA certs prepares for active directory, ticketing software, and customer service, etc.

MCSA Server 2008/2012 gives you an idea what active directory really does. I'm very interested in learning more about entry level positions with no technical experience. You need to start with something, and it seems like IT employers don't want to train you for a few days, even if you have a degree in IT.

So if the Desktop support is an onsite technician, can somebody land a position like this without any experience? I think there is more chance that an IT Help Desk guy advances as a Desktop Support, Am I correct?

Plantwiz

A+ and net+ will show a minimum level of understanding. Likewise, the Sec+ will not hurt either! hence the recommendations above.

Certainly, Win7, Win8 possibly XP, and sever OS 2008, and newer, maybe 2003, will all add to your advantage.

None of us can tell you exactly what you will need as this will be determined by the jobs you apply for, however, knowledge and experience with the above listed OS, NOS and CompTIA concepts will most likely land you an interview.

SCL1419

amigo23 wrote: »

Hello guys,

What exactly are the necessary qualifications to be hired as a desktop support if the candidate has no prior experience?

Which certifications?

Thank you.

A+ and Network+ are key. You could get the security+ but it really depends on where you are working and what is the outline of the job.
I have been working on computers for 5 years at a legitimate business and have no certifications but a AAS in CIS.

Some good examples,

American food and vending. They may want you to perform tasks like password resets, trouble shooting computer issues with clients over the phone, trouble shooting tickets, configurations with devices, computer repairs, network connections, network configurations, printer trouble shooting, cell phone and tablet configuration and troubleshooting.

A healthcare company might want you to do the same as I listed above but you might have to write reports of major issues, trouble shoot citrics or vmware over the phone (which sucks btw) know best security practices, work with the network admin to fix computer issues and about 10-12 other odd task.

Point Im trying to make is the title "desktop support" is an open ended job title and 90% of these jobs outline the A+ and Network+ and depending on where you work, they might require a little more. I recommend buying the Mike Myers certification books because he gets straight to the point and knows EXACTLY what you need to know.

Also one last thing.. if you work as desktop support specialist..be calm, find a rhythm while working, make sure you have proper tools/resouces, and remember the internet is your best friend

gc8dc95

I got hired as Desktop Support II with a CCENT, MCP, and A+. More importantly I tried to demonstrate my abilities and how my previous (non-IT) job experience would help me in the position. It also helpful that I was familiar with VB/C#.

Since getting the job I have pushed hard to be certified in everything I work with including HP, Microsoft, VMware, Cisco, etc. While I don't have direct hands on with some of these technologies the basic knowledge of how they tie together has been invaluable.

coreyb80

I landed my first IT gig as doing Desktop Support back in August of last year. I have the skills, just didn't really utilize them in a professional setting. The focus of this company was soft skills and how well you fit in w/ the group. I started off as a contractor and just got converted to a FTE as of 4/21. I've learned a lot since being here and continuing to learn.

rsutton

It will vary from company to company; at my company I regularly screen, interview and hire technicians with little or no experience. Getting to the interview room can be a challenge as their is usually a pool of 150+ candidates for our entry level technician jobs. There is no perfect way to screen resumes so I usually go by: a) education b) resume format & c) certifications (experience trumps all but this is geared for a very entry-level position). If you stand out in some or all of the three areas I pointed out, you will likely make it through a phone screening.

To pass the phone screening, you would need to have excellent soft skills. I will be paying attention to things like how friendly your tone is on the phone, do you sound passionate about the job, do I think you would work well with our clients etc.

To pass the in-person interview, you would need to relay the above things in-person, as you did on the phone. I would also pay attention to how professional you carry yourself, do you appear to be both confident and humble, do you ask questions that indicate you are interested in the field, were you punctual?

It's more and more challenging to get a job these days but I will also say that's a real challenge to find top candidates. You can only be a top candidate if you invest in yourself and really stand out above the rest.

networker050184

Strength (the desk you are supporting may be heavy) and stamina (you will be supporting the desk for around eight hours a day) are the key qualifications for being a desktop support.

matai

Good personality, easy to work with, desire to learn, A+.

I've only known a few people who desire to stay in desktop support forever, so I don't expect many desktop specific certs.

If the person is a career desktop tech, I would expect A+, Net+, and some Windows/Vendor certs.

Qord

I'd say the biggest qualification going in is soft skills, the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, and A+ level knowledge.

IS3

My employer required Comptia A+ and Network+. Althought he made a point that a call center experience is required but not much, he just want to make sure i have "Soft Skills"