An IT help desk position requires a unique set of technical and interpersonal skills. Working in a help desk capacity, you need a good degree of know-how and an understanding of all things “tech.” Comfort with technology in general and a solid grasp of a computer’s inner workings are also essential. However, there’s more to it than just technical know-how. Help desk support requires customer service finesse and a flair for just-in-time problem-solving. Acquiring certifications can help validate a good number of these skills, and of course, certifications can give you the edge you need to stand out from the pack when you’re vying for a help desk support position.
If you want to shine in help desk jobs, you should definitely get the CompTIA A+ certification, which proves you have the basic skills necessary for IT support. You should have a firm grasp on things like hardware, software, networking, and security—not so much home or car security, but the kind that makes sure evil hackers can’t get to and mess with your data.
Top CompTIA A+ Resources:
The CompTIA Network+ certification is aimed at help desk professionals who deal with network-related problems. To earn this certification, you must show that you’re proficient designing, configuring, managing, and problem-solving for both wired and wireless networks. The exam doesn’t cover everything there is to know about networking, but it does cover most of the fundamental concepts and a lot of the essential knowledge that a network technician really should have to perform their job effectively, and it also covers quite a bit about troubleshooting.
Top CompTIA Network+ Resources:
The ITIL Foundation certification is beneficial for help desk professionals working in IT service management roles. It helps them understand a framework for managing IT services that encompasses a range of important concepts. Those concepts—vital because they shape the way many organizations manage IT services—form the basis of the certification. ITIL is centered on a handful of key ideas; among them:
- Service strategy
- Service design
- Service transition
- Service operation
- Continual service improvement
Top ITIL Resource:
If you’re looking for a help desk position in the IT field, you can pursue various certifications. The ones I mentioned above are good options and will provide a solid foundation if you choose to go in that direction. Very often, help desk positions are seen as a starting point for moving into other IT arenas of IT, and being able to mention a relevant certification when you’re applying for a help desk position can definitely help you stand out among the competition.
Questions?
If you have questions, feel free to email me at info@professorsimon.com or fill out the form on the Contact page. Also, check out the services I offer on the Services page and sign up for a FREE 30-minute consultation call.
