Ploymint

If you work in an office, you’re probably used to technology going haywire. And since the only certainty with a computer is that it will someday fail, it’s good tech support that’s important.

It should come as no surprise then that tech support jobs are thriving, and one of the most coveted is that of desktop support specialists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer support specialists make a median salary of over $50,000 a year and can expect a 12% increase in demand between the years 2014 and 2024.

Most companies will want desktop support technicians with a bachelor’s degree and some level of prior experience. And as with most jobs, things tend to boil down to the interview.

Read through our advice column for desktop support interview questions and answers below.

What do you think is the most important part of this job?

I think desktop support technicians are in a unique position of requiring both advanced technical knowledge as well as competent workplace social skills. I think it’s important to remember that the users themselves are as important as the tech.

Do you have experience with multiple operating systems?

Yes, I’ve worked with every edition of Microsoft Windows since XP and have personal experience with several Mac OS’s as well.

How would you recover data from an infected system?

My first course of action would be to use a set of CMD prompts to try to recover the requested files. I’d begin by typing in “CMD” into the search bar and then launching “cmd. exe”. From there I’d enter a specific prompt to attempt the file recovery.

What is active directory?

Active directory is a system used by Windows domain networks. For a company like this active directory facilitates the enforcement of security and virus protection as well as authenticates users.

How would you improve security for our network?

Without an intimate understanding of your current network setup I can’t say for sure. Nonetheless, I think a comprehensive security plan starts with regular updating procedures, routine auditing and mapping, and sporadic physical security checks.

Can you tell me how many LAN cables are currently use?

There are six different types of LAN cables though Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 would be the only relevant options for use in a setting like this company’s network.

Can you tell me about a situation that would require you to use Safe Mode?

If a user fears that malware has been installed on their computer I would launch in Safe Mode and troubleshoot from there.

What would you do if a user reports a “blue screen of death”?

I would shut down the system and reboot in Safe Mode.

Why do you want to work here?

I love computers and have committed my career to working with them. I think this is a great opportunity for me to exercise my skill-set on an entire network as well as learn more about the unique security requirements of a large company like this.

Why did you leave your last job?

I left my job in pursuit of greater responsibility and opportunities that would allow me to work more directly with network systems.