What Does an IT Specialist Do?
IT specialists support an organization by ensuring users can access and use computer networks throughout the workday. These specialists work in a variety of industries but they all need to have a deep understanding of hardware and software technology so that they can troubleshoot issues that arise.
IT specialists act as the front line for the IT department when it comes to the upkeep of company systems. Some of their duties include setting up networks, updating old software and hardware, and implementing data security systems. It is essential for IT specialists to have knowledge of a variety of topics like firewalls, antivirus, and various administrative tools.
This is an excellent role for those looking to enter the information technology field. There are many opportunities for on-the-job training, allowing IT specialists to get familiar with important IT concepts and eventually move to even more technical positions.
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National Average Salary
IT Specialist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for an IT Specialist is:
$64,900
IT Specialist Job Descriptions
Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional IT specialist. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.
Example 1
The IT specialist maintains knowledge of current IT and telecommunications technology while assisting our customers. These current and emerging technologies include, but are not limited to, optical transport networks, software-defined networks, wireless, mobility, satellite, Ethernet, unified communications, IP/enterprise network infrastructures, and cloud-based services.
You will initiate actions to develop new programs and contracts and update existing programs and contracts to ensure the most current technologies and services are being made available to customers.
As an ideal candidate, you have proven experience in developing, implementing, and supporting various hardware, software, and network systems.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Reviews diagnostics and assesses the functionality and efficiency of systems
- Implements security measures
- Monitors security certificates and company compliance with requirements
- Offers technical support to company staff and troubleshoots computer problems
- Installs and updates software and hardware as needed
- Prepares project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information
- Meets with prospective clients to determine needed resources and requirements
- Defines hardware, software, and network requirements
- Maintains networks
- Database administration
- Identifies and resolves project issues
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related field
- Master’s degree a plus
- 5+ years of related experience
Required skills and qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of various operating systems, hardware, software, and programming languages
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Exceptional troubleshooting abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Preferred qualifications
- Experience in technical writing
- Hardware and/or software certification.
- Previous experience in a technical support role
- Program certifications from Cisco, Microsoft, Apple, or others
Example 2
Responsibilities
- Software/OS maintenance, server stack upkeep, power management, and remote access management. Troubleshoot and maintain bare metal servers
- Support users in both environments Hybrid Windows AD and Azure/O365
- Support our warehouse which is currently on Wi-Fi with Cisco AP’s, network switches with Cisco and Meraki AP’s, which are present in the environment
- Support current security equipment including cameras, video storage, door access, and other equipment at our local facility
- ISSMV will be primary for the local location for the setup of user accounts, email, device shares, scanner, and WMS system deployment, and door access
- Support our WMS infrastructure. This includes printers, servers, network connections, and user support. ISSMV will have the primary responsibility for equipment on site
- Support local users on Jive VOIP phone system. This includes account support, equipment support, and account maintenance
- Work with the local team to deploy new assets such as computers, printers, phones, and other IT-covered devices
- Comply with company safety policies, procedures, and best practices
- Available for other special projects at the direction of the IT Systems Manager, senior IT staff, or the local Warehouse Manager
Required skills or education
- College degree in IT or a related field
- 2+ years of IT experience can substitute for a degree
- IT certifications are also a plus
- Must have knowledge of VM, Microsoft Office, Windows OS, Windows 10/11, Mac OS, Azure Cloud, and Windows Server
- Server support, RF scanner support, Android OS, Cisco network knowledge, printer support, and VOIP phone support experience are all pluses
- Warehouse management software (SCALE 2017), remote meeting support, and SharePoint admin knowledge are pluses
- No fear of heights is preferred as some Access Points are on the warehouse ceiling
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Exhibit a can-do attitude, strong interpersonal skills, including good relationship-building skills, and the ability to communicate with all levels of employees
- Excellent internal/external customer service skills, ability to be flexible, and work both independently, and as part of a team
- Possess and maintain excellent time management, customer service, strong analytic, organization, and prioritization skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to multitask and work on tight timelines
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations effectively and professionally
Example 3
The IT Specialist is responsible for working with company ABC’s managed services vendor in applying security policies and implementing enhanced security measures. The IT Specialist will be SME on Microsoft Office products such as Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams. They will be responsible for implementing workflow solutions using SharePoint and Teams, troubleshooting Microsoft Teams and Outlook issues, and managing Microsoft retention policy solution. The IT Specialist will also be responsible for implementing and managing a user management process across a portfolio of applications. They will be responsible for working with the Director of IT and managed services vendor on implementing IT projects as the organization continues to mature its IT environment.
Duties and responsibilities
- Support PAN’s IT security program by managing the implementation and adherence to IT security policy
- Develop and update IT policies, and SOPs
- Support IT audits and manage its response to audit observations
- Manage user access for internal systems
- Monitor and manage user access to systems using Microsoft’s Intune
- Utilize Microsoft SharePoint and Teams to develop solutions to optimize business processes
- Manage Microsoft’s Information Governance retention policies
- Coordinate the purchase and distribution of PC hardware to employees
- Troubleshoot employee’s PC hardware issues
- Manage the communications between vendors and staff related to system down time due to maintenance or system failures
- Interact with internal staff and vendors to resolve customer issues/inquiries, provide feedback, and close loop
Job requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or related field
- 1-3 years experience supporting an organization’s IT needs
- Familiarity with best practices around IT security
- Experience managing and administering SharePoint sites, specifically, site management, user management, creating automation workflows, and managing document libraries
- Experience working with Microsoft retention policies
- Experience managing and administering Microsoft team rooms
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Experience working with MS Power Apps, Yammer, Planner, OneNote, Google suite for business, adobe and tableau – is desired
- Experience performing Salesforce user management tasks
- Strong communication and writing skills
- PC hardware management and troubleshooting experience a plus
- Excellent organization and coordination skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and within tight timelines
- Ability to multitask in a cross functional environment
- Ability to prioritize workload and consistently meet deadlines
- Strong communication and facilitation skills
- Possess strong behavioral skills: attention to detail, proactiveness, curiosity, analytical thinking, etc.
- Certifications for CompTIA Security+ is a plus
Example 4
Our company is seeking an Information Technology Specialist to join our IT Team and assist the team in coordinating, planning, and implementing of technology-related initiatives and supporting our company operations. The IT Specialist will report directly to our IT Manager and coordinate with our site development teams in the implementation of our IT Structure.
What you’ll do
- Carry out and implement Company IT Support
- Collaborate with different members of the IT Team to ensure all goals are met and that we are carrying out best practices
- Receive and distribute IT equipment, while maintaining ongoing relationships with vendors
- Take part in developing an inventory management system to track all company equipment
- Contribute to maintaining the Configuration Management Database under the direction of the IT Manager
Who we’re looking for
- An IT Specialist who loves what they do and is excited to be a part of a new company
- A true process driver to ensure we are meeting Company Goals
- An effective communicator who can present information to all levels of an organization
- A knowledgeable and experienced people person who can explain even the most complex information in an effective way
- An individual who enjoys educating others in their areas of expertise
What qualities we look for
- Communicates Effectively. You develop and deliver communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
- Successfully Manage Relationships. Build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
- A Driver whose success is driven by ensuring the success of their team and the company
- Optimizes Work Processes. Endeavors to close inefficiencies and gaps to maximize the efficiency of workflows
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect. The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect designation shows candidates a thorough understanding of cloud architecture and Google Cloud. Certification demonstrates their ability to design and plan cloud solution architectures, manage and provision cloud solution infrastructures, design infrastructures for security and compliance, analyze and optimize technical and business processes, manage implementations of cloud architecture, and ensure solution and operations reliability. The certification exam can be taken online or at a testing center. There are no prerequisites, but Google recommends 3+ years of industry experience including 1+ years designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud.
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library Foundation (ITIL) Certifications. The ITIL certification is one of the top certifications in the field and shows that candidates can help their organization manage risk, strengthen customer relations, establish cost-effective practices, and build a stable IT environment that allows for growth, scale, and change.
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). The CRISC credential recognizes candidates as IT professionals who understand IT risk and how it relates to the organization. The CRISC equips them with the knowledge and skills to identify, evaluate, and manage IT risk and to develop and implement control measures and frameworks. To earn the CRICS, candidates must pass the CRISC exam, which consists of IT risk identification, IT risk assessment, risk response and mitigation, and risk control, monitoring, and reporting.
How to Hire an IT Specialist
There are a number of important initial considerations when hiring an accounting assistant:
- Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to attract and screen candidates?
- Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid or junior-level skills and experience suffice?
- Duration: Are you hiring for a project or an ongoing need?
- Urgency: How soon does the opening need to be filled? What happens while it remains open?
- Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?
Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, great options exist for every scenario. These are our recommendations:
1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)
The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.
This is the best route to take when:
- You need to fill the position quickly
- You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
- Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
- You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
- You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
2. Post the opening on a top job board
Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.
We recommend using a job board when:
- Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
- You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
- You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
- You are prepared to respond to all applicants
We recommend CareerBuilder for IT specialist openings:
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.
3. Leverage your internal resources
You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.
A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.
We recommend these options when:
- Your brand has great name recognition
- You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
- You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
- You have an effective employee referral program in place
If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.
Sample Interview Questions
- What software packages are you familiar with?
- Are you familiar with cloud-based IT solutions?
- What new software or technology have you worked with, and how did you learn it?
- How would you resolve an issue where an employee can’t connect to the office Wi-Fi?
- What do you do to maintain your technical certifications?
- Are you familiar with any programming languages?
- How do you handle multiple deadlines?
- How do you troubleshoot IT issues?
- What is the biggest IT challenge you have faced, and how did you handle it?
- What are authentication and authorization, and what tools do you use to support them in enterprise deployments?
- What are the elements of an N-tier architecture?
- How familiar are you with unit testing?
- In network security, what is a honey pot, and why is it used?
- What database performance metrics do you look for?
- What are transaction logs, and how are they used?
- What is a cross-site scripting attack, and how do you defend against it?
- What is a SAN, and how is it used?
- What role does DMZ play in network architecture?