According to a Forbes report, the IT sector is one of the leading industries for remote work. IT professionals like technicians can work remotely without hampering their productivity or quality of work. In fact, it has proven to be beneficial for both the employee and the employer.
A remote IT technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting the software components of the organization’s computers. They also help the staff with IT-related problems. In this blog, we will explain the job role of a remote IT technician, the benefits of having them on your team, and the qualities you need to look for when hiring them.
A] What Does a Remote IT Technician Do?
1. Installing And Configuring
An IT technician is responsible for installing and configuring computer systems, networks, drivers, peripherals, and software across the organization’s PCs. Once installed, they may also need to customize the software according to the organization’s needs by configuring different settings. Once configured, they will check for functionality and compatibility to ensure everything is working as expected.
While working remotely, some may need to guide users through the installation and configuration via phone or video conferencing. They also have access to various tools that help them create user accounts, implement security measures, and grant access permission while working remotely.
2. Maintaining Systems
Remote IT technicians are also responsible for maintaining the systems and servers regularly and ensuring they are running without any issues. The remote IT technician’s responsibilities also include performing system updates, managing backups, and updating security measures through remote access. They may also need to monitor network health if the organization’s infrastructure calls for it.
System maintenance also includes creating backups and data redundancy. The technician would be required to remotely access the servers, update security protocols, implement the latest security patches, and check for malware. IT technicians monitor traffic and assist in managing data backup and recovery solutions using cloud-based tools.
3. Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is a systematic approach to solving complex server and network-related problems and is a key part of a remote IT technician’s job description. In case of unexpected system downtime, IT technicians need to check the system, diagnose the problem, and resolve it as soon as possible. These problems could range from network issues and software malfunctions to identifying glitches in the operating system.
They need to repair or replace software components without hindering the work of others. Additionally, they would have to maintain a record of all system updates, repairs, and fixes and document the errors. In a remote setting, they may also be required to access the organization’s computers remotely to troubleshoot the errors manually.
4. Providing Technical Support
In addition to all of the above responsibilities, a remote IT technician may also need to provide technical support to other staff members. Once new software is installed, the IT technician needs to provide orientation and guidance to the users in a professional and non-technical language.
They are also required to be remotely available for support whenever someone encounters challenges with computers and network devices. To perform these duties efficiently, the remote IT technician needs to have technical proficiency and communication skills.
B] Benefits of Onboarding A Remote IT Technician
- Lower Operation Cost: Onboarding a remote IT technician helps you reduce your overhead and operational costs. Employers can save on office expenses and rent by having a smaller in-house team or working remotely.
- Better Talent Acquisition: Hiring a remote IT technician gives organizations the opportunity to hire employees from all over the country without having to pay for their relocation expenses. You can hire the top talents in the industry with little to no restrictions.
- Enhanced productivity and efficiency: Remote work culture has been shown to have a positive impact on productivity and employee efficiency. Working remotely often results in improved mental health of the employee, which leads to improved productivity.
- Increases Employee Happiness and Retention: The IT industry’s high employee turnover rate is one of the biggest problems. Offering incentives like remote work can help improve employee happiness and, in turn, boost retention.
- More Time Dedicated To Work: With less time spent in commutes, IT technicians working remotely can dedicate more hours to the job. While being available, 24/7 may not be possible, they can provide on-call assistance to other employees after their working hours.
C] What To Look For When Hiring A Remote IT Technician
- Cybersecurity Measures: Remote IT technicians need to have robust cybersecurity measures when accessing company files. This is extremely important for protecting sensitive data.
- Reliable Hardware and Software: In remote work, the IT technician is responsible for their hardware and software. They need to have a reliable system with enough storage and RAM to handle work. They also need to have access to the latest software and tools.
- Good Communication Skills: Effective writing and speaking skills are essential for efficient communication. Candidates should be proficient in explaining technical information in layman’s terms during calls, emails, and videoconferencing.
- Time Management Skills: Remote technicians must be organized about their time. They need to schedule tasks using calendars, task lists, and project management software and complete their work on time. They need to ensure that system downtimes do not affect the organization’s productivity.
- Self-Discipline and Motivation: In remote work, IT technicians do not have the constant backup of a team. Hence, they need to be disciplined and self-motivated to complete their tasks on time and set boundaries between work time and personal time.
- Continuous Learning: Remote IT technicians need to update their knowledge regularly to keep up with the latest advancements. Any organization wants to use the latest software and tools to improve its productivity, and an IT technician needs to provide that.
Conclusion
Remote IT technicians are the backbone of any organization’s IT infrastructure. Remote work offers several benefits to the IT technician and the organization, such as a lack of commute can improve the professional’s mental health and productivity. When hiring a remote IT technician, one must be careful about certain aspects like access to reliable hardware and software, time management, and communication skills.
If you are looking for proficient IT professionals for your organization, contact Vertical Talent Solutions (VTS) today! VTS is a reputed and reliable MSP IT Staffing Company In the USA, helping IT MSPs scale their business through an efficient recruitment process.
FAQs
Q) What are the responsibilities of an IT technician?
Ans: The IT technician is responsible for installing and configuring software, conducting regular maintenance, and updating them to the latest version whenever necessary. They are also responsible for troubleshooting in case of any issues and also help others navigate through IT challenges.
Q) What are the 5 qualities an IT technician should have?
Ans: The IT technician must have technical knowledge, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, time management skills, and good communication skills.
Q) Is IT technician a good career?
Ans: Yes, IT technicians are highly demanded in the IT industry. As an IT technician, you will be able to work on a variety of projects and perform various roles throughout your career. The pay scale is also very lucrative.
Q) What skills does an IT technician need?
Ans: To become an IT technician, one needs to be proficient in technical skills, excellent in communication, knowledgeable about data security, and have problem-solving skills, among others.
Ted White is the President & CEO of Vertical Talent Solutions and has over two decades of IT recruiting experience. Specializing in assisting Managed Service Providers in securing their ideal roles, his expertise navigates career paths precisely. Connect with Ted White for tailored recruitment solutions today.