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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Service Desk Representative

💰 $40,000 - $60,000

IT SupportService DeskTechnical Support

🎯 Role Definition

The Service Desk Representative provides first-line technical support and troubleshooting to internal users, ensuring timely resolution of IT issues and requests. This role serves as the primary contact for IT-related inquiries, collaborating with technical teams to maintain system functionality, improve service quality, and support organizational productivity.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • IT Support Technician
  • Help Desk Associate
  • Technical Support Intern

Advancement To:

  • Senior Service Desk Analyst
  • IT Support Specialist
  • IT Operations or Systems Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Network Support Technician
  • Application Support Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Serve as the first point of contact for IT-related inquiries via phone, email, chat, or ticketing system.
  • Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues for end-users, providing timely resolution.
  • Log, categorize, and prioritize incidents and service requests in the IT Service Management (ITSM) system.
  • Escalate unresolved or complex issues to appropriate technical teams following escalation protocols.
  • Assist users with password resets, account management, and access permissions.
  • Install, configure, and maintain software applications and IT tools as required.
  • Monitor service desk tickets to ensure SLA compliance and proper documentation.
  • Conduct basic network troubleshooting, including connectivity and VPN issues.
  • Provide guidance and training to end-users on IT systems, applications, and best practices.
  • Participate in the deployment and upgrade of hardware, software, and IT systems.
  • Track and maintain IT inventory, including computers, peripherals, and licenses.
  • Perform remote troubleshooting using remote access tools and diagnostic software.
  • Maintain accurate records of incidents, resolutions, and user communications.
  • Assist in developing knowledge base articles and troubleshooting guides for common issues.
  • Support IT change management processes by reviewing, testing, and implementing approved changes.
  • Monitor IT systems and servers for alerts or performance issues.
  • Provide technical support during system outages, maintenance, or upgrades.
  • Coordinate with other IT teams to resolve recurring technical problems.
  • Participate in end-user feedback collection and service improvement initiatives.
  • Support IT projects, including migrations, deployments, and process enhancements.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc IT reporting and data analysis for management.
  • Contribute to IT process improvement initiatives.
  • Assist with user onboarding and offboarding processes, including system access setup and removal.
  • Participate in IT audits, compliance checks, and security awareness initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Incident management using ITSM tools (ServiceNow, Jira, etc.)
  • Hardware and software troubleshooting (Windows, macOS, mobile devices)
  • Network support and VPN troubleshooting
  • Active Directory and account management
  • Application support for enterprise software (MS Office, ERP, CRM)
  • Remote support tools and endpoint management
  • Basic knowledge of ITIL framework
  • System monitoring and alert response
  • Data entry and documentation in IT systems
  • Knowledge of IT security and compliance standards

Soft Skills

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Customer service orientation
  • Time management and multitasking ability
  • Collaboration across teams and departments
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Adaptability to changing technology and environments
  • Conflict resolution and escalation management
  • Empathy and patience with end-users
  • Professionalism and ethical judgment

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Information Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Network or Systems Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
1–3 years in IT support, service desk, or technical support roles

Preferred:
Experience in a corporate IT environment with exposure to ITIL-based service desk operations and multi-platform support