Why did you choose a career in IT support?

Sample answer to the question

I chose a career in IT support because I've always been fascinated by technology and enjoy helping others. When I was younger, I would often fix my family's computer issues or set up their Wi-Fi. It gave me a sense of accomplishment to solve their problems and make their lives easier. As I grew older, I realized that IT support was not only a way for me to apply my technical skills but also a way to make a direct impact on people's lives. I love the satisfaction of troubleshooting and resolving issues, and the feeling of knowing that I've made a difference. Additionally, the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the field excites me, as there are always new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.

A more solid answer

I chose a career in IT support because I've always had a passion for technology and problem-solving. Throughout my academic journey, I pursued a degree in Information Technology, where I gained a solid foundation in various operating systems and helpdesk software. During my internship, I had the opportunity to work in a technical support role, where I honed my troubleshooting skills and developed a customer-oriented approach. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that came with resolving technical issues and providing excellent service to users. I also discovered that I possess strong organizational and time-management skills, which are essential in managing multiple priorities and working under pressure. IT support allows me to combine my technical expertise with my natural inclination to help others, making it a perfect fit for me.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the candidate's academic background and past experiences, highlighting their technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, customer-oriented approach, and organizational and time-management skills. It demonstrates how the candidate meets the qualifications and requirements outlined in the job description, making their answer more relevant and convincing.

An exceptional answer

Choosing a career in IT support was a natural choice for me due to my lifelong passion for technology and knack for problem-solving. As a child, I was always the go-to person in my family for any tech-related issues, and I took pride in fixing their problems and ensuring smooth operations. This passion led me to pursue a degree in Information Technology, where I delved deep into various operating systems and helpdesk software, acquiring the technical proficiency necessary to excel in the field. Throughout my educational journey, I actively sought opportunities to apply my knowledge and skills, frequently engaging in projects and internships that allowed me to tackle real-world technical challenges. These experiences not only sharpened my problem-solving and analytical abilities but also instilled in me a customer-oriented mindset. I learned to prioritize user satisfaction and go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. Additionally, my strong organizational and time-management skills enable me to effectively handle multiple priorities and work well under pressure. It's incredibly fulfilling for me to leverage my expertise to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, knowing that I'm making a tangible difference in people's lives. I thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of IT support, as it presents continuous opportunities for growth and learning. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices, I ensure that I provide the highest level of support and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a more detailed and personal account of the candidate's journey into IT support. It emphasizes their natural inclination and passion for technology and problem-solving from a young age, showcasing their inherent skills and motivation. The answer also highlights the candidate's proactive pursuit of opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills, demonstrating their dedication and commitment to continuous improvement. The candidate effectively elaborates on the evaluation areas from the job description, providing specific examples to support their claims. The exceptional answer showcases the candidate's comprehensive understanding of the role and their ability to not only meet the qualifications but also exceed expectations.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your personal journey and motivation for choosing a career in IT support. Consider any relevant experiences or instances where you demonstrated technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and a customer-oriented approach.
Review your academic background and any courses or projects that allowed you to develop the necessary skills for the role, such as knowledge of operating systems and helpdesk software.
Highlight any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences where you had the opportunity to work in a technical support role or provide customer service. Discuss specific examples of troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
Consider how you manage your time and handle multiple priorities. Reflect on instances where you effectively organized and prioritized tasks to ensure timely resolution of IT issues and maintain high customer satisfaction.

What interviewers are evaluating

Technical proficiency
Problem-solving skills
Customer-oriented approach
Organizational and time-management skills