Main image of article Windows Desktop Specialist: Sample Resume and Necessary Skills

Desktop specialists are crucial members of any organization. Without their help in troubleshooting issues and updating operating systems, teams might descend into total chaos. Windows desktop specialists have a huge job, especially as many organizations rely almost entirely on Windows PCs and other Microsoft products.

If you’re crafting a resume for a Windows desktop specialist role, here are some tips you can use for shaping that resume to truly impress hiring managers and recruiters.

What does a Windows desktop specialist do?

Desktop specialists (also known as desktop support specialists) are generally tasked with helping an organization to maintain, secure, and update its PC hardware and software. On a typical day, a desktop specialist might be tasked with upgrading an organization’s PCs to the latest operating system versions, or updating any aging hardware.

For those organizations that are “Windows shops” (i.e., they run on a Microsoft stack of software and hardware), desktop specialists must necessarily specialize in Windows. That means understanding the nuances of the Windows operating system, knowing how to resolve bugs or other technical issues that might arise with Windows PCs, and talking through problems with employees.

What skills does a Windows desktop specialist need to succeed?

Windows desktop specialists must obviously know how to install, troubleshoot, and update Windows. In addition, any kind of IT support role relies heavily on “soft skills,” as a big part of the job involves communicating with many stakeholders, from employees whose PCs are having major issues to executives who need to know when the latest Windows patch will be deployed.

Some of these soft skills include:

  • Customer service: Can you talk someone down when their Windows 11 PC decided to update right in the middle of a crucial task?

  • Communication: Can you accurately and concisely convey information to anyone about the status of the organization’s Windows PCs?

  • Troubleshooting/problem-solving: Can you quickly absorb information and use it to help guide people through their support issues?

  • Multitasking: Can you handle rapid shifting between tasks? The job may require you to handle Windows updating at one moment, and a user’s critical issue the next.

Many organizations have in-house learning modules and tutorials to help new Windows desktop specialists learn specific workflows and troubleshooting. Microsoft also offers training and certifications via its learning portal; your employer may be willing to pay for this education, especially as it will make you a more valuable employee. 

How can I write a Windows desktop specialist resume?

As with any tech job, the important thing is to customize your resume to specific positions. That means re-reading the original job posting and noting any mentioned skills; make sure to include any of those skills you’ve mastered in your own resume. Many companies rely on automated resume scanners that will check for those skills and exclude any application that doesn’t mention them.

If you have previous experience in IT support, you’ll want to use your resume to describe how you utilized your skills to overcome challenges and help your previous employers meet their internal KPIs and other goals. For example, you might say:

  • Trained 100+ staffers in how to use Windows, allowing them to focus more time on handling business-critical tasks.
  • Wrote an internal wiki on how to troubleshoot some common Windows problems.
  • Set up and updated Windows PCs in four different offices, completing that task ahead of deadline and under budget.

If you don’t have a lot of experience, on the other hand, you may want to emphasize your personal and school projects that show you’re capable of problem-solving, troubleshooting, and generally figuring out how technology works (or why it doesn’t work).

Windows desktop specialist resume template

What does a Windows desktop specialist resume template look like? Feel free to modify the below to fit your skills, experience, and the needs of your potential employer:

 

Jeff Wong 125 N. Elm Dallas, Texas 00000 000.555.1212 | email@gmail.com | jwong@socialmedia.com

Summary

Desktop IT Support Specialist with 5+ years of experience providing Windows and Microsoft support to end users in a corporate environment. Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve a wide range of hardware and software issues, as well as provide training and support on new applications and technologies. Excellent customer service and communication skills, with a focus on providing timely and effective solutions.

Skills

  • Windows operating systems (XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Microsoft 365
  • Active Directory
  • System Center Configuration Manager
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
  • Help desk ticketing systems
  • Customer service and communication skills

Experience

Desktop IT Support Specialist

Acme Corporation

Anytown, CA

2018 - Present

  • Provided technical support to end users on a variety of Windows and Microsoft products
  • Troubleshooted and resolved hardware and software issues
  • Installed and configured new hardware and software
  • Provided training and support on new applications and technologies
  • Maintained and updated computer equipment inventory

Education

Associate of Science in Information Technology

Anytown Community College

Anytown, CA

Certifications

  • Microsoft Certified: Professional (MCP)
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+

Awards and Recognition

  • Acme Corporation Employee of the Year (2022)
  • Acme Corporation Customer Service Award (2021)

 

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