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Possible Wiki question.

What questions should I ask a potential employer for a position as an intern in a tech support role?

This is the first interview offer I have had after 18 months of unemployment. I don't have a background in tech support or sysadmining.

What are some metrics a tech support person would want to know about the position. What questions would flesh out more of the job description, without making me look like the impostor I obviously am?

Thank you kindly.

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Yes, probably wiki. – Bart Silverstrim Sep 24 '10 at 14:32
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3 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

Here's a few for starters:

  • Do they offer paid training / paid training time?
  • Are they willing to purchase software necessary for you to do your job? (maybe not for someone just starting out)
  • How will your performance be graded? Are there solid criteria?
  • Is there an on-call rotation? What is the schedule? How many people are in the rotation?
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Thanks. Random text to fill – Kernel Panic Sep 24 '10 at 15:24
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up vote 1 down vote
  • What do they see you doing (main task wise) in the first three months with them?

Might be handy to know if you are an 'imposter'!

In all honesty, take care bluffing your way into a role that you will not be able to handle - all that may happen when you are 'found out' is that the company will terminate your employment, possibly on the grounds that you were dishonest during your interview, and this could really screw up your future chances elsewhere - especially when next asked "why were you only with x Company for three weeks?"

I appreciate your situation - I was made redundant a month ago (finishing end October) and it's not a great feeling to be facing unemployment (or to be unemployed) and during an interview I went to a couple weeks back I had to be honest and say that I was not 'up to date familiar' with a couple of the areas of the job description, but that I would get myself up to speed if I was employed by the company. The honesty paid off and I got the job.

Good luck.

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Point taken. I was trying to convey my personal shortcomings in the question. The term was ill advised and is not to meant to convey an attempt to deceive the employer. I had a phone interview already where I was able to discuss my situation. They are aware of my background. None of what I am doing is meant to short circuit the system. I am just trying to demonstrate to them how seriously I take the role. I see a future for myself there and want to succeed. – Kernel Panic Sep 24 '10 at 15:15
Good stuff - you certainly have the right attitude and I hope it all goes well for you. – Linker3000 Sep 24 '10 at 15:23
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up vote 0 down vote

Trevor's questions are important ones - but be careful to strike a balance between enquring about how hard you'll be working vs how much benefit you'll get from it. Do ask if the internship is likely to lead to a job.

You do need to know what it is you'll be expected to support - in larger organizations there's usually some demarcation between:

  • networks,
  • desktop machines,
  • email services,
  • databases,
  • file+print services

You'll need to know what (roughly) what the relevant operating systems and key software is for these. You should also be asking what tools they use to manage the workflows and tools used for automated monitoring (if any).

Do make sure you find out about how you escalate issues - both within the company and how relationships with external suppliers are managed.

HTH

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Thank you kindly. Will look into the escalation issues. – Kernel Panic Sep 24 '10 at 17:40
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