Are you planning on choosing an IT provider or have you already hired professional IT help for your company? If so, you’re among tens of thousands of businesses that have taken this step. A good IT company doesn’t just fix problems—it monitors your technology to detect issues before they cause damage or escalate. Truly, qualified and experienced IT professionals are invaluable. Once you find a great IT service provider, you’ll want to hold onto them!
Assessing Your IT Needs
Before choosing an IT provider, you likely assessed your technology needs. You considered the complexity of your system and the skills required to manage it. You also thought about upcoming projects or company expansions and how they might impact your IT requirements. As a result, you probably looked for an IT company or individual with experience in the specific areas where you need help.
How to Determine the Right Fit
But how do you know if the IT professional you’re considering has the right experience for your company? How can you be sure they’ll meet your needs?
The key is to get to know the individual, not just the company they represent. Here’s how you can evaluate whether they’re the right match for your business.
What Are Their Credentials?
The IT professional you’re considering might have a degree in Computer Science or Management Information Systems. While this is a good start, it’s not the only factor that matters. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that some of the best IT professionals have only completed a two-year program or have no degree at all.
In today’s IT industry, a college diploma isn’t always a dealbreaker. Many employers now prioritize experience over formal education. When choosing an IT provider, consider both their education and their hands-on experience.
How Do You Determine the Right Experience?
If you’ve decided that a degree isn’t the most important factor, how do you determine if their experience aligns with your needs? The answer lies in asking the right questions and getting to know the individual behind the resume.
Key Questions to Ask
- What is your experience with data recovery and backup? Can you provide specific examples?
- How do you stay updated with changes in technology? (e.g., continuing education classes, seminars, etc.)
- How do you ensure you meet industry standards?
- What is your availability? How would you handle an emergency on a weekend or holiday?
- How would you improve our technology’s security? (Or address other IT issues specific to our business.)
Look for Specific Answers
When evaluating responses, look for specific examples rather than generalizations. A good IT professional will tailor their answers to your company’s unique needs, showing they’ve done their homework before meeting with you.
Communication Skills Matter
Finally, prioritize communication skills. While IT professionals are often stereotyped as introverted, the best ones are confident, articulate, and eager to collaborate. Look for someone who is not only a problem solver but also a leader who takes initiative and drives projects forward.
Why Choose Stillwater IT?
At Stillwater IT, we’ve spent over 16 years building a team of IT professionals who are more than just tech experts. We value individualism, leadership, personal service, honesty, and trust—qualities we hope you’ll find in our staff.
Conclusion: Find the Right IT Provider
If you’re considering choosing an IT provider or hiring a managed service provider, it’s time to take the next step. Call Stillwater IT at 604-899-1105 to schedule a consultation. We’ll help determine how we can best assist your business.