this post was submitted on 23 Jul 2024
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I always wanted to ask someone in tech support: is there a useful shorthand to indicate "I have a decent understanding of how to operate my computer, and I'm calling you because I don't have the security clearance to fix this myself"?
I have no problem following the specific instructions I'm being given, but we could speed this along if you know you can just tell me to "open command prompt" instead of explaining the steps of how to do so.
It's been over 20 years since I did phones, but I don't imagine it has changed that much. The "techie" callers fall into two categories: Those who actually know what they're doing and those who think they know what they're doing. The latter group are the worst of all callers. I'd rather be on the phone to an 80-year-old who has trouble finding the start menu than with a caller who thinks they know more than they actually do.
If you honestly do know what you are talking about, the way to get this to tech support is to tell them what prompted you to call. An actual competent caller will open the call with something like:
"Hi, this is Cile. I'm calling from ______. My UserID/AccountNo etc is _______. I'm having a problem with ___________. The error message is [EXACT MESSAGE]. I have done a, b, c, but that resolved it."
For your example where it's an access matter, adapt the above accordingly. Something like "I need to do ________, but I lack the access to [steps you would take if you did have access]".
Finally:
Unless you are experiencing something super weird, the tech support people have probably seen this problem before and know how to solve it. Follow their instructions even if it's something you wouldn't have done. Even if their way seems less efficient. There will be a reason why they're doing it that way, and it won't always be apparent to you.