As an application support analyst, your role will include implementing systems, but also support, administration and maintenance of already existing systems. Providing documentation and training staff in existing business information applications, testing system upgrades and business reports relevant to the company will also be necessary. Any upgrades, releases and enhancements will need to be communicated to relevant departments. Users must also be aware of the changes.
Initially, many application support analysts must provide technical support to the users. That can be done either in person, either via telephone or via e-mail. After a few months of gathering experience within a company, application support analysts will have to ensure a better usability of the system, by enhancing it. In order to do that, the candidate must also be able to manage different development tasks.
The perfect candidate will have experience with administrating systems, have demonstrable support, and report writing skills. He must have advanced Microsoft skills in Word, Access and Excel, but also in Linux.
Implementing new software can mean that an application support analyst will also take the entire project management under his wing. This means that, before the final testing and implementation of the product, he will have to write a business case.
The tasks of application support analysts can grow by the day. They can also have corporate contribution. They must support and comply with the corporate strategies, plans and policies, as with any development initiative, such as customer service improvements. Because of the level of involvement, application support analysts must sometimes also ensure proper care of company equipment.
Employers would expect of a candidate to have advanced data extraction, analysis and logical problem solving skills. They must possess application functionality and data management concepts. Good communication and business skills are also required.