Are Certifications Important On A Resume? Will It help In Getting A Job?

Every candidate working in an industry was once a student. However, one can only study for a certain amount of time and once in their working career they don;t have the luxury of opting for an education to upskill themselves. However, each employee in their career goes through certain stages where they must learn new skills for several reasons.

This is where job certifications are of great use for an employee looking to upskill themselves. While there are always companies who might like to boast that they only look at how an employee does at his job, having a certification acts as a validation of the employee’s said skills. 

Certification also reduces the time a company might have to deploy to test the candidate’s exact skills. You see, the employer admires not only the candidate’s education and knowledge but also the certification and additional skills that the candidate possesses. Today, we will discuss in what cases resume certifications are important in influencing an employer’s decision. In addition, we will also talk about the importance of certification courses to your resume.

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How Much Certifications Important on a Resume?

Depending on which position the candidate is applying for,  the importance of the certificate will vary. For example, in the Software development field, studies have found that certification has a significant impact on professional employment. Candidates who provided professional qualifications had shorter hiring timelines than those who did not. Some research also shows that certifications are especially important for jobs that require technical expertise. This expertise can be gained through online courses and certifications.

According to a survey conducted by CompTIA, 91% of employers consider IT certifications to be crucial while making hiring decisions. Additionally, a LinkedIn survey revealed that 76% of professionals believe that certifications play a significant role in career advancement.

However, it’s important to note that opinions regarding certifications may differ among hiring managers. Some may give more weightage to certifications than others, and the value of a certification can also depend on its relevance to the job and the reputation of the organization issuing the certification.

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Resume certification is always important when looking for a job, but in some cases, it can be an important factor for employers as well. When applying for an internship, candidates may consider educational expertise as their first work experience. However, they may also be required to complete a test assignment. In this scenario, if the resume certification is related to the vacant position, the candidate is more likely to get familiar with the position. And because of this factor having certifications in the resume are very useful for experienced professionals.

If you don’t work around building your CV, especially years of corporate work experience. Your 10-20-year-old higher education in your CV can look outdated to employers. If experienced specialists attend courses and webinars and constantly improve their skills, they are more likely to join a company where the concepts of self-development and lifelong learning are encouraged.

The resume certifications don’t just talk about a candidate’s professional development but also about their soft skills, such as learning ability, self-organization (essential when learning online), and desire for continuous growth.

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Does the Hiring manager pay attention to resume certifications?

Yes, recruiters have a clear understanding of the employer’s JD and will extract only what they need from the candidate’s resume based on the job description. Currently, a certification in your resume is the best way to increase job exposure. 

In an ideal scenario, each recruiter is looking for an attorney to handle several contract matters related to claims. If a candidate states that they have completed an artificial intelligence course, recruiters might not consider this. As this may create a negative impact on recruiters. In general, most HR managers don’t always pay attention to the education section of the resume, however, they analyze what the person wrote there and how much attention he paid to this section. 

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Importance of certification courses to your resume?

Adding online certification courses when building your resume offers several undeniable benefits, especially in today’s competitive corporate market. 

Relevance and Specialization 

You know, one of the biggest benefits of online courses is the incredible selection available. Digital courses can help you gain valuable insight into a specific subject area. This is a great way to tailor your resume to a specific job or industry. For example, if you studied Tech and are interested in Digital marketing, earning a certificate in an online course in SEO or Social Media Marketing (SMM) will make your resume more attractive to potential employers. This shows that you are active and passionate about this field and are taking extra steps to excel in it.

Acquiring and Updating Skills 

We all know about the advancement of AI in the current year. Online courses are a great way to constantly skill-up and learn new things, especially in the field of IT. For example,  if you want to work in the tech industry, then doing certification in Python, data science, or AI programming can make your resume stand out.

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Flexibility and Independence 

Because online certification courses typically lack the highly structured environment of traditional education, self-discipline, and motivation are often considered necessary. While students can learn at their own pace,  there is always a risk factor. So, if you opt for an e-course, you can show potential employers that you possess the will to manage your time effectively, and can work independently. 

Authority 

Whether you like it or not, online courses are worth adding to your resume, however, it’s important to consider their credibility. Training programs offered by reputable universities and established online platforms such as Upgrade, Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning are generally more positively and favourably by employers. However, we all have to keep in mind that a course’s credibility lies in its structure and course. Relevant and comprehensive training programs from lesser-known universities can also be helpful if they can teach you valuable skills.

Continuous Learning 

It the end, we all need a commitment to continuous training. This is perhaps the most catchy skill that the majority of employer seek in their candidates. Therefore, including online courses on your resume shows that you are well aware and serious about your career and have a desire to acquire new knowledge and skills.

Proof of Skills

Certifications show that you’ve officially learned a specific skill or subject. For example, if someone gets a certification in digital marketing, it proves they know how to run online ads, analyze data, and improve website traffic. Employers trust certifications as they come from reputable organizations.

Saves Time for Employers

Imagine if a company had to test every applicant to see if they could code, manage projects, or use software. Certifications save time by acting as a shortcut. For example, someone with a Python certification is already verified to have coding skills, so they’re more likely to be hired for a tech role.

Career Growth

Certifications don’t just help in getting a job; they also help professionals advance their careers. Studies show that certified employees often get promotions or higher salaries compared to those without certifications.

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How to Format Your Certifications?

Creating a well-organized certification section enhances your resume’s clarity and professionalism. Here’s how to do it:

Title of the Certification

Always begin with the full title of the certification to ensure clarity. Avoid shorthand or acronyms unless they are universally recognized, as the hiring manager may not understand less common abbreviations. Double-check for any spelling errors to maintain a professional appearance and leave no room for confusion.

Awarding Organization

Include the full name of the organization or institution that granted the certification. This step adds credibility, as reputable awarding bodies demonstrate the authenticity of your credentials. Properly citing this information ensures the employer can verify the certification if necessary.

Certification Date

Clearly state the date you earned the certification. If it is a renewable certification, include the most recent renewal date to show its validity. For certifications you are currently pursuing, mention the expected completion date to showcase your ongoing efforts in skill development

Expiration Date

For certifications with a validity period, listing the expiration date is crucial. This ensures employers know the certification is still active. Avoid adding certifications that have expired, as they may give an impression of outdated skills or knowledge.

Details (Optional)

If your resume allows for additional details, include a brief explanation of the skills or expertise gained through the certification. This can highlight its relevance to the job you’re applying for. For example, mention how the certification enhances your proficiency in a particular tool, process, or domain.

Where to Add Certifications to Your Resume?

Certifications can be included in different sections of your resume depending on their importance and relevance to the job:

Dedicated “Certifications” Section

The most common and professional way to present certifications is by creating a separate “Certifications” section. Position this section after essential ones like contact information, work experience, and skills. Arrange certifications in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent. This structure ensures hiring managers can quickly identify your latest qualifications.

Resume Summary

If a certification is critical to the role, highlight it within your resume summary. This allows you to immediately catch the recruiter’s attention and demonstrate your qualifications for the job. Including certifications in this section works particularly well for job-specific or highly relevant credentials.

Contact Information Section

For certifications tied to your professional identity, such as PMP or CPA, you can include them alongside your contact details. Listing certifications here is effective for roles where these credentials are central to your job title or expertise. It immediately conveys your qualifications without the need to search further.

Conclusion 

Certification courses are one of the most powerful tools to improve your resume. They show positivity, determination, and a desire to acquire and update skills. However, your results will depend on how well the course fits your goals, how confident you are with it, and how you can apply the skills you learn. In a rapidly changing job market, a wide range of carefully selected online courses can be the deciding factor that sets your resume apart from dozens of other candidates.

Always remember that the purpose of your resume is to present the best version of yourself professionally. The certification course is the best way to do so, it will play a fundamental role in your career development.

Make your hiring process easy with BarRaiser, It will help the employer to shortlist resumes according to the job profile and will suggest interview questions to make the process smooth and equally fair. 

FAQs

Is certification important in a resume?

Yes, certifications can be important on a resume as they highlight your expertise and commitment to professional development. For some roles, especially in specialized fields, certifications can be crucial and may set you apart from other candidates. They show employers that you have the skills and qualifications needed for the job.

What are the awards and certifications on a resume?

Awards and certifications on a resume are recognitions and credentials that validate your skills and accomplishments. They should be listed in a dedicated section, often near the top, to showcase your achievements and highlight your qualifications and commitment to professional growth.

How to add a certification badge to a resume?

To add a certification badge to your resume, include the badge’s name, the certifying organization, and the date you received it. You can also provide a URL for verification if available. This helps potential employers easily verify your credentials and understand your qualifications.

Do certifications really matter?

Certifications matter because they provide proof of your skills and accomplishments. They demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can be crucial for certain jobs, making your resume more attractive to potential employers.

Can I put a certificate of achievement on my resume?

Yes, including a certificate of achievement on your resume can be beneficial, especially if it is unique or rare in your industry. It helps highlight your dedication and any specialized training you’ve completed, making your resume stand out.