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How important are certification over formal education and experience?

Veteran

Adam Thompson Stedman, NC

In the military I was never required to obtain a PMP, CSCP, CSIM, etc. Regardless, I successfully completed tasked normally associated with these certs. Will my resume get by a recruiter if i don't have these certs? Certs don't equal results. Results equal results.

31 October 2017 11 replies Education & Training

Answers

Advisor

Donald Noble Tampa, FL

Adam, this is a terrific question.

For hiring, certifications are a gatekeeper for the employer. For example, even though I have a B.S. and an M.S. in Finance, employers will exclude non-CMA and CPA candidates. So, I am going back and getting my certifications.

My suggestion, start the certifications and list it on your resume and cover letter. Hopefully, you will find an employer that will help with time or money and you can complete. Certifications also require that you keep up with the latest industry knowledge through CPE. Start small, get the CAPM (which is easy) and then work yourself into more and more levels.

Email me if you need anything else.

Don

31 October 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Drew Schildwächter Wilmington, NC

That's hard to answer generally. Some positions will want the certifications, and some will be willing to help you leverage your experience to get them.

I think the better answer is that you will have inconsistent results if you're relying upon catching a recruiter's attention with your résumé alone. If you network and build rapport, you're more likely to overcome an objection based upon what you have (or don't have) on paper. Then, you're a known quantity and the résumé becomes an afterthought.

31 October 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Sam Hoffman Roslyn Heights, NY

There is a "hack" of sorts to make your resume not excluded. Put the certs in white font some where on the resume so it is invisible to the eye. The applicant tracking system software will still scan it and see your resume come up as a match for this position. Doesn't work on every ATS, but on enough of them.

Advisor

David Akre New York, NY

Decision makers want experience. HR people want the rest. Get to the decision makers if you have the experience. Best of luck.

Advisor

Thomas Pear Cape Coral, FL

One thing employers like to see is productivity. Therefore, "I was working on my certifications" is a good answer to any questions regarding what you did during the times of employment gaps.

I hope that was helpful, and thank you for your service.

Advisor

Deb Yeagle Tampa, FL

Hi Adam-
Thanks for your service!
In any civilian career field, certifications can lead to higher pay and more career advancement opportunities. Having them on your resume will distinguish you from other candidates, and once employed, will distinguish you from your peers who are competing for senior positions.
Having said that though, I do agree somewhat with your statements: "Certs don't equal results. Results equal results." Certs may not equal results but they demonstrate your initiative to engage in a professional network of peers in your field through your accrediting body, and to remain current in your field through CEUs. Those two activities (networking and continuous learning) DO yield results.
I hope your future resume includes both certs and results (accomplishments from your career in terms of measurable outcomes and quantifiable performance metrics). Let me know if you would like me to review your current resume.
Thanks again!
Deb

Advisor

Merry Vickers Richardson, TX

Thank you for your service. There are several suggestions that most services and internet sites recommend, and they are right.

Give your resume a format change and lead with a summary that outlines your skills and qualifications. Share generalities from past positions to translate how it will be beneficial in new roles, like skills, duties, projects or management. Use clear civilian language to describe your career objectives, but highlight key wording from job descriptions and any accomplishments you have achieved. Keep the verbiage in present tense and have others read through it for feedback. If you can pursue any IT: volunteer opportunities, contract jobs, certifications or even CEU (Continuing Education Units) courses will show how interested you are and make recruiters take notice. Take advantage of in-house professional development and training programs available, which always shows you are willing to do and learn more.

I hope this helps you on this new journey and I wish you all the best.

Kindest regards,
Merry Vickers

Advisor

Bruce Thompson Jacksonville, FL

Most employers will eliminate candidates that do not have the certification if it is listed as required or preferred. This is a way for hiring managers to reduce the number of applicants to choose from. Smaller businesses will be less worried about the certification, but focused on your accomplishments.

A way to gain your certification, is to use either your Post 9/11 GI Bill or one of the DoD Skillbridge program. Syracuse University's Institute for Military and Veteran Families (IVMF) Onward to Opportunity offers online certification in HR, PMP, IT, and a couple others. You complete a self-paced online program, pass your practice exam 3 times with an 80% or above, and then they will pay for your first certification exam.

My recommendation is for you to gain the certification and make yourself more valuable to civilian employers.

Advisor

Susan Chandler Fort Walton Beach, FL

In most areas of IT, certifications translate to higher pay. They also often mean the difference between getting an interview or getting a job over a more experienced candidate. While you may find companies willing to hire you without certifications, you're not likely to get a chance at the best jobs. I'd also echo what Drew mentioned about the importance of networking. That can get you an interview, even with companies that mention certification requirements.

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

Certifications were largely a 1990s construct that provided marketability to people who had some skills in various areas, as you listed : PMP, CSCP, CISP, etc.

In today's world, which is two decades into the 21st century, the market is demanding and rewarding people who go further, stay longer, and pay more.

Example : http://www.umuc.edu/academic-programs/cyber-security/index.cfm

Does this mean that people who have a PMP are *less* relevant ? In my opinion, to some extent, yes.

Think about how Amazon runs its warehouses. No longer do we need certified logisticians to pick/pack/ship, we now need Artificial Intelligence software developers to write software to drive the robots around that pick/pack/ship. This is alot more deeper than getting a PMP or CISP certification.

Check Robert Half to see who pays most for what role.

https://www.roberthalf.com/salary-guide

A Cyber-security engineer can pull down $200k per year. Same for an AI developer.

Advisor

William Ryan New York, NY

large employers want the cert, small businesses are more open in my experience

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