IT Certifications: What They Mean to Hiring Managers

Information Technology (IT) certifications provide prospective employees the edge when they hit the job market. After all, a single job posting can result in hundreds of potential employees vying for one position. Having a widely-recognized qualification can attract that fateful second look. So, what’s out there? Many people are familiar with Microsoft certifications but there are many others. They offer qualifications in skill-sets, but they also the more intangible employee qualifications.

Dedication

Obtaining an IT certificate is hard work. Employers recognize this fact. So, the pursuit of IT certification marks the pursuer as a dedicated individual. Going through the training and taking these tests requires hours worth of study time. Adults must complete assignments, often while working full-time at their day jobs. Typically, they are paying for certifications out-of-pocket, proving that they are willing to invest. This time and money is sacrificed by those with a keen interest in the material.

Those who obtain IT certificates are going the extra mile in their pursuit of knowledge and a rewarding career. This dedication to their area of expertise means employers work less to make sure employees are engaged, focused and up-to-date.

Expertise

In a company that receives stacks of resumes and has to weed through prospective employees, IT certifications make certain resumes stand out as the resume of an expert. They are evidence of learning. More, they are evidence of what exactly the employee learned. Certificate vendors certify a specific set of skills that are clearly detailed in their certification outline. There is little of the broadness that is included in a college degree program. Adding a certificate onto a degree gives hiring managers a vendor to reference for detailed skill information.

Certifications do not just certify people as being knowledgeable about their field, either. They require the test-taker to examine situations and come up with real-life solutions. They offer beginner certifications and advanced certifications for employees wishing to branch out into more advanced fields.

Relevancy

With the constant advances in technology, no technology professional should be behind the curve on new methods. IT certifications assure this by consistently updating certifications and exams with the newest material. Each person is required to pass a recertification exam in order to remain certified.

This is great for those new to the field, for those who want to keep skills marketable, and for IT professionals who are already employed. Experienced professionals who keep up-to-date certifications are learning about the current changes. There’s even a chance the employer will split the cost to recertify. If the certification is self-motivated and self-funded, it is a good addition when looking for a promotion.

A study conducted in 2012 stated that ninety-one percent of hiring managers pay attention to certifications. So, what does a hiring manager see when they notice an IT certificate on your resume? They see a dedicated expert who keeps apprised of advances in their field. Most importantly, they see someone they want to hire.