How do you know when someone is a true expert? It’s a great question. No matter whether you’re hiring for a role, looking for a service provider, or seeking to advance your career, we’re always looking for the best way to determine someone’s qualifications. One way is through professional certifications. There are many of these certifications in almost any field you can think of, but do you really need one? It’s a tough question with no easy answer. But we have a few things for you to consider when asking, certification or no certification?
Will This Get Me Where I Want to Go?
Professional certifications look very impressive when put on a resume’, but we often don’t think about if those certifications are going to get us where we want to go. For example, if you are looking to have a career in cybersecurity, would a certification in a specific customer relationship management (CRM) software really be helpful? Probably not. Before you pursue a certification, take a look at what it is specifically, and make sure it will help you get to the place you want to be.
Does it Have to Be Maintained?
Many professional certifications have continuing education requirements and other items associated with maintaining them. Think about them like licensures. Getting them the first time will award you that certification for a certain amount of time, but if you don’t want to lose it, you will have to do more. Is that what you’re looking for? If not, then maybe a one time class, to increase your knowledge, is more your speed. Again, just take a moment to look into this and decide for yourself.
Is It Worth It?
Professional certifications are almost never free. They cost money, and often have additional years of work in the field, to acquire. Is it worth it? That’s a great question and it has a pretty easy rule of thumb to help deal with it. Say for example you want a certification that will cost you $250 to acquire, but it will get you an extra $1,000 a year. Then it is probably worth it. Also, look into if you can have those costs reimbursed through your employer. Take the time, do the research, and make the best choice for yourself.
How Charles Foster Can Help YOU
If you are an employer looking to fill positions in your company, an employee looking to switch jobs, or someone looking for a brand-new role, please feel free to reach out to us. Our highly skilled team has placed thousands of qualified candidates with excellent jobs over the last 50 years. From finding the right one to being the right one – Charles Foster is here to help.