Key Takeaways Certificate courses can help you augment your skills with in-demand ones. Certificate courses can complement your existing skill set. Stacking up on certificate courses shows your passion for learning.

The rise of online learning means there is no shortage of classes that offer a certification in a particular skill or software program. Social media marketing, web development, and graphic design are top skills that employers look for among job applicants today. 

But do any of these certificate courses make a real difference in your career search? Yes, especially the ones that are backed by a well-known college or learning institution.

A certificate course will help you more than you think. Whether you’re looking to give your career — and earning power — a boost or you just want to add some new skills to your repertoire, a certification is a nice credential to add to your resume.

Here are seven reasons why getting a certification is advantageous for your job application.

1. Builds Professional Credibility

A certification demonstrates your commitment to adhere to the highest professional and industry standards. It gives employers the impression that you are willing to go the extra mile to build on the skills you have already acquired.

Earning a certification or designation often leads to added prestige and gives the flexibility to cash in on a number of skills and knowledge about various topics.  

For example, a certificate course in Accelerated Web Development & Digital Marketing can help enhance your application for a position that requires you to manage advanced or complex digital marketing campaigns. It shows that you have the requisite knowledge, skills, and practical experience to help enhance the marketing strategies of a company. 

2. Shows Standout Skill-sets

Employers looking to hire want candidates to have the knowledge, experience, and accomplishments in their area of expertise. It is one thing to claim that you have certain qualities, and it is a totally different thing to have proof of those qualifications. Certificate courses on your CV serve as stamps of excellence and give employers a clear picture of what you know and what you can get done.

For example, a candidate may claim to have leadership and business management skills, but a great way to back that up is to include a strong and relevant certification.

3. Showcases Character

Though it is shorter than a regular degree, a certificate program or certificate course is still challenging. It requires you to make time to attend classes, participate in online discussions, and read and complete your assignments. Like any academic program, you get out what you put into your studies and excel in your coursework. 

Completing a good certificate course can raise your chances of getting hired because it shows employers that you have the discipline, drive, and willingness to learn and improve. 

4. Increases Market Value

Earning professional certifications can result in a significant pay bump. Professionals with certifications have more advanced skill-sets, and this puts them in a better position to negotiate for higher salaries.

Studies have shown that employers may increase salaries up to 10% for professionals who possess certain in-demand skills and abilities. This is especially true in industries like digital marketing, cybersecurity, and cloud-computing where there is a huge gap between demand and supply. So if you have a strong technical background, coupled with the relevant certifications to back you up, you’re in a strong position in the technology job market. 

5. Improves Self-Esteem

Certifications on your resume pave the way for a better interview because employers are interested in how you can add value to their work. The right certifications will get you noticed and will have employers curious about what made you decide to take the certificate program and the knowledge that you gained from the course.

Employers will likely be encouraged to invest in someone whom they can have greater confidence in doing business with. With certifications such as Certified Tra, you’ll give employers the impression that you have the ability to meet industry benchmarks and can produce output of a higher and more consistent quality. 

6. Gives a Competitive Edge

To an employer, a candidate’s certifications and skills show that he or she can meet challenges head on. Many studies by a variety of organizations have shown that compared to the average employee, those with professional certifications are more productive. This is because certifications prepare workers to get the most out of new technologies to accomplish their daily tasks.

For example, a person who is certified in Accelerated WordPress Open Source Development is more efficient in using the program’s advanced features. This will be a plus for employers who are looking to boost the productivity of team projects that rely on the software application. 

7. Keeps You Current

Certifications also show a person’s commitment to keeping his or her skills up to date. If you want to be an expert in your field, you need to take steps to ensure that you know the latest on the technologies and regulations that affect your industry. 

Certifications are a perfect way to show employers that you have a growth mindset. For employers, It is worth investing in and keeping someone who looks to expand his or her knowledge base. That kind of professional is someone who will remain an asset for the company far into the future.

There is always room for improvement when it comes to your career. If you’re looking for a way to boost your resume and raise your value as a job candidate, a certification can help you expand your possibilities and ensure that you’re up to date with everything you need to know.

 

Convinced that a certificate course can help you? Q College is a well-known learning institution that offers a variety of certifications that will improve your resume’s worth. Learn more about the valuable certificate courses that will make you stand out from the crowd.

References:

COMTIA Report. HR Perceptions of IT Training and Certification. Retrieved from: https://connect.comptia.org/content/research/hr-perceptions-of-it-training-and-certification

Bascuas, K. (2016). Study Certifications Lead to Higher Salaries and Greater Job Fulfillment. Retrieved from: https://associationsnow.com/2016/04/study-certifications-lead-to-higher-salaries-and-greater-job-fulfillment/