Certifications that will set you apart from other candidates

Sometimes applying for a job isn’t just about experience or your degree alone. Having the right knowledge and education can go a very long way during the hiring process, and that doesn’t necessarily come from just having a four-year degree alone. Getting different certifications can be beneficial when trying to get a job and advance your career. Finding the right certificate depends on your interest or skills and the career field you’re entering. There are certain certifications that can help you stand out among a pool of candidates, especially if they’re relevant to the job you’re going after.

Whether it’s a certification relating to project management, certain software, leadership and management skills, or something tech-related, certifications can go a long way in giving you a leg up with hiring managers and potential employers.

On a broader scale, a leadership and management certificate can be a great thing to have regardless of what kind of role you’re interviewing or applying for. Within a leadership and management certification course, you can expect to gain decision-making skills and skills pertaining to team building and collaboration. Getting a certification in leadership and management shows that you have the skills to progress in your role and grow in the company, and potentially evolve into a leadership role in the future.

Another certification that can go a long way in a variety of roles is a language certification. Being fluent, or even close to fluent, in a foreign language ensures that you’re able to interface with customers who might not speak English, and even in certain situations be able to travel internationally and interact effectively. Considering that studies have shown how little Americans know in regard to foreign languages, having a language certification would be a significant leg up for employers.

A project manager certification (Project Management Professional, or PMP) is another certificate that can set you apart from other candidates. A PMP certification ensures that you have the skills to handle a professional project in all aspects—from a person-to-person perspective, a business perspective, and a technological perspective.

Similarly, a human resources certificate is great for those trying to launch their career in human resources. There are other certifications for software, like Salesforce, that can give you a leg up depending on the job you’re going for. The best way to find the right certification for you is to figure out what it is you’re trying to do and then do your research from there. Research is crucial in pursuing a certification, since you’ll want to make sure you’re making the right investment.

That said, there are plenty of great certifications out there that are useful no matter what kind of career path you’re trying to forge. Look around and find one that’s right for you, and you’ll stand out among other applicants when you’re ready to start applying for jobs. Certifications are a great way to show that you have the knowledge, and not just the experience or education, to do the job.

— Article by Sean Kelly. In addition to being an analyst researching the latest industry trends for College Recruiter, Sean Kelly also co-founded a nonprofit local news publication in Savannah, GA called The Savannahian.