Since jobs are nowadays posted online, recruiters get a handful of applications each day, making it difficult for candidates to stand out. One way to avoid being overlooked by hiring managers is to acquire relevant certificates. Not only will preparing for these exams help you gain valuable knowledge but having the right certificate can be the very thing that separates you from the rest of the candidates. Here is a list of the top five online certifications that impress recruiters that are bound to get you more callbacks.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software certifications
If you see yourself having a career where you deal with clients on a day-to-day basis on a particular online platform, then you should consider getting certification in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. First, you need to choose a CRM platform that you wish to get your certification for. It’s highly advisable to pay attention to job ads to see what kind of software is frequently required. Some of the most popular and useful options include Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, and NetSuite. After acquiring a certificate for one of the sought-after CRM tools, you can apply for jobs where such software is used. This will give you an edge over other candidates who don’t possess any experience working with any CRM tools and require training.
Human Resources (HR) certifications
Human resources (HR) positions are in demand, making gaining HR certifications a lucrative decision. If this is a career path you see yourself taking, then one of an abundance of HR certifications can make your CV attractive to recruiters. For example, you may opt for one of the certificates offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), such as Professional in Human Resources (PHR). The PHR certificate is suitable for different levels of experience. Keep in mind that there are prerequisites for you to be able to enter the exam. These include at least one year of hands-on experience in the HR field combined with a Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of experience. You may be eligible for entering this exam with a high school diploma as well but in that case, you need a four-year-long experience.
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certifications
In case you plan on having a prosperous IT career, acquiring ITIL certifications may be the perfect choice for you. ITIL offers various courses in the field of IT service management. They are partnered with Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Cisco, among other major companies, allowing you to prepare for and take the exam to get one of their certifications. These certificates are highly valued by hiring managers and as such can help you land your dream job. Keep in mind that these courses are intended for IT professionals, so you’ll need some background knowledge in IT to be able to follow them. For example, the four-day-long ITIL course for a Microsoft Azure Administrator teaches you the core skills required when working in Microsoft Azure. In order to enter the course, ITIL requires that you have an understanding of virtual machines, network configuration, active directory, and so on. Although there are prerequisites for taking the exam, Microsoft advises that you have at least six months of experience with Azure.
Sales certifications
If you’ve chosen to have a career in the sales department, then you have some work cut out for you in terms of landing desired jobs. Given that this is another popular field, getting one of the highly regarded sales certifications can help you stay on top of the recruiters’ list of eligible candidates. Not only will this enable you to demonstrate your skills in your CV but taking courses to prepare for the exam will teach you modern sales techniques. Thus, it can serve as a stepping stone in your professional development.
Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications
Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a range of certifications in the field of project management. Acquiring a certificate in project management is highly practical as it can be beneficial for many different career paths. This means that you’ll still be able to put this certificate and gained knowledge to good use even if you decide to switch your career. Not to mention, this certification will catch the eye of many recruiters. That’s because most hiring managers are scouting for candidates who can handle multiple projects and possess effective time-management skills.
As you’ve seen, there is a wide range of options when it comes to online certifications that look impressive on your resume. It’s up to you to consider which exams are worth taking. It’s a good idea to opt for a certain certificate not only for its popularity but because it also allows you to showcase your true skills and get a job that you actually enjoy doing.