Are Technical Certifications Important to your Job Search

Just how important is a technical certification to your job search?  Many ask this very question daily.  The truth is, while many employers like to see certifications on a resume, most prefer to see real world experience.  This is not to diminish the importance of certifications – many potential employers and recruiters look at certifications as a demonstration of your commitment to the industry, show that you have expertise in a particular area, and that you take professional development seriously. 

You must determine the value that a certification will bring to you and your skill set.  Acquiring a certification will take time and will cost you money, therefore, it is important that you make an informed decision before acquiring technical certifications.  Ask yourself these questions: 

• What skills are in demand right now?  It is important to understand what employers are looking for today.  Because the demand is constantly evolving, you must determine if the skills needed will remain popular or if it is a passing phase.  It is important to keep pace with technical changes and stay up with the increasing popular certifications.  Identify the direct relationship between the need in the market and what value the certification will provide. 
• Determine the strength of your experience.  Often times, if you have worked so closely in a certain technology field, doing coursework and obtaining a certification will not teach you anything new.  You must determine if the certification would be worth the time and money, over the experience you already possess. 
• Is a certification required?  Sometimes, a certification is required to work in a particular field.  For example, if you want to work in IT security, you might be required to have a CISSP certification.  You must determine if the field you want to work in requires any certifications. 
• Determine what kind of payoff you will receive from the certification.  You should know what you expect to gain from the certification – higher salary, advancement, or career change – identify the benefits you will receive from the certification. 

Having a technical certification can help boost your resume and prove your skills.  However, before you commit to the time and cost associated with a certification, make sure you understand what employers want and how they view it.  You will want it to help you succeed in your career path, not hinder it.