To list certificates on your resume, you need to follow certain resume conventions so it can easily … [+]
A certification may appear to be no more than a plain sheet of paper, a mere formality; but achieving one and including it within your resume can offer priceless benefits for your career.
Certificates, especially the in-demand ones such as the PMP certification, or Google Career certificates, prove to employers that you are serious about your career, and that you are not the type of candidate to half-step and execute the bare minimum in your role.
And this is a green flag for them, because you show signs of budding potential when you take time to invest in yourself and your ongoing professional development. Additionally, being proactive with obtaining certificates—especially if they were gained outside of a job—demonstrate strong leadership potential in the eyes of employers. This is because it shows your ability to push past challenges, multitask, take ownership for your own actions and performance, and of course, it showcases your commitment to excellence.
What Certificates Should I List On My Resume?
When it comes to deciding what certificates to include on your resume it all comes down to analysing your career goals and ensuring that whatever you decide to study—and list—is relevant. And if you do happen to have the odd certification or two that does not align with the job you’re after (for example, you have a personal training diploma but are applying for a job in accounting) simply omit it, as it distracts from the main focus of your resume and can raise more questions than answers.
As best practice, consider the role you’re applying for and conduct some research to understand what certificate(s) are needed for that level, and if any are needed in the future as you progress up the ladder.
Some of the most popular courses which lead to certificates include the PMP certification, Google Career certificates AWS certification, and the Six Sigma certifications for each belt. And of course, don’t forget that obtaining a certification in AI is a bonus for many employers, who are eagerly welcoming candidates with artificial intelligence skills, particularly with Generative AI.
But how exactly do you list certifications on your resume?
Let’s explore a few of the best practises you could consider when including professional certifications in your resume.
How Do I List Certifications On My Resume?
When including any certificate in your resume, try to remember to adhere to these guidelines:
1. Create A Dedicated Section
Include a section titled “Certifications” or “Professional Qualifications” in your resume, right before listing out any degrees you may have in your education section. Titling your section clearly makes it easier for recruiters to scan through to the important details, separates it from the rest of your resume, and highlights it to applicant tracking systems.
2. Include The Right Details
Ensure you don’t leave out crucial information such as the full name of the certification (you may also include the abbreviation in parentheses), the issuing institution you obtained it from, and the year it was awarded. You may also add any special extras such as endorsements or special awards/honors from your studies.
The certifications should be arranged in reverse chronological order, just as you would do for the employment section.
3. Provide Some Context
Sometimes it helps to include a brief line or two explaining key concepts you learnt while obtaining your certification and how they related to or impacted your role and performance, emphasizing tangible metrics. Highlight any technical skills or knowledge you gained, that have been cited as necessary or desirable in the job’s requirements.
Example:
Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) | ISC2 | May 2023
Should I Include Certificates In Progress On My Resume?
Yes, you absolutely should include certifications in progress on your resume. You don’t need to wait until you’ve completed your studies and are awarded the certificate before you can mention it to employers. This is how it would look if you are still studying:
Example:
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | AWS | Expected July 2024
Provide context to further highlight your certification’s impact and the core technical skills you … [+]
Following these guidelines shows prospective and current employers your commitment to personal growth and development, and tells them that you’re willing to do what it takes to be exceptional in your field. Your certifications will be more easily noticed and your job applications—or requests for a promotion—will be viewed more favorably.