Adela Belin

Certifications on resumes make candidates stand out among the crowd. Besides the standard academic qualifications and certifications, recruiters are intrigued by extra certifications that candidates earn as part of their personal or professional development.

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They show the recruiter that candidates are always willing to learn and grow their skills and qualifications. This increases their chances of winning the job.

As a professional resume writer, here are ten certifications that look good on resumes that you should always look out for and include in a candidate's resume to attract the potential employer's attention.

1. Project management certifications

Listing a project management certification in a resume shows the candidate's ability and expertise in managing organizational projects.

This gives the potential employer confidence that the candidate can be trusted with responsibilities such as planning, managing, and delivering projects on time.

Some of the best project management certifications to include in a resume include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAMP)
• Risk Management Professional (RMP)
• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

2. Communication certifications

Effective communication is among the top skills recruiters look for in candidates when shortlisting and during interviews. Therefore, candidates with communication certifications listed in their resumes often gain the upper hand.

These certifications tell the employer that the candidate is a team player and can relate well with their seniors, peers, juniors, and customers.

Examples of communication certifications that look good on resumes include:

• Strategic Communication Management Professional
• Certified Public Relations Manager (CPRM)
• Certified Business Communications Professional (CBCP)
• Certified Digital Communication Specialist (CDCS)

3. Sales and marketing certifications

Every organization wants employees who can effectively market and sell their brand products or services.

Sales and marketing certifications show the employer that the candidate understands effective sales techniques and other essential skills like customer engagement. They also show that the candidate understands modern marketing techniques like digital marketing.

Examples of certifications to add to sales resumes include:

• Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
• Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)
• Sales and Marketing Professional
• Certified Sales Executive (CSE)
• Certified Digital Marketing Professional

4. Foreign language certifications

Knowing a foreign language is an added advantage for job seekers in any industry. This is especially true with multinational organizations that deal with foreign customers. With a foreign language certification in their resumes, candidates stand a better chance of being employed in such multinational organizations.

Some foreign language certifications that make candidates stand out include:

• Cambridge English Proficiency (CEP)
• Diploma in French Language Studies (DELF)

5. Cybersecurity certifications

With the increasing risk of losing important data to hackers and ransomware, organizations that store huge amounts of data online look out for employees with cybersecurity certifications.

Candidates with such certifications can use their skills to implement strategies that can effectively protect company data from theft and other unprecedented losses. Such incidences often ruin an organization's reputation and cause huge financial losses.

Some of the most marketable cyber security certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

6. Accounting Certifications

In addition to just holding an accounting degree, having an additional accounting certification in your resume is a huge plus.

Since accounting is broad and dynamic, accounting certifications give you additional skills and qualifications to succeed in the competitive profession. Accounting certifications also tell your potential employer that you are not a comfort-zone type of employee and therefore increase your chances of clinching that accounting job.

Some of the best accounting certifications that look good on resumes include:

• Certified public accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB)

7. Software certifications

In the current digital era, potential employers desire tech-savvy candidates more. This is because many organizations implement software to increase efficiency in their operations.

Consequently, candidates who have taken software courses and gained certifications stand out compared to those with basic computer skills.

Examples of software certifications that attract the attention of recruiters when listed in a resume include:

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
• Certified Software Quality Analyst
• Certified Google Data Analyst
• Hubspot Marketing Software Certification

8. Workplace safety certifications

Safety is among the factors that affect employee performance. Since every organization is required to comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) standards, employees should be frequently trained on workplace safety.

Listing a workplace safety certification in your resume shows that you are aware of and can uphold safety standards to ensure a healthy work environment for all.

Some of the most desirable workplace safety certifications include:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST)
• Safety Management Specialist (SMS)
• Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Professional

9. Government-recognized certifications

Other certifications that look good in resumes and promote candidates to potential employers are those recognized by the government. The government plays a significant role in setting standards for professional practice in several fields, including IT, nursing, medicine, and engineering.

Consequently, candidates who pass government standardization exams and attain certifications always stand out and have higher chances of being recruited.

Examples of government-recognized certifications to include in a resume are:

• Certified Public Manager (CPM)
• Economic Development Professional (EDP)
• Public Waste Management Professional
• CISCO-certified Network Associate
• Certified Data Analyst

10. Customer service certifications

Customer service is an essential part of any business. Employees who represent their organizations in customer service are required to have skills such as good communication and effective customer interactions.

Consequently, candidates with customer service certifications in their resumes stand the upper hand since it shows that they can handle customers effectively.

Examples of customer service certifications to highlight in resumes include:

• Client Services Manager Certification
• Help Desk Certification
• Customer Experience Certification
• Call Centre Certification
• Customer service leadership certification

CONCLUSION

Adding an extra certificate to the usual academic qualifications is always a worthy investment for many professions. Not only does it make a candidate stand out to the employer, but also helps them advance faster in their career journeys.

As a resume writer, it's essential to understand the types of certifications that are marketable in every profession. This way, you'll always look out for and include them in your clients' resumes to help accelerate their career development.