Why More Employers Are Looking for Candidates With Certifications and Specialized Skills (2024)

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Prove Ability and Investment Helps Simplify Recruitment

There are many challenges for those trying to secure a job. Employers are not only looking for candidates with apt emotional intelligence and soft skills but also technical skills and experience. Candidates with certifications and specialized training may stand out amongst the competition. Here’s why.

Prove Ability and Investment

Employers want to know that a potential candidate will be a good fit for the role from the start. Certifications from credible institutions—especially those related to the skills required for a position—combined with experience help prove that a candidate is qualified for the job.

Helps Simplify Recruitment

The recruiting process may move quicker for employees with specialized skills and certifications. As previously mentioned, certifications are tangible proof of a candidate’s specialized skills. Employers can quickly access this information from a resume before even conducting an interview.

Candidates with multiple certifications listed on their online portfolio or LinkedIn profile may attract the attention of online recruiters. They can quickly scan a candidate’s profile and see what skills they have to offer. Even if a candidate wasn’t actively pursuing a job, their online resume may attract a recruiter’s attention and lead to a position or company they never even considered.

Certifications and continuing education are vital to many professions. Not only are you expanding your skills, but you’re also proving your dedication to current and potential employers. At CONCEPT Continuing and Professional Studies at Palo Alto University, we make continuing education easily accessible for mental health professionals. Explore ourself-paced training programsand on-demand webinars to see our expansive training topics.