If you’re not careful, it’s easy to make the mistake of crafting a resume filled with buzzwords and vague information. While your resume doesn’t need to be glittery, it does need to be full of substance that proves you can perform the tasks your role requires.
The good news is that it doesn’t take too much time and effort to level up your resume when you start acquiring practical skills. In a job market where credibility is everything, the right certifications can communicate your capabilities and capture more attention.
Start with skills that directly translate to your target role
The fastest way to strengthen your resume is by pursuing training that proves you can handle the exact tasks a potential employer needs you to perform. For example, acquiring an order picker position in a warehouse might come with hands-on training, but if you get forklift certified to OSHA standards first, you’ll have an advantage.
Employers value applicants who can step up right away on day one, even when they provide training on the job. When you can come in with at least some knowledge and skill, you’ll be ahead of those who are starting from scratch.
To figure out what skills you’ll need, scrutinize the job posting you’re responding to for clues about what your tasks will be like. Don’t just look at the listed qualifications. Often, HR personnel create job ads with qualification requirements that don’t always make sense because they don’t understand the role fully. It might be easy for you to get hired, but once you get the job, you’ll need to prove yourself. And that’s why you’ll gain an advantage by upleveling according to specific tasks.
Look for programs that will shorten your onboarding time
Hiring managers love candidates who reduce training costs. If there are certifications in your industry that will allow you to step into your desired role faster than most, that’s what you need. These types of certifications will make you a more attractive candidate and increase an employer’s confidence in your ability to perform without supervision.
Upgrade skills for leadership
Consider expanding your leadership skills so employers will see you as adaptable and worth investing in. First, build on the skills you already have to build a high-level skillset.
Once you’ve leveled up your basic skills, move into leadership skills. Certifications in communication, project management, conflict management, and safety are excellent choices. These small credentials will highlight your commitment to excellence even in a non-supervisory role.
Acquire skills that will help you work independently
Employers love workers who can handle essential tasks without constant oversight. Certification in industry standard applications – like CRM systems – can go a long way.
Focus on certifications that solve big problems
Every industry has certain pressure points where problem solving is more essential than ever. Typically these points revolve around safety, productivity, quality control, and inventory management. When you acquire certifications that train you to address these areas specifically, you’ll be seen as a problem solver.
Choose recognized programs that employers already trust
No matter how amazing a certification is, if your potential employers don’t know what it is, it may not make a big impact. Go for certifications employers already take seriously. These will carry more weight. Usually, these are certification programs offered by industry giants and regulators. For example, OSHA, ServSafe, CompTIA, and Google Career Certificates instantly signal a higher level of competence.
Display your certifications for maximum impact
Even the strongest certifications will be invisible if they’re buried at the bottom of your resume. Indeed suggests placing your qualifications strategically and labeling them accurately for the best results. This is especially important when resumes are being manually screened quickly or scanned by AI.
List your most relevant certifications at the top where they’ll be seen. This will set the tone for the rest of your resume. Be sure to use the exact certification names as listed in the job posting so automated keyword filters pick them up.
Build a resume that highlights competence
With certified skills, you’ll bring more value to an employer from day one, and that will provide leverage when negotiating your salary. When you pursue leadership training, you’ll have an easier time stepping into a supervisory role if that’s what you want to pursue. Regardless of your industry, employers tend to favor candidates who invest in themselves, and certificates demonstrate your commitment.
Picking up additional skills is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to upgrade your resume. Certifications represent verifiable skills. And when your certifications are tied to tasks employers need, you become easier to hire.
