August 24, 2011
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Despite the American dollar decreasing in value, the conglomerates creating more barriers to entry, and global diversity issues increasing by leaps and bounds, education is still the great equalizer.
I frequently speak to executives in search of the next big talent. Little do most of them know, it’s hidden right under their noses—the clues follow the last names of qualified candidates.
Budding entrepreneurs are looking from the other end of the spectrum. How do they find the next big project, contract or full-time opportunity? Search firms do a decent job, but their efforts often seem to miss the genius in the weeds. So what can entrepreneurs do to break the barrier? What can small business owners do to find quality talent and experience? Look for the credentials.
Certifications are the new black. They provide visibility in the boardroom and are representative of the time investment that driven individuals make. I myself hold multiple certifications in project management, instructional design and Six Sigma quality improvement and organizational assessments, so I understand the impact of credentials. I don’t flaunt them, but I know when to use them to my advantage. Those optional letters after one’s name often separate the successful from the struggling. Nothing substitutes experience and drive, but credentials can be game changers.
What to look for
Certifications provide an easy way into what I call “the elite information exchange”: private clubs, golf courses, strategy meetings and contract proposals—where the real relationships are built. In the information age, this is priceless. A great certification to look for in potential employees is the PMP, Project Management Professional. About.com contributor Lisa Schneider recently wrote that the PMP is the highest paying certification in the technology industry, demanding an average annual salary of $101,695. This may not be the best news for talent seekers, but it shows the value potential candidates bring.
For creative types, Adobe offers a great list of certifications with its products. Their ACE (Adobe Certified Expert) Program allows individuals to showcase their expertise through multiple applications in cost-effective ways. For print, Web and multimedia designers, this process enables better hourly rates and industry recognition.
Lastly, for process gurus, Six Sigma has an outstanding career path for the improvement of quality-based product and service companies. This rigorous certification process offers hands-on experience coupled with practical knowledge of industry and management. The many echelons (belts) of achievement are aligned with some of the most qualified professionals in the quality management industry.
Quick case study
My firm was recently awarded a small project as a result of networking at Project Management Institute’s networking dinner. Only certified individuals were in the running, and only companies with PMPs were considered. After a relationship was fully developed, my company landed a six-month contract with a local university. After a few months of great performance, they not only offered a one-year extension, but an additional eight-month contract to begin in the fall of 2011.
Next step
Small business owners get inundated with the multitude of resumes coming through e-mail and non-stop phone calls. Use certification requirements as a screen, enabling your hiring manager to be more efficient in their selection process.
I’ve had clients come to me seeking individuals with certain credentials—stating they’re willing to teach a qualified candidate the ropes of the job. A great resource for researching credentials in any industry is ACI (America’s Career InfoNet).
Since 2010, I’ve taught a 5-day workshop through the Department of Labor for displaced adults re-entering the workforce. Despite a challenging economy, I stress the importance of certifications to help boost confidence and inclusion. Most credentials require a modest financial investment to obtain, but they add tremendous value. While many organizations will pay for the training and exam fee, this can be instant leverage to attain top talent or build a credible team. One workshop participant asked, “Is it true that it’s easier to find a job when you have a job?” It seems that way, but having experience paired with a certification or two lessens the perceived risk a decision maker feels when giving a qualified individual a chance.
Despite the push, education costs aren’t decreasing. Family demands remain constant. Employers are always looking to do more with less. With the right credential, entrepreneurs and job seekers can capitalize on the benefits and the small window of opportunity that others can’t. Certifications provide a great alternative in helping to secure a great career path, candidate pool, professional network and successful talent search.
OPEN Cardmember Chris Daniel, PMP (The Consultant in Jeans) is the principal of Regroup Partners Int’l Consulting, a consultancy that provides professional development for executives, managers and sales teams, as well as strategic planning and organizational health assessments for companies worldwide.
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