Do employers value certifications differently from project experience?
Which is valued more depends on the role, field, employer, and stage of recruitment. A certification can provide evidence of foundational knowledge and a defined learning achievement, and it may be considered for roles that require qualifications. Project experience can provide material for explaining how knowledge was used, the responsibilities undertaken, and collaboration or responses to challenges. It is important to show relevance to the role and describe responsibilities and results clearly.
Key points
- Certifications can provide evidence of foundational knowledge and learning achievement.
- Project experience can provide evidence of how knowledge was applied, responsibilities, collaboration, and responses to challenges.
- Relevance to the position and a specific explanation of responsibilities and results are important.
Things to check
- Evaluation standards vary by employer, role, and recruitment stage, so applicants should check the job description and the employer’s official information.