Boost Career Growth with HR Certification

With the increasing competition in the job market and millions going out of work, job seekers need to use all the resources at their disposal to increase their market value. Recruiters are inundated with resumes and cover letters and are seeking candidates who stand out from the crowd. In this scenario, a professional certification attracts the recruiter’s attention and gives a candidate an edge over other applicants.

This advice applies to careers in human resources management too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in human resources is increasing. Major roles for which organizations are hiring in human resource management functions are HR Managers, generalists, talent management practitioners, compensation and benefits managers, and more. The responsibilities of these professionals, however, include more than just looking after the administration of an organization. These professionals are expected to be strategic, tech-savvy, and highly people-oriented.

Advantages of HR certification

A human resources certification proves to recruiters that a candidate has the skills and possesses the competency to carry out essential organization functions. Best HR certifications are offered by colleges, universities, HR certification bodies, and online programs. These certification programs are self-paced learning programs that candidates can take while working full-time. These programs spread over 6 months to 24 months. While some programs offer generalist and comprehensive skill development, others are specialist programs.

According to a PayScale report, earning certificates results in an increase in salary, greater chances of promotion, and better job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the salary of human resource managers is expected to increase as demand for HR managers steadily grows. Thus, earning a certification will complement a job search.

With the increasing realization of the strategic importance of human resources among companies, demand for HR professionals will grow. A bachelor’s degree and relevant experience are mandatory for jobs in human resources, a certification will increase the value significantly in the job market.

Skill development from HR certification

A human resource certification equips candidates with a gamut of skills. These skills need to excel in an HR role. Some HR certifications focus on offering a wholistic understanding, while a few cover niche skills required to excel in a specialist role. For instance, talent management certifications offered by Talent Management Institute (TMI) focus on equipping candidates with talent management skills which include acquisition, delivery, and retention of talent, while HR certifications from Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) focus on equipping candidates with skills to excel at learning and development, employee relations, leadership, and more. Certifications from World at Work focus on instilling skills that help HR professionals to do well in compensation and benefits. Earning these certifications gives candidates an edge over other candidates. HRCI, TMI, and World at Work offer some best HR certifications. 

HR certifications come for all levels of experience – beginner, intermediate, and advance. If you’re a fresh graduate, a beginner level certification will open job opportunities for you. For professionals with 2- 5 years of experience, intermediate and specialist certification will help in salary growth and promotion. Advanced certifications will help candidates to find more challenging roles in their careers.

All in all, if you’re thinking about taking an HR certification, rest assured that it is one of the best decisions you could make. Earning a certification takes effort and time, so it’s not just another frivolous task, but a worthwhile investment. Hiring managers are constantly flipping through resumes to fill open positions. A certification earned with hard work and determination is a great way to catch their attention and stand out from other applicants.