6 Ways HR Certifications Will Impact Your Career

Jakes applied for the HR position but he was frustrated because his application was unsuccessful. He met 80% of the requirements and since he was competing against many other applicants, he was confident that he would be invited for an interview. 

In the job description, the HR certification was a key requirement and this was one of the unique requirements that the employer was looking for. He missed the opportunity because he had not invested in HR training. In a competitive job market, HR specialists need to demonstrate their expertise and stand out from the crowd.

One of the ways is by obtaining relevant certifications that validate industry knowledge and skills.

How then do you prove your competence? Getting an HR Certification is a significant way to boost your skills and take your career to the next level.

Here are 6 key ways HR accreditation can positively impact your career.

1. Increases opportunities for promotions and salary increases

Signing up for an HR course demonstrates to your employer that you are serious about advancing in your career. As you gain expertise from your HR training, you become a valuable asset to the organization.

Recent data has shown that certified HR professionals often earn 5-10% higher salaries than non-certified professionals. A wide margin, right? Certification will make you stand out from other candidates when promotion opportunities arise. It also strengthens your negotiating power when it’s time for a salary review or raises.

2. Open doors to new career opportunities

Getting certified qualifies you for more senior HR roles that were previously out of reach. Many companies give preference to candidates holding certifications for managerial and executive positions.

It shows prospective employers that you have a higher level of knowledge about core HR functions like compensation, recruiting, performance management, and more.

If Jakes had invested in developing their HR skills and acquiring the certification, he would have stood out in the competition. Recruiters are usually on the lookout to hire certified HR professionals. This means that certifications will actually help you expand your network and visibility for new job prospects.

3. Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning

The field of HR is constantly evolving with changing compliance regulations, new technologies, and best practices. Earning certifications proves to employers that you are committed to staying updated on the latest industry developments through continuous education.

It speaks volumes about your dedication to self-improvement and adaptability. Studies show certified individuals are viewed as more qualified by hiring managers. This commitment to learning makes you a stronger candidate worth investing in for long-term career growth within an organization.

4. Credibility and respect as a true HR professional

HR Certification is recognized globally as a prestigious specification that signifies expertise in the field. It establishes you as a leading authority and subject matter expert in HR.

Certified HR experts command more credibility and respect from key stakeholders like employees, managers, board members, and clients. It instills confidence that important HR strategies and decisions made by certified practitioners are grounded in proven best practices.

5. Competitive advantage over non-certified candidates

In today’s highly competitive job market, certification gives you an edge over others applying for similar roles and positions. Recruiters often shortlist certified candidates first as they meet minimum criteria.

Non-certified applicants now have to try much harder to prove they have equivalent knowledge and experience. Simply having a certification on your resume increases your chances of getting noticed, interviewed and ultimately hired over non-certified competitors.

5. Career longevity and flexible options

Certifications last a lifetime and empower you with flexible career options. You can use your credentials to transition industries or even make a career shift in mid-life.

For example, certified HR professionals can move into more specialized areas. Certification keeps your skills relevant for long-term career mobility. It opens doors to consultancy, entrepreneurship, or teaching roles later in your career. Should you ever decide to retire from corporate jobs, certifications allow you to pursue flexible career paths.

In conclusion, HR certifications add tremendous value at different stages of your career journey. For HR professionals passionate about their work, gaining recognized credentials should be a top priority for career growth, success, and leadership opportunities in the field. Do you want to take your human resource career to another level? Invest in our Master HR training today to develop the necessary skills that will pave the way for your success.