Crafting an "Ultimate" CV

Professional Certifications - Where should I write my certifications?

If you are a certified professional and hold accreditation from recognized institutes (i.e. Certified HR Professional, PMP, Programming etc.) mention such qualifications. Remember that professional certification shows your commitments towards continuous professional development and put your CV in the spotlight. 

It’s worthy to add an extra section on your CV to state professional certifications and licenses, as it is really beneficial in making your candidacy stand out in the screening process. Whether you have a long academic career with several degrees or masters, or vocational or technical courses which have resulted in professional certificates, or you have completed specific projects with your employer, which have given you certain recognizable title e.g. Certified Welder, Certified Draftsman etc. There are many ways to include certifications on a CV to attract the hiring manager’s attention.

Certifications and additional qualifications exhibit an enthusiasm for the business or position of an applicant as give proof of explicit mastery and abilities. Professional licenses are indispensable to incorporate on a CV to give proof of your appropriateness to the position, mainly if these are prerequisites referenced part of the expected set of responsibilities.  

Crafting a winning CV can be a test for some job seekers and finding the most ideal approach to incorporate certifications is necessary for specific occupations, regardless of whether the candidate is looking for an entry-level position or is applying for a comparable post to the one already held. 

Research says, recruiter spends no more than 6-8 seconds on a preliminary scan of your CV, so ensure to include your best certifications where they can be seen.

Showing certifications on the CV is key to standing out in the marathon for a job vacancy, which is why it’s so significant to understand how to write certifications, memberships and licenses.

Firstly, applicants should assess their different certificates and decide whether or not each certificate is relevant and vital, or worth to add.

Some job seekers will have many certifications to be mentioned on a CV while others lack additional qualifications. That is why it’s crucial to decide which are the appropriate and best additional certifications to avoid unnecessary details.

You should distinguish between what should be included in a certificates section and what should be considered as honours and awards. Keep in mind that particular projects, assignments or accomplishments may have awarded you a certificate, but they are not professionally recognized certifications or licenses issued by legal bodies. Consider the job description for the position you are applying as standard and align this section on the basis of job requirements.

Whereas, many applicants simply add appropriate certifications in other CV sections such as education or professional training.

How to mention the certifications on a CV can also depend on the value of each qualification and requirements of the position. Better to include this section after the academic information. 

Finally, if the certifications that you choose to include a list on a resume are also considered credentials or are requirements for the vacancy on offer, it is highly recommended to indicate the licenses or certifications in various sections.