A computer software expert is a software expert.  Not exactly.  There is, for example, a Certified Associate in Software Testing offered by the Quality Assurance Institute or a Foundation Level Certified Tester accredited under the Auspices of the International Software Testing Qualifications Board.  There are all kinds of certified software experts.

Responding to a column on mine in the Washington Examiner, Alexis Chng-Castor, marketing coordinator of the HR Certification Institute, pointed out the increasing importance of certification in the human resources field.  Certification is a “resume sorter” that gives a candidate an extra edge in tough economic times.

There are countless certification paths and options:

• Learn what certifications are typically required for job openings you are hoping to fill, and why the certification is deemed important to your job skills. (Also, learn if a certain certifying organization is preferred over others in the field.)
• Talk with people who have gone through the certifying program and exams to learn what the biggest challenges and difficulties might be.
• Be sure your present certification is not pout-of-date.  High-technology fields change rapidly.  What kind of continuing certification should you be undergoing to keep your credentials current?

While great managers view people as people, emotionless companies who reengineer individuals into and out of jobs tend to view folks as products.  If you want to stay on the shelf, it doesn’t hurt to flash a shining seal of approval.

For more job search secrets no one else will tell you read my book “Use Your Head To Get Your Foot In The Door”.