Why training carries as much weight as certification in the business world
Today, many companies require certain people to have a certification before they hire them. In fact, for some careers, positions mandate certification.
Take the medical field as a prime example. To work as a certified nursing aide, individuals must complete all required courses, pass exams, and earn a certificate to show they gained both the knowledge and understanding required to perform the various tasks of the position. Another example is an ASE-certified technician. That certification provides evidence that people completing the necessary courses know how to adhere to ASE standards when working on vehicles.
However, along with certification, training is just as critical. Especially when a job does not require certification, training is what makes a particular candidate stand out to a potential employer. Someone who finishes training courses shows they not only have knowledge and understanding but also drive.
After all, to complete training courses requires a commitment of time, effort, and finances. A company eager to hire the best talent possible recognizes that, helping with their decision-making process regarding who to hire. An employee taking the initiative to better themselves speaks volumes about an individual’s character and dedication, two things that top companies look for in a candidate.
If you want to enter a specific field or further your existing career, it is essential to remember that training carries just as much weight as earning a certificate. As mentioned, for some jobs, you may need to complete a certification program. If not, you should go through training and add it to your resume. That will go a long way in helping you achieve your long-term goal.
The hiring perspective
To better understand just how critical training is for most jobs today, think about an airplane pilot. An individual could earn hundreds of certificates, showing he or she studied hard and learned a lot. However, that person has never actually flown a plane. On the other hand, if the same person went through extensive training, you would end up with a pilot who has experience, someone you want in the cockpit when traveling by air.
You can apply this same situation to virtually any job. Training does not diminish the importance of the certificates required for a specific position, but without it, there is a significant void. As someone interested in going far in life, it is important that you look at things from the hiring company’s perspective.
For instance, most business managers want to hire qualified candidates. That means if two people apply for the same position, one with the right qualifications and the other without, you can guess which one the company will choose. However, many business managers are willing to hire under-qualified people. Remember, “under-qualified” does not automatically make someone “unqualified.”
Say an individual with 20 plus years of computer programming experience applies for a position with a tech company. However, during the interview, the hiring company realizes the candidate does not have strong skills in the specific type of computer language needed. However, with an abundance of experience in other programming languages, a strong work ethic, and a desire to learn, it makes perfect sense to hire that person and invest in further training.
Although there is a financial responsibility involved with training, it pays off. Whether you have one or more certificates, if you want to bolster the chance of a company hiring you or enhance your career opportunities, training is vital, whether you take control or go through courses set up by the company that hires you.
The following are five reasons why training in the business world often proves more vital than certifications:
- Employee Satisfaction – Employees with proper training feel confident in their work. They tend to be overachievers who work hard to meet, if not exceed, their employer’s expectations. With training, workers also have a more personal investment in the success of the business.
- Higher Production – Employees who go through quality training not only produce at a higher rate but also perform optimally.
- Enhanced Efficiency – With the right training, workers are highly efficient in their jobs, thereby making fewer mistakes.
- Reduced Expenses – Trained employees reduce operating costs associated with repeating a task caused by an error.
- Loyal Customers – Because proper training enhances performance and lowers cost, customer satisfaction increases. The happier customers are, the longer they will continue doing business with a company they trust and respect.
The bottom line
Is training more critical than certifications? Not necessarily for some careers. At the same time, training carries a lot of weight if you want the right job, one you can succeed at and advance in. Overall, training is just as important as certification, even for certifiable positions like nursing aids and ASE technicians, among others.
With available online courses from a reputable source, all affordably priced, there is no excuse not to complete education yourself or take advantage of opportunities provided by the company that hires you. Along with a company hiring you over another candidate, online training gives you the chance to advance quickly. You will gain a wealth of knowledge while proving that you have the drive to be a leader within the organization.
For companies that want excellent talent, training means a lot. To make a quick and lasting impression, complete courses applicable to your career choice, and then update your resume to highlight them. Also, as you seek employment, focus on businesses that make ongoing education part of their programs.
