Certifications provide you with a window through which to look at a candidate’s qualifications. It can help you assess whether they have the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a position, as well as their personal dedication to the field. However, seeing a list of certifications on an applicant’s resume can’t be the only way you determine if they have the right qualifications for the job.
If you aren’t verifying the certification information presented is accurate, you may end up with a less-than- ideal employee. Here are some reasons why you should always take time to check into a candidate’s certification claims.
Competition for Top Talent is Fierce
With the unemployment rate amongst IT professionals below three percent, competition for the best candidates is high. To secure an ideal employee, some businesses may rush through the hiring process to make sure they get an offer in first. While speed in hiring is important, it is more critical to avoid the pains associated with hiring someone who was not truly qualified.
Research suggests nearly half of all IT professionals inaccurately represent information regarding their certificates. If an applicant’s certifications were misrepresented, exaggerated, or simply falsified, you might end up with an employee who can’t do the work they were hired to do. This means that once this fact has been identified, you are back to the drawing board to locate a new candidate.
Instead of taking the risk, properly vetting a candidate’s claim can help you make sure the candidate is capable of performing the work required.
Time Is the Enemy of Certifications
It isn’t uncommon to leave off the dates in which certain achievements were made. Some candidates may not disclose the date they achieved a particular college degree or forego listing employment information from earlier in their career, avoiding the disclosure of their approximate age. However, keeping one’s age a mystery isn’t the only reason to avoid adding dates.
Many certifications are time sensitive. For example, most Cisco certifications are only valid for a given time, such as the CCNA certifications that last for three years. If an applicant does not include the date on which the certification was received, it is possible the claim is no longer valid. With the rate that technology changes, a certification that expired years ago may mean the candidate doesn’t have knowledge on the most current systems.
If having a valid certification is a necessity for the position, taking time to verify any claims made by top applicants is time well spent.
With over 20 years of experience in the IT field, the professionals at ITStaff have knowledge necessary to ensure your candidates are qualified for the position. Contact ITStaff and see how they can help your business succeed today.
