Discussion on:

Certifications most likely to land you a new job

Are there no jobs for application developers in America any more?

That's what this article appears to be saying.

for example - MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) - is old cert

Quite old, but it is possible that it is still asked for as organisations/pimps might not know the name of the new version.
I'm sometimes asked if I have a Windows 2008 MCSE, and it's easier to just go with it since I know what they mean, rather than trying to explain to someone who doesn't understand what they are talking about, that the cert is called something else now.
Most pimps just seem to have a sheet with keywords they can cross off...

MCSE seems to be still relevant. MCITP has not caught on as much as the catch phrase MCSE. Microsoft changed it to distinquish betweeen the newly certified individuals.

What about VCP??

Please A+, MCP , MCSE more in Demand than RHCE ... or other Linux certs,
I don't think so. A+, MCP MCSE are a dime a dozen. so too CCNA

What i belief, the Most Power full Certifications are... MCP, MCSE, MCITP, CCNA, CCNP, and many are after that....

You should capitalize the proper pronoun, "I". It's more appropriate to use a colon ":" than it is to preface a list with "...", although the "..." does work to exclude non-essential words when reproducing a quote.

Hey, if this so true, then i have completed my a+ certification from NIIT in INDIA and currently pursuing GNIIT course (software engg). I am planning to go for N+ and linux certifications... Can anyone here help me to find out what else should i accomplish in my educational field so that i can land a job in abroad areas...

I'm A+ and N+. Do you know how many jobs I've had based on those certs? NONE. I am unemployed now, looking for job in maintenance (I have a associate degree) because I never could get a job in IT. I wasted my money studying in a Miami Institute called Fast Train.

I dont seems to agree with this list......having an A+/Network+ or ITIL is not likely to land you a job just like having an ISEB-ISTQB for Software testing or PMP/Prince2 for Project Management. Most jobs mention those as added advantage and not a must..but having a more technical inclined certification like Microsoft MCPD or MCITP/MCTS on any of their Technical tracks(.NET Web Developer/Desktop Developer,SQL etc) is more likely to land u a job quicker than any of those listed above aside CCNA
..i guess more emphasis is now on expereince and what you can do rather than what you possess.



Rutherford - www.rutherford-ejimonu.com

I think we continue to do the same old dance. Yeah, HR is using their identify processors to pick out all the right words and people are jumping through the hoops to make sure they have all those acronyms in their resumes but it all boils down to who you know. I've seen way too many people get the job without all the qualifications, some worked out/some didn't. Developing contacts gets more doors opened than certifications; that said, you will need to prove you can perform the job functions once the door is opened.

What they ask for and what the hire has are two different things.

When they advertised the ICT Operations Manager post in my org, they asked for most of the above. We all thought the ICT tech lead who ran the ICT for a year when there was no manager would get it. The guy they hired? The only qualification he possess is a degree in History. (I know some of our IT is old, but surely... ) He is studying ITIL and Prince2 with me.

So, yeah, the same old song...

Above list is no bad but I think there is missing something in now a days all most company and organization using Open Source much then before. So they should required some Linux or Unix certified professionals too.

In my earlier career, aptitude was king. In my career to date experience was king. The market has changed though, I believe, and I also feel that I'm looking for jobs where those doing the recruiting are not, necessarily, IT Professionals. I can see why the qualification thing is key at a senior level as a result. If my CV is falling before CEO's, Head of Accounts and Human Resource Managers who don't know much about IT, it's pretty inevitable that they need some sort of guide to pick out the wheat from the chaff.

I'm still a great believer of experience over paperwork, and I hire accordingly. With the large number of people currently looking for jobs though, and the pressure of time on those looking to fill roles, I can see that looking for the headline qualifications is the easy get-out for thinning the pile of CV's.

I don't think it's the best way to get the person for a job but I can see the advantages of having acronyms plastered over the CV's in today's market even as I, as an employer, would prefer to have someone who's done the job rather then someone who's simply passed a test.

When I went through the hiring process I could care less if they had a BA degree or some certification. I also tested them in the interview and you wouldn't believe how nervous people get when you tell them you have a few technical questions for them. I mean you're an MCSE right? That means you know your stuff right? lulz

The two government jobs I applied for had written tests as part of the interview. There was nothing too in-depth, just questions about your general knowledge of user support and the desktop. A couple of the questions I remember:

What program would you use to determine the network configuration of a user PC?
What information must you provide during the initial set-up of a Novell Client? (Hey, it WAS a while back!)

The test wasn't the sole consideration, but it was a major one. And in both cases, I got a phone call afterward advising me I was not selected (and why), and thanking me for applying. In the 12 years since I left the USAF, I have yet to receive that courtesy from any corporation I've applied to.

I can't remember the last time I had any feedback from anyone where I was not the successful candidate, and very few companies - or agencies for that matter - even bother to acknowledge receipt of an application.

I started in IT before there were any certifications. Our credentials were the toolbag, o'scope, and the pile of tech manuals and spare parts piled in the back seat. Once the certs started coming out, they became highly desireable and those who had them got the better jobs, and the most money. I always ended up working for people who had great credentials, but no experience. There's much to be said for training and certifications, but that's just a part of what it takes to make it in the IT world. Even wise King Solomon said "With all your wisdom, get knowledge". They go hand in hand.

Before I landed my first job in IT, I believed that certifications were king as they took less time to fill your knowledge than experience as text books are typically written with real world experiences in mind already. However, we all may have similar experiences with varying scenarios. Many people I've come in contact with agree that "miles count over merit" and I can't help but see their point of view. It's like having either theory or practical, realistically you need both, practical to say "I know how to do do it" and theory to properly understand it and say "it works this way because....". Having said that, from what I've seen, unless you work for a company that provides consulting or engineering services (contractors that can show customers proof of knowledge), if you have proven history to show that you can do the job, that is all I've seen hiring managers really care about.

What do you mean by, "miles count over merit"? I have never heard of that expression before.

But that is just a wild guess from the context.

Just an expression I heard and thought I should remember

You are right. I just responded. Many years ago I thought that certifications was just a money making thing. It was widely advertised that once you become certified in so and so, your salary will dramatically increase. In many cases that did not happen at all. Mind you I have a few certifications myself but I still think experience is the key.

What?! No love for any Oracle Certifications?

I have over 15 years of IT experience at all levels, manager, administrator, programmer. I recently attained A+, MCSA, Security+, and ITIL v.3., to bolster my skills and prove I could still learn. I have not been able to land a job in 4 years.

are you willing to move?

As many have said, not really a fully realistic list, or at least not any more.

Net+ is trumped by CCNA. And yes, while CCNA is a bit more proprietary, 90% or more of it can be used cross-platform (Juniper, etc)

ITIL.. One of the bigger jokes IMO. I have it.. I'm sure it's helped land me something. I've never used it. The only people who need to get ITIL, are the NON-IT people. Those in IT with any brain, 99.9% of ITIL is common sense. It's the finance and non-IT managers who need to understand the value of IT, not those IN the IT field.

MCSE... Why bother listing that when you've got MCITP there? As others have stated, MCSE (aka Must Consult Someone Experienced) is pretty much out of the picture now.

A+, I've gotten jobs from it, and I still get asked about things based on it, so that's still a good one. I'm just damned glad mine is grandfathered in from before you had to re-cert every 3 years.

Experience is truly key (I've got more book knowledge than hands-on for my CCNP, which is frustrating, but the truth), and there's almost always work for A+, it just may not be what you WANT to do. For the guy who just recently got 4-6 certs... Looking for 4 years? Either in the wrong area of the world somehow, or you've the problem of too-experienced and no one wants to pay you what you think you're worth, or even what they think you're worth. I'd almost suggest consult with some of that cert spread.

In the end, HR is most of the problem. Clueless people with more power than they deserve are hamstringing companies with the way they work. No doubt about it.

We was working in a complex project and we hire a couple of technicians with some experience and no certifications. We need 30 days to end the project.

We repeat the same with another company, this time, instead of a couple of technicians, I get the help of one engineer with CCNA, MCSE and S+ certs. We finish in just one week!. This last engineer knows all security, network and server requirements from top to bottom so I definitely search just for certified people in future projects.

Don't share this info with him/her, otherwise they'll ask for triple pay (the three weeks that they saved you), otherwise you'll be forced to go backwards but don't worry, experience will catch up, it always does.

Well, as a PMP, I was pleased to see it at the top of the list. Surprised though at the other rankings as far as what level on the list. As one said here, if this is an old article, that explains why. I've been involved in software development for close to 21 years with an AS in CIS. I've been fortunate to have been employed in this field with that level of degree. I have over 15 years project management experience and received my PMP certification in 2009. Many of my fellow PMP's in this area have said that with the certification doors are more likely to open, but you better be good or that information gets around too. I've also seen non certified project managers land good paying jobs because they are good. It's hard to really pinpoint why those with many certifications and highly skilled IT workers don't land the jobs that others do. A lot of it is in who you know too. Network - but networking is not what they can do for you but what you can do for them, it goes both ways.

Just a statistic..it would be more interesting to know how many PMPs can manage a project. I have one but all it shows is that you can pass a test and that (hopefully) you are project-oriented.

People who know how to sell themselves and agressively network IN ADDITION to these high on the list certifications get the job over the experienced.

...I don't see anything having to with The Cloud in this list? Virtualization either for that matter, though I certainly can see the benefit of being certified on VMWare or similar.

Need a job But new to the field, about to get bachelor's but no on the job experience and no certs. what can I do when the posting calls for needed entry or Jr level network tech with 5yr's experience. Is there a Jr-Jr position I do not know about.
when I started this schooling everyone needed associate degree, got that and all most finished with bachelor's but no on the job experience and no certs NO JOB.
What can I do?

to start at the lowest level (Help Desk) if it gets your foot in the door. You have to get in and prove yourself and build your reputation. Through constant willingness to learn and improve your skill set, your reputation will grow as well as your worth to a company.

Just wondering if there are any stats on how many job openings don't ever get posted but are filled regardless. I agree with Sckinz1 that contacts are highly important.

I was unemployed for 14 months before I went to training. I got my CCNA and RHCE, and had a job within 90 days of completion. That being said, the job I got had a lot to do with relationship building and perseverance; I did NOT get the job I applied for, but by keeping the lines of communication with the company open, and building a relationship with the management there, they came back to me with another position when it opened.

Just curious what people's experience has been with ITIL certifications. Obviously there are different levels. I've taken the ITIL v3 foundations, but is that relevant or are employers looking for more advanced ITIL certification?

I recently completed a two-semester program through my local community college and paid normal tuition to complete 4 classes that thoroughly prep one for an entry level job working with Cisco equipment. In all I paid about $300. It took longer than a private technical school but cost a lot less, and the material sinks in when you take time to learn it. Google Cisco Networking Academy and see if your local community college participates.

The link in this article doesn't take me directly to the Dice report, but my guess is the list is based on global statistics. Local statistics will probably be a MUCH different picture.

I have a good amount of the certificates listed above (5, working on 6 and a BS) and experience in the IT field. Is there a website were one can enter in their certificates and years of experience and get an estimate on expected salary?

In the end, it comes down to what the market is yielding at the time of hire and you ability to negotiate your final wage but it would be great information to have when review time comes around and/or when fielding recruiting calls.

Yes, PMP is a very valuable certification to have. A lot of hiring managers either require it or else consider it to be a valuable add-on.

Problem is, the PMP requires experience, how much depends on your level of education. According to the PMI web site, the requirements are either:
1. Bachelor degree, at least 3 years of project management experience, at least 4500 direct labor hours of PM experience, and at least 35 hours of PM education.
2. High school diploma, at least 5 years of project management experience, at least 7500 direct labor hours of PM experience, and at least 35 hours of PM education.

Unfortunately, someone has to hire you into a PM position in order to get the required PM experience. And, it is often next to impossible to get hired into a PM position without some PM experience. So, it is a Catch-22 situation.

The experience requirement is such a huge roadblock to PMP certification that there is a LOT of fraud going on, i.e. people faking their experience so that they can qualify to take the PMP exam.

I often wonder how many certified PMPs got their first PM job, so that they could earn the required experience.

As for education, that is almost completely a do-it-yourself accomplishment and credential. When I earned my Master of Project Management degree, I applied to the Keller Graduate School of Management, paid the required tuition, attended the classes, did the homework, passed the exams, and eventually earned my degree.

In contrast, earning the required PM experience requires the cooperation of others. Someone else has to be willing to hire you into a PM position, give you the opportunities to acquire the diverse PM experiences that the PMP requires, and then authenticate the required amounts of PM experiences.

Around a year or two ago, I wrote to the PMI Board of Directors about creating a series of micro credentials that would fill in the gap between the entry-level Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and the fairly high-level PMP. In my proposal, there would be two separate credentials for each of the knowledge areas in the PMBOK, one for education and one for experience. Each of the credentials would be completely independent of any of the others. I got some brief interest from a handful of board members but then heard nothing after that. Since I wrote my proposal, PMI has created several more very high-end credentials, including PMI-ACP (Agile), PMI-RMP (Risk Management), and PMI-SP (Scheduling). PMI seems to have little to no interest in helping interested persons to enter into and advance in the early stages of the profession.

Any useful ideas on how to overcome these roadblocks would be very welcome.

IMdir@ has it right....I have an MBA and BBA...was out of work from 2001 until 2006...went out and acquired the MCSE, CISSP, CompTIA Prjt Mgmt+, Network+, Security+ and A+ certs in 2006 at my expense... to also try and overcome the 'stale' and 'not current' label' that the HR folks kept alluding too....mattered not, here it is 2012 and still no job...the facts of the matter are that the I turned '50' the month after we were all outsourced in 2001 and its the incredible amount of HR age discrimination that is going on that keeps me unemployed.... In a 25+ year IT career I never was out of work until I turned 50...Now I am suddenly stupid and unusable!....I have made the 'final two' out of hundreds of applicants at least 10 times these past years...only to have the 30 something with an exact same skill set get the job!! HR can lie all they want...they dont want older workers on their medical plans, and they might have to pay them a few bucks more (might!) ...they dont want ya in IT if your coming in over 50!

.

Yep we sure did get stupid at 50!

ever considered starting your own business?

My business will be 20 years old this June. That doesnt stop current and potential customers from jumping ship on the services to younger, "smarter", "cheaper" techs. The upside to that is when they come crawling back, my price has magically gone up. hahahaha

...your customers are always looking to better-deal you. You sound like a jerk.

I'm not in IT but as a Registered Professional Engineer I can say that any added certification you can get will be valuable to your future. It sounds like the PMP Certification is one of the more difficult because the experience factor. The same is true for P.E. (Professional Engineer) Licensing. You need a minimum of a four year Bachelor Degree from an Accredited University Program and 5 years experience before you can take the final test, usually a 2 day affair. However, while in the senior year of the B.S. program you can usually take the Engineer-In-Training (E.I.T.) test which consists of the material you learned in school, e.g., how to calculate the force of a broom leaning against a wall and other useless stuff. If you pass that test then you only take the work experience section which is more about codes than anything else and only 1 day..

Why don't I see RHCE or any other Linux certification on the list. I believe Linux based Servers are far better than Windows Servers.

Certifications really matter when we are looking for a change. It shows your ability and command on technology to perform a better service.

Surprised that VCP didn't make that list. With all the buzz of virtualization I am shocked it wasn't listed in top 10. I for one will be pursuing that this year.

One of the problems I see with so much of the IT security certifications is the lack of any real understanding of the basics of physical security. It's no good having a really secure network if someone can walk in (or break in with minimal or no tools) and steal the information they want in a variety of ways.
The big advantage to IT designations is you folks have a well established process and structure that the physical security practitioners are still moving toward. I have huge respect for my information systems friends but advise them to call on folks like me to develop physical and site security to appropriate levels and not be quite so system/software centric. Appropriate security designations to look for with physical security experts are CPP (Certified Protection Professional) and PSP (Physical Security Professional). Sorry for going on about this; it's been an irritant with me for over a decade.

I have completed my A+ & oracle 9i SQL certification from NIIT in INDIA and currently pursuing GNIIT course (software eng'g). I am planning to go for N+ and Linux certifications... Can anyone here help me to find out what else should i accomplish in my educational field so that i can land a job in abroad areas...

such pessimism on here!!!

We have had 3 different employees with MS and PMP degrees. None of them was last for more than a year. Each has its own strengths and direction: none of them worked.
You need a full supports from management and team.
PMP certification and its curriculum are so broad. Taking classes and tests are good on paper.
Diplomatic and expertise with experience and common sense.

I have had the fortunate advancement in the field of IT Support about 8 months ago. I went from being frycook that had a computer technician hobby spot for friends, to being an IT Support Employee for a company. THey'd interviewed many people that had Degrees in the fields they were specializing in, I however had nothing. But..I've physically worked in many different areas, with friends, teachers, coworkers, on and off clock so to speak. And I put that in my resume, that I had real actual EXPERIENCE with these things. 3 days later I get the call saying "hey come on in the job is yours." It's not about the degress and certifications ALL the time, and I'm not saying you don't need them ever, I'm saying real world experience helps big time when getting you're stuff in a row.

Now, I'm also while I'm working at this place of employment, I'm going after some of my certifications, just so I can show them "yeah, I'm doin this for real"

Good luck to all of our future techies out there...and remember.... DOS will always be your friend

That has to be taken with a grain. I am MCSE so MCP certified. I had applied to positions and got limited calls with those. I had one lady who called and everything was going great until she asked "so you have 3 to 5 years experience?" And when I said no, but I am certified the next thing I heard was her hanging up the phone and that was that. Being ceritified is useless UNLESS you have the past experience.

Glad to see that PMP is on the top of the list. Too many projects are given to people who have no idea how to plan and execute a project, and then businesses do not understand why their projects are failing.The best project management software in the world does not replace a competent project manager.

This article seems to be pretty dead-on concerning what skills are being looke for these days. Cisco still remains a hot item and Security is also tops. I know that there are those that complain about what is needed and it is true, if you have a piece of paper than it does not mean you know what you are doing. However, the fact still remains that these will get you in the door. Anything you can get to give you an edge than I would certainly suggest that.

I'm doing a home self study right now in network + certification and eyeing ccna, A+ and also either MCITP or MCSE.....Can anybody tell me to see if this make any sense.