resumes and certs

lazyart

Is it considered bad form to attach a copy of your cert to your resume?

I'm applying for a position offered at some public schools in the area. At some schools these are new positions and I'm unsure if the principal would recognize what an A+ cert is (the description asks for a degree or comparable mix of education and experience). Even though my resume lists the cert, I've started sending the paper that came in the a+ pack which verifies completion along with the lists of domains. So i'm faxing out a cover letter, one page resume and the cert.

Good idea?

bellboy

i would not send a copy of my certificates unless requested.

the likes of your employer may not know what the objectives listed, never mind the a+, represent. i would leave explaining what a comptia a+ certifed computer technician was until asked at the interview.

Drakonblayde

I have a section listing my field certifications. Most IT HR folks know what the A+ is since it's been around for awhile. If not, they'll ask you about it when you get to the interview. I also do not include a copy of my references with my resume. Rarely do I include a cover letter. I do, however, bring another copy of my resume to the interview, along with my references just in case they ask.

jpinoniemi

I always send a cover letter (your opportunity to introduce and sell your self) with my resume, on resume paper, not copier paper.

In my resume itself, I list my certifications in 2 places, under a "special skills" section as well as under "education".

I always bring a copy of my certification certificates, extra copy of cover letter and resume and references to the interview in case I am asked for them. Always best to be over-prepared for the interview then not have something if they happen to ask.

cheeblie

Yeah, I wouldn't bring your certifications to an interview or include them in your resume, because they aren't that hard to forge. If your prospective employer wants to verify that you have the certifications, you should always have CompTIA e-mail the credentials. They have that setup so you can do it very easily anyway. The e-mail is hashed with MD5 and this can be verified very easily and is also impossible to counterfeit. That would be my recommendation.

Cheeblie

lazyart

Thanks all for the thoughts. Coincedentally, the first response I have received for any resume submission was the first time I added the cert. It may just have been an acknowledgement, however the guy did say he would be in touch with me in a couple weeks to set up an interview. My experience so far with the school board openings (and this is one of them) is that it is listed for two weeks, but the position is filled before the closing date.

Here's hoping anyway. In the meantime I will leave the certs at home.

RussS

Bad form or not I do include my certs when I send out my resume. If I am sending it by email I send my certs and written references as an attached zip file. If I am posting them out I include copies of my certs and I make sure that on the reverse side I have the blurb sheet that explains what they cover. Kind of weird, but I have found that most HR people have no idea at all what most certs stand for and that helps them recognise this. For experienced IT people they see them but don't actually look.

Webmaster

I've worked at 8 different companies, not a single one really knew what MCSE or CCNA was. Some heard of them but in general the word 'microsoft certification' and 'cisco certification' meant a lot more. When IT was booming it got a little better, but in most cases you will have to explain what it means if you are certified and what you did to get there.

When I wanted to move on from tech support/desktop administration to system(server) administration, I think it helpt when I kept mentioning that I was able to install and fully configure and administer a server. (I was working at an outsourcing company at that time where they had absolutely no idea of what they were doing...) Also, that I took the exam, and wanted to take more, because I want to know it to be able to get the maximum out of every job. Although I didn't like the idea, I learned (and learned others) to look at myself as a product. You need to sell yourself, and to sell a product you have to impress the potential buyer, without bragging or being arrogant. Point being, I think including your certs (including a description if you think it's necessary) is a good thing. I've been at many interviews (at the other side of the table) and even a less known certification can be impressive, as long as you know how to 'sell it'.

my 6 cents

Kasor

I will not send out copy of certification with my resume unless

1> request by the HR, Recruiter or Company
2> parts of the application requirment
3> SHOW THEM WHO U ARE (just kidding)