I was recently asked about the benefit of certifications and memberships by an alumnus. He is hearing mixed opinions and wanted ideas on how to proceed. My answer applies to EVERYONE, not just this specific type of cert. Read on...

HIS QUESTION:
"What do you know about PMI memberships or PMP certification? I am a program manager/project manager and I have been looking into it. Some people I work with swear it is legitimate, but like all certifications it costs money. I'm not looking to spend the money if it is not worth it. Any thoughts?"

MY RESPONSE:
"My answer is going to be a roundabout one...

I would go to a site like indeed.com and search job postings for Project Manager. Then go into a sample of the job postings that are with legit companies and see what certs are required for their ideal candidate. Is the certification you're considering listed? If so, then it would benefit you.

Another thing to do would be identify 5 top companies you'd like to work for and review postings on their website or call the recruiter. Explain that you aren't currently looking for a position but wanted their opinion on the value of the certification. Also take this opportunity to ask what type they prefer and if there are any that carry more weight in their opinion."

BOTTOM LINE: what are you doing today to make yourself a better candidate? Certifications and memberships are a fabulous way to continue to build your personal brand. The worst thing that can happen in an interview is to get the question "what have you done since graduation to make yourself more marketable" and have nothing to say in response.

THOUGHTS: have you looked at job requirements for jobs you want and seriously given yourself a hard assessment lately? If not, it's time! Companies will evaluate you against their job requirements by only looking at your resume. That resume better communicate exactly why you are a great fit for the position. It's your tailored, marketing piece.

If you are a Lipscomb student or alumnus, the Career Development Center will review your resume and work with you to present it as a tailored marketing piece at no charge.

ONLINE APPLICATIONS are tricky! You spend so much time filling out info but feel like the answers are all on your resume only to never hear from the company and think your info went into a black hole in cyberspace.

Here are a few tips and tricks to increase your chances of getting a call from the company:

1. Pay attention to the wording on the job posting. Your online application and resume will be scanned for key words based on the job description. Use words and phrases from the job description posted by the company on your resume to increase your chances of having a good keyword match percentage.

2. Fill out every blank on the online application. Never say "see resume". Someone in HR can search on a specific field in the online app for a specific requirement of the job so make sure you answer everything completely and with their words (again see the job description).

3. If they give you an "option" to upload a cover letter, consider it mandatory! If 500 people apply for a job and only 15 upload a cover letter, don't you think it's better to be in the small stack? Make sure your cover letter is specific to the job you've applied for with this company. Consider WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THEM, not what you want!

4. In times like these when job openings can have hundreds of candidates some HR people say they don't even open a resume unless the keyword match is over 85%! The keyword match percentage will usually get you into the phone screen pile, but that's usually just with an HR person. To get to the manager you'll have to be articulate and leave the screener with no "red flags".

5. If you get past the phone screen, your resume will go to the hiring manager. Make sure your resume covers why you are the best candidate for that job! It needs to be tailored to the job you want (again see the job description). Don't assume because you covered certain info in the application that the manager will know that info!

Don't believe me? Check out these stories:
A candidate applied twice for a job he was totally qualified for and didn't understand why he never got a call about the job. He was using his own words on his resume and in his application. We reworked his app and resume USING THE WORDS IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION and he got a call and an interview for the job.

Another candidate uploaded a standard resume for a job, but filled out every line in the online app. She was a perfect candidate, but after making it through the phone screen and her resume going to the hiring manager, she didn't get an interview. Why? Because her resume went to the manager and didn't address the things that were most relevant to that position with that particular company.

Media Intern

Local Advertising Agency located in Brentwood, TN is seeking an intern to work in media department

Responsibilities:
-part-time position (20 hours per week)
-support in the day to day activities
-assist all the members of the media department
-audit media affidavits weekly/monthly for payment
-help with any reporting, research, etc.

Qualifications:
-Computer knowledge, especially Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
-training on our media software (CORE) will be provided

If interested in this opportunity please contact Marybeth Peters @ mpeters@victorresults.com

____________________________________________________________________________________

Computer Information Systems Intern

We're seeking an enthusiastic candidate to serve as Computer Information Systems Intern

The candidate will help the firm transition to a paperless audit environment. It is preferred that the candidate has knowledge of the accounting process but it is not required.

Job description: Assist the audit staff in producing a more efficient and paperless work environment.

Specific duties will include:

•Setting up personal computers and peripherals.
•Installing software and hardware for PC users.
•Troubleshooting staff software problems.
•Assisting with computer network external hard drive set up and maintenance.
•Creating and maintaining databases and spreadsheets

Required competencies:

•Must be detail oriented, responsible, organized and focused on quality client service.
•Proficient use of computers especially MS Excel.
•Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above.
•Be available to work 12-15 hours per week.


Contact Information:

Daniel Brydsong
Email: daniel.b@erwinhardisonco.com

____________________________________________________________________________________

View these opportunities and more at http://lipscomb.experience.com/er/security/login.jsp