Can micro-credentials uplift your resume?

It’s important to have a resume that stands out and highlights the candidate’s skills and achievements. Today, one way to make anyone’s resume stand out is by including micro-credentials. These are a form of certification that validates specific skills or competencies. They are typically awarded after completing short courses or training programmes, often online, and are becoming increasingly popular among professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Including micro-credentials in the resume shows potential employers that the candidate is committed to continuous learning and professional development. It demonstrates that the candidate has taken the initiative to acquire new skills and is willing to invest in self-growth.

Additionally, micro-credentials can help candidates differentiate themselves from other job candidates, by providing concrete evidence of their skills, abilities and expertise in a particular field.

“The use of micro-credentials has the potential to reduce bias in the hiring process. With anonymous evaluation using micro-credentials, it becomes possible to focus on the skills of the candidate without the influence of any personal bias”.

Ravi Mishra, SVP-HR, advanced materials business, Aditya Birla Group

For instance, candidates who are marketing professionals may consider obtaining micro-credentials in digital marketing or social media advertising. Candidates working in healthcare may consider obtaining micro-credentials in patient safety or medical coding.

According to Ravi Mishra, SVP-HR, advanced materials business, Aditya Birla Group, while micro-credentials may not be as effective for higher-level positions, they can be very useful for jobs that require specific skills or competencies.

More importantly, he points out, “The use of micro-credentials has the potential to reduce bias in the hiring process. With anonymous evaluation using micro-credentials, it becomes possible to focus on the skills of the candidate without the influence of any personal bias”.

Mishra also points out that all job roles may not benefit from micro-credentials. “In certain roles, broader competencies may be more relevant, and subjective evaluation may be necessary. However, for jobs that require specific skills, micro-credentials can be very valuable,” says Mishra.

Organisations must be ready to accept anonymous evaluations if they want to make use of micro-credentials.

“The use of micro-credentials and other factors to assess a candidate’s qualifications and fit for a role is becoming increasingly common.”

Sunil Singh, senior HR leader and founder, Mindstream Consulting

Micro-credentials can also be beneficial for individuals who are looking to change careers or industries. They provide a way to acquire new skills and demonstrate proficiency in areas where they may not have formal education or work experience.

According to Sunil Singh, senior HR leader and founder, Mindstream Consulting, the value of micro-credentials largely depends on the specific hiring needs and timeframe of the employer.

“If the employer is looking to hire for a shorter term, such as two to five years, micro-credentials may not be as important. However, if the hiring is for a longer term, such as more than five years, with a focus on specific skills and knowledge, micro-credentials can be a valuable addition to a candidate’s resume,” explains Singh.

However, it’s important to be strategic when selecting which micro-credentials to include in the resume. Candidates should choose the ones that are relevant to the job or industry they are targeting and demonstrate their unique strengths and abilities.

In addition to listing out the micro-credentials in the resume, candidates can also highlight the micro-credentials in their cover letter or mention them during job interviews. This can help showcase their commitment to professional development and highlight the fact that they are proactive learners.

Micro-credentials can certainly increase the chances of getting a job. Including micro-credentials in the resume demonstrates to potential employers that candidates have taken the initiative to acquire new skills and knowledge beyond what is typically required for a job.

“The micro-credentials are particularly helpful for V-shaped professionals who have expertise in one domain but also possess a good understanding of other functions, as well as reshaped professionals who have an in-depth understanding of a specific area along with a good understanding of functions.”

Atul Mathur, executive VP, Aditya Birla Capital

Singh also adds that, apart from micro-credentials, other factors that can add value to a resume include experiences that demonstrate collaboration, and personality traits, such as creativity and problem-solving abilities. For instance, if candidates have volunteered for NGOs or helped senior citizens in their community, this can demonstrate their compassion and ability to work with diverse groups of people.

“The use of micro-credentials and other factors to assess a candidate’s qualifications and fit for a role is becoming increasingly common. By looking beyond traditional degrees and credentials, employers can more effectively match candidates to specific roles and ensure a strong cultural fit within their organisation,” asserts Singh.

Atul Mathur, executive VP, Aditya Birla Capital, believes that micro-credentials can add value to the resume and increase the likelihood of getting hired for a job.

These short online courses that offer acumen and relevant knowledge can be taken to fill gaps in one’s skills, which is highly beneficial for both candidates and companies. These courses are intensive and don’t require individuals to enrol in a university, or language course or wait for a job opening, and gence, rather convenient. Mathur opines that the rapidly changing business landscape and the need for effective optimisation means that these short courses can help candidates and organisations keep up with the latest trends and fill any gaps in basic capability.

However, Mathur also says that while structured curricula such as degrees, diplomas, and ELS courses offer traditional values and are important for certain professions such as engineering or MBA, micro courses are designed to fill specific knowledge gaps that may arise due to new developments in a field.

He explains, “They are particularly helpful for V-shaped professionals who have expertise in one domain but also possess a good understanding of other functions, as well as reshaped professionals who have an in-depth understanding of a specific area along with a good understanding of functions.”

However, it’s important to note that micro-credentials alone may not guarantee a job. Other factors, such as experience, education and performance during the interview also play a significant role in the hiring process. Nevertheless, including micro-credentials in the resume can be a valuable way to enhance the qualifications and increase an individual’s chances of being considered for a job.