Hiring IT workers: Understanding certifications
Filed under: In this week's e-newsletter, IT staffing, Latest News & Views
IT certifications: Are they worth paying attention to when you’re trying to fill an empty tech position?
There are a lot of tech certifications out there – and even some non-tech credentials (like a CPA or MBA) that IT pros sometime go for.
But do they matter? Not really, many experts say. According to IT recruiting consultant Jon Davis, companies rarely ask about certifications when they look for IT department heads.
The reason? The person in the top role needs a more general knowledge of both IT and the business. A few might look for official credentials, if it’s part of the company’s culture. For example, they may want someone with a CPA or training in Six Sigma. For IT staff, especially those with specified roles, it may be important.
But a lot of IT managers say when they hire, the focus is on relevant and provable experience.
If you’re looking to hire an IT manager, your best bet will be to try and understand your organization’s IT needs and make sure candidates have the skills to meet them.
This may mean hiring an outside consultant to sort out the tech speak, but investing in help up front could mean the difference between a smart hire and management disaster.
