How to Write a Follow-Up Email After Youve Submitted Your Resume

How to Write a Follow-Up Email After Youve Submitted Your ResumeHow to Write a Follow-Up Email After Youve Submitted Your ResumeIf youve sent your resume and cover letter (or any other form ofjob application) to an employer and havent heard back, considersending a follow-up email. You can also follow up with an email glaubenszeugnis if youdont hear back after a job interview. Unfortunately, employers dont always keep applicants informed about the status of their application. Therefore you may need to reach out to determine your status. If done strategically, following up can be a great way to reinforce why you are qualified for the job, and can even get your application a closer look. An email is a quickand efficient way to reach out to the employer. A mailed letter might take too longan employer might make a hiring decision in that time. A phone call is another option, but you may not be able to getcontact information for the hiring manager. However you choose to reach out, make sur e you are polished, professional, and polite. How to Write a Follow-Up Email Send itafter two weeks.If you havent heardback from the employer two weeks after sending your resume and cover letter, consider sending an email. Dont send it any earlier. You want to give the employer enough time to read and respond to your application.Send an email, if possible.Employers typically prefer receiving this kind of message by email it allows them to keep a record of your contact, and they can respond quickly. However, if you need an even quicker response (say, for example, you know they are supposed to make a hiring decision very soon), you can try reaching out to the employer by phone. Use a clear subject line.In the subject line, include the title of the job you are applying forand your name. This will allow the employer to know exactly what the email is about right away.Be courteous.You want to be as polite and professional as possible in your email. Begin with a polite salutation and u se the employer or hiring managers name if you have it. Begin the email by thanking the employer for taking the time to look at and consider your resume.Keep it brief. Dont write an extremely long email. Keep it brief so that the employer can quickly skim it and understand your purpose. Focus on why you are a good fit.Briefly remind the employer why you are a good fit for the job. If you have any new information you want to share (such as a new achievement at work), you might mention that here.Ask any questions.If you have any questions related to the job or the application process, you can ask them at the end of the email.Mention a visit.If you live far away, you might want to mention a time when you will be visiting the area and are available to meet.Review and Edit.This email is another opportunity to make a good first impression on the employer. Make sure your email is professional andthoroughly edited. Review Email Examples It is a good idea to review email examples and/or templates before writing your follow-up email. Along with helping with your layout, examples can help you tosee what kind of content you should include in your document. While examples, templates, and guidelines are a great starting point to your letter, you should always tailor your email to fit the particular job you are applying for. Sample Follow-Up Email Review an example of an email message to use when you have not heard back after sending a resume and cover letter to an employer. Follow (Text Version) Subject LineProgrammer Position - Jane Doe ApplicationDear Mr./Ms. Last Name,if you have a name, otherwise omit this lineI hope you are well. I submitted a resume earlier this month for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union.I am very interested in working at XYZ Company and I believe that my skills, especially my extensive C experience at ABC Company, would be an excellent match for this position.If necessary, I would be glad to resend my resume or to provid e any further information you might need regarding my candidacy. I can be reached at 555-555-5555 or jdoeabcd.com. I look forward to hearing from you.Thank you for your consideration.Best regards,Jane Doe Expand More Follow-Up Letters and Messages What youll write in your follow-up letter will depend on the type of interview you had, the status of your application, and any information the employer may have given you about notifying applicants. Here are message samples and templates for a variety of circumstances Follow-Up Email and Letter SamplesJob Interview Thank You and Follow-Up Letters What to Do if You Dont Hear Back If you send your message and do not hear back after a week or so, you can try contacting the employer again. Rather than sending multiple email messages, if you can locate a contact person and phone number you may want to try to follow up with a phone call. You can also followup with a phone call if the hiring manager doesnt get back to you after a job inte rview. However, if you hear nothing back after this, it is best to start thinking about the next job opportunity. Dont hold up your job search waiting to hear back from a hiring manager. Keep applying and moving forward while youre waiting to hear back about interviews and job offers, so your job hunt doesnt get stalled.

How Trick or Treaters can help advance your career

How Trick or Treaters can help advance your careerHow Trick or Treaters can help advance your careerAny child can tell you that when it comes to Halloween, there are tricks that can earn you more treats. Professional speaking consultant Diane DiResta agrees, and she concludes that adults can advance their careers by observing costumed youngsters. As a consultant serving high-profile business leaders (e.g. ATT, LOral, Merrill Lynch, Michael Kors, NASA), she understands how to scare up more career success.For adults desiring to get ahead, DiResta offers these 5 kid-tested first impression tipsTo get more treats, stand outThe fruchtwein interesting costume will get noticed.DiResta says that for adults in business, this translates into, Surprise your co-workers with an outfit that stands out from what your normally wear. We communicate the moment we walk into a room before we open our mouths. People first notice your clothes. If you normally wear blue suits, find a collection of eye-popp ing ties that will get you noticed.Smile to get more sweetsEven a smile from Frankenstein can be disarming Children who smile get more.DiResta advises that a smile makes one approachable. She shares a tip from originated from a legendary actress Dont say cheese, when asked to smile. It produces an artificial, forced grin. Instead, say Bit-o-Honey for a more natural beam.Engage first, then ask for the doshLook at the person as you say, Trick or Treat Have a conversation make a request.Focused dialogue with eye contact makes you more likeable. When the child at your door engages you in conversation, you gain a more favorable impression than when they grab the goodies and take off. DiResta encourages you to take the time to be personable, even when something frightening is happening at work.Make it easy to receive to get more candy.Hold your bag open so that candy can be dropped in easily. In the same way, you must be open to receiving appalling criticism from Freddy Kruger, if you expect to advance on the job, according to DiResta.Say thank you because thats giving back a treatMight even get you extra candy.Graciousness rules. DiResta notes that we are never condemned for being too polite. Even during a brief encounter at someones door, it good to make a good impression.Diane DiResta, CSP, is the founder and CEO of DiResta Communications, Inc.,

The Key to Pain-Free Performance Reviews

The Key to Pain-Free Performance ReviewsThe Key to Pain-Free Performance ReviewsFor some people performance reviews have a reputation as soul-crushing events in which employees are ranked against each other and rewarded based on favoritism. In recent years annual top-down performance appraisals based on numerical ratings have been replaced or supplemented with ongoing coaching, monthly and quarterly plans. Here are four tips to reduce employee stress when it comes to performance reviews.1. Provide ongoing coaching Most people are calm when it comes time for the performance review at our company, said Steve Hughes, a project manager at a civil engineering firm. We provide feedback along the way so they should already know where they stand. At his firm employees and supervisors or managers are encouraged to engage one another and provide/ask for constructive feedback as often as needed- even daily- to create a positive work culture.Seth Barnes, head of absatzwirtschaft at Savings.com, agrees that constant dialogue helps people know where they stand and whats expected of them. Checking in should be a regular thing, not just a formal meeting once a quarter where the stakes are so high.Hiring both managers and individual contributors who are accustomed to a company culture of ongoing feedback help reduce stress when it comes time for annual, mid-year or quarterly reviews. Ask candidates what their expectations are for giving and receiving feedback and probe for how they approach constructive criticism.Said Hughes, The right mentors can make people feel engaged and promote of feeling of worth and pride.2. Set a mix of realistic goals and challengesWe clearly define objectives and measure our performance against them, Barnes said. I like how these individual goals roll up into department, company and ultimate corporate goals.Tying company goals to personal goals gives employees a feeling of personal success as well as value. It feels good to look back at a goal and po int to a specific metric showing the goal was met, Barnes said.At Hughes company, performance discussions are intended to be a recap of the past year with a summary of expectations or goals that were met, exceeded, or not met. This is not supposed to be the first time this is discussed, but sometimes it may be.A lack of ongoing coaching can backfire at review time if the project hasnt been going well. The danger is biting off a goal in the short term thats too audacious or simply unachievable and then having to call it a complete failure, Barnes said.When hiring, probe candidates about how they met or exceeded the actual goals of past positions, not just the accomplishments listed on their resume.3. Hire for motivation and also foster itYou want smart, analytical people who most importantly are motivated, said Barnes about his own team of online marketers. Ive found in the tech space that solving challenging problems and working in a group of like-minded people is what motivates man y.But its not all up to the employee. Managers must be able to provide career guidance and resources. Often my team struggles with defining their goals, aspirations and potential resources for personal or professional growth, said Hughes. Sometimes we encourage peer-on-peer conversations for ideas or reaching out to other managers, human resource personnel for tips. Part of motivating employees is exposing them to mora options to help them decide what new goals they want to pursue.Making sure everyone has something interesting to work on is key, Barnes said.When interviewing, probe candidates on how they evolved in past roles and what motivated them to perform. Question candidates for manager positions on how they assist in their direct reports development.4. Separate performance reviews from compensation discussionsHughes said that at his company compensation adjustments are done company-wide at a time outside of the semi-annual performance appraisals. This separates any conversati onal anxiety that may be associated with compensation from the performance discussion. Without compensation to worry about, employees and managers can focus on whats most important goals and performance against those goals.When managers and their direct reports receive ongoing coaching, are aligned in terms of goals and challenges and are provided with motivating opportunities, performance review anxiety can become what it should be- a thing of the past.Read Related ArticlesMake Candidates an Offer They Cant RefuseThe Changing WorkforceBaby Steps to Meritocracy

Are You Unemployed and Happy or Employed and Miserable

Are You Unemployed and Happy or Employed and MiserableUnemployed and Happy or Employed and Miserable?Are You Unemployed and Happy or Employed and MiserableIhear and read stories about people who feel miserable in their jobs, but cant risk quitting in todays job market. Some who have held onto their jobs are even expressing envy toward those who have been laid off. It reminds me of a line from an old TV drama about an impending nuclear attack The living will envy the dead.Thats a bit melodramatic, but it does seem highly ironic to be jealous of someone whos collecting unemployment while youre drawing a steady paycheck. Still, theres enough misery among the employed that Im sure some of them have wished for their own layoffs. (You mean I dont have to put up with this miserable job anymore and can sleep in?? Excellent)Even the optimists among the still-employed may be more apt to ride out the recession before they look for new jobs. Based on the results of a recent survey, 54% of employ ed adults in North America are at least somewhat likely to look for new jobs once the economy turns around.Thats understandable if (1) They didnt like their jobs or companies even before the recession struck but feel they need to stay put until job prospects improve, or (2) They wound up working more hours and spending less time with their families after they took on more work following a round or two of layoffs.Meanwhile, theres no shortage of stuff on the web that says how being laid off can be an incredibly exhilarating experience that gives you time to recharge yourself, learn something new, spend more time with the family, and, heck, maybe even win a Nobel Prize. In 2002, during my own 7-month-long layoff, I did all that (except the Nobel part), and while it kept my spirits up, the depressing feeling of being jobless didnt go away. Its an awful feeling, even if it lasts for only minutes. Trust me, you dont want it.All this led me to wonder how people are faring in this recessio n. If youre employed, how are things at work? If youre unemployed and looking for a job, what are you doing to stay focused and optimistic amid your job search?

Employment Documents Needed to Start a New Job

Employment Documents Needed to Start a New JobEmployment Documents Needed to Start a New JobWhen conducting a job search, it is important to be aware of the important documents needed to start a new job. Having all the employment forms that companies may require will allow you to be prepared for an interview, to be hired, and ready to start your new job. Youll want this whole process to go as smoothly as possible, and the last thing you want is a glitch such as missing documentation that could stall thehiring process. The employment forms you may need include job applications, W-2 forms, an I-9 form, and a W-4 form. Some forms are available from the companies youre applying to, some you may already have, and others are available online or need to be ordered. If you dont have the original documentation that youll need before an employer can put you on the payroll, get your copies now. That way youll be ready to start work immediately once you get a job offer. Employment Forms You M ay Need The following documents may be required for your future employment. Learn more about each one and how you can get your forms right away. Make copies and have them ready for each job opportunity you wish to pursue. Job Application Forms Many employers require prospective candidates to fill out job applications, so they have documentation of relevant experience and education. This applies to all levels of employment from entry-level jobs to high-level professional positions. Applicants will need to provide details and dates of past employment and education, as well as of credentials and certifications. Job application forms come from the companies themselves. In some cases, youll need to go directly to the company, but many companies offer their job application forms online or allow you to complete the application online. The application form may be all you need to apply, but at some point in the hiring process, you may be required to provide college transcripts or other proof of your degree. So, thinking ahead, its a good idea to have copies of those documents on hand, as well. Previous W-2 Forms Prospective employers may ask for copies of your W-2 forms to verify your previous compensation prior to making a job offer. This may present you with an uncomfortable situation and it may not always be in your best interest to comply or may not be permitted by law. Find out if an employer can ask you for your W-2, whether it makes sense to comply, and how to obtain copies of your W-2 forms if you dont have them. W-4 Forms The W-4 form is completed by an employee so the employer can withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from your pay. When you are hired for a new job, you will be required to complete a W-4 form to let your employer know how much tax to withhold. The employer may provide you with a W-4 or you can get one online and have it ready to go. I-9 Forms When youre hired for a new job, youll be required to prove that youre le gally entitled to work in the United States. Youll need to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9 Form) and the employer will keep the form on file. Please note that youll also need to produce original documentation that verifies your eligibility to work. Youll need a photo ID such as a passport, drivers license, or state ID, as well as a document proving you are in the U.S. legally, such as an original or notarized birth certificate and/or social security card. What Is E-Verify? The E-verify system allows employers to document and confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States by comparing the I-9 (Employment Eligibility Form) information supplied by all workers to Social Security Administration, Homeland Security, and Department of State records. The employer will handle this once youve presented the proper documentation. How to Replace Lost Documents Now that you know what documents you need, you might find that one or more are missin g. Heres the info youll need to replace any missing documents Replace a lost passport by contacting the National Passport Information Center.To replace a Social Security card, youll need to fill out an application online or provide certain documentation at your local Social Security office.You can order copies of past W-2 forms from the IRS or previous employers.If you cant find your drivers license, youll need to check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles for instructions on how to apply for a replacement license.If you dont have your college transcripts, you can request copies of your transcript from the Registrars Office at your college or university. This can be done in person, by phone, or online.

What Everybody Dislikes About Resume Templete and Why

What Everybody Dislikes About Resume Templete and Why It isnt difficult to read, and they are able to locate the keyword phrases and qualifications EASILY when theyre reading hundreds of applications. When there is relevant volunteer experience, that needs to be included, too. Likewise, jobs not directly associated with child care can nevertheless be mentioned should they help demonstrate skills or experience necessary for tasks set out in the job posting. The goal of a resume is to highlight your skills, experience and accomplishments that are relevant to the role you are interested in being in. Thus the use ofA Construction Resume TemplatesA is quite valuable for all applicants who wishes to be employed. Keywords are also important on account of the development of resume databases. You might also want to take a look at our complete collection of job sites in Singapore to assist you in getting started. The template is created by experts so that you can be certain about the c aliber of the content. It is easy to follow, and you can begin immediately. It has a variety of color schemes that enhance every individual photo or you can choose certain colors and graphics that pull together the entire page. The resume template may also be used in case you have a presentation on career related themes. You can pick the best amongst the many template samples out there. The upcoming free resume template was created in the shape of a brochure. Employing the exact previous strategy, you may create a customized layout via Slide Master to add all of the information that you need to utilize in your resume cover or you could do it without Slide Master as lots of the elements used here wont be utilized in other slide (it is all up to you). The whole group of resume templates is composed of a selection of creative resume designs. A basic resume is also simpler to read. The download link is right below the webpage title. Double check to ensure that everything on th e brde version of the resume is about you. Resume builder includes an instantaneous preview, and therefore you dont will need to save and refresh the page to see the way that it appears like. Just completed your degree or trying to find a new job the greatest thing which strikes your mind is to search for some free resume templates which would allow you to design your own resume. Possessing a strong resume doesnt necessarily signify you will land the job, but it is a good means to be certain you receive the interview. Lots of people write resumes on a normal basis, but there are a few who havent written one in years. If you wish to receive a nice job, you require a good resume. When youre asking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you want a resume template you can inject a little more personality into to make it pop. Try to remember, when youve finished personalizing your resume, youre not prepared to fill out an application yet. Whether you require a resu me at the moment or if youre making one proactively, theres a choice to suit your wants. Use the search box to find precisely what you are searching for.You should review similar postings for the kind of job youre applying for. If youd like prospective employers to get in touch with you about work, you must have a resume that impresses. Attempt to keep the resume no longer than 1 page, especially if youre asking for an entry-level job. Furthermore, you may wind up in work which you cant do. What You Need to Do About Resume Templete Beginning in the Next 8 Minutes Everyone hopes to put on an opportunity to impress potential new employer at a job interview, but theres no denying that interviews can be quite stressful Youre now able to earn a terrific first impact with professional gewandung and personalized appearance. Our creative templates enable you to stick out from the crowd. Each one of our creative style templates offer you a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and some style.

Online Recruiting Event Tech Connect East

Online Recruiting Event Tech Connect East Are you recruiting for top quality technical candidates? Brazen Careerist offers the next generation of recruiting by bringing the traditional job fair to a dedicated online forum. Employers can participate in recruiting events from their desk meeting candidates, developing their employment brand, and connecting with top talent. Brazen Careerist continues their series of online career events with Tech Connect East, an online job fair focused on computer science and engineering talent. Employers can meet with top technical talent from some of the best schools in the country, including RIT, Virginia Tech, RPI, Penn State University, the University of Maryland, and Georgia Tech.Ashley Hoffman, Director of absatzwirtschaft and Communications for Brazen Careerist said about the event We know that some of the hardest positions to recruit for are engineering and IT positions, whether computer software engineers, mechanical engineers or technical support. Every company from start-ups to the Fortune 50 is always looking for top tech talent. Thats why were thrilled to be hosting Tech Connect East and serve as a bridge between employers and the job seekers who have a critical skill set that is in such high demand right now. No other event will give you, as an employer, access to hundreds of highly qualified candidates with diverse engineering backgrounds and allow you to recruit graduates hailing from Georgia Tech to RIT, all online without leaving your desk. This will be thetech recruiting event to attend this Spring.Recruiters and other employer representatives participate in much the same way as a traditional job fair. Registration includes a custom branded online booth that allows for the ability to present video, employment information, and list open positions. Each employer account includes room for three recruiters or other company re presentatives. In addition, employers will receive personalized account support and promotion leading up to the event.To learn more and to sign up to participate in Tech Connect East, please visit the registration page through Brazen Careerist.

How to be a better public speaker 27 tips for public speaking

How to be a better public speaker 27 tips for public speakingHow to be a better public speaker 27 tips for public speakingFive days before the release of the first iPad, James Murdoch, a high-ranking executive at News Corp., exchanged a flurry of emails with Steve Jobs. Murdoch and Jobs couldnt reach an agreement that would allow HarperCollins, a publisher owned by NewsCorp, to add its books to the Apple store before the launch.Their email exchange offers insight into what to do - and what not to do - when writing business emails.Murdochs notes are a classic example of how fruchtwein of us tend to write long, with multiple ideas and no clear message. Jobs used simple tactics todominatethe correspondence.Here are five things we can learn from Jobs about how to write effective emails.1. Have one purposeThe most efficient emails include just one goal or question.For example, consider these lines from a long email from MurdochIf we could offer to you that a certain percentage of releas es (50%) would be available within your pricing structure ( or = 14.99), does that give you enough comfort? . . .But if you were willing to accept that a supplier can exploit other avenues (at prices not disadvantageous to you), with a guarantee of substantial volume through Apple- maybe I could work with HC to get to some common ground. Please let me know. . .But are you willing to accept that a supplier can exploit other avenues. Please let me know.What was he asking?There are so many questions that Jobs answered exactly none of them. Jobs response was to-the-point, and he asked just one simple, rhetorical questionMaybe Im missing something, but I dont see any other alternatives. Do you?Its easy to imagine he was getting sick of the meandering correspondence.When you ask more than one question in an email, you run the risk of not getting an answer. A more effective strategy is to make one request per email. If you need to ask another question, wait to get the first response.2. Kee p the konzeption simpleA key to Apples success is its relentless commitment to simplicity. This is evident in the smallest design decisions on products, and its clear in Jobs emails. In Jobs emails, there is one common design element that enables the reader to quickly skim the email and understand its main points.Unlike Murdochs emails with their unwieldy paragraphs, Jobs emails included lists. He separated his messages into easily digestible points that contribute to the same argument.Consider using lists or adding space and emphasis in your own emails to drive home your point.3. Remove filler wordsJobs didnt use adjectives, adverbs, or other filler words. His sentences were straightforward and concise.Murdochs sentences, on the other hand, were long and clunky. For exampleIt seems though that we in each one we largely encounter a take it or leave it set of terms . . .Typo aside, heres what the sentence would be without fillersEach discussion gives us a take it or leave it set of t erms . . .If you tend to use a lot of adverbs and adjectives - words like though, largely, seems, that, and really - make it a habit to remove them before you send an email. Reread the edited draft. If an adjective or adverb was necessary, itll be obvious, and you can add those back in. This will make your emails clearer and crisper.4. Use the active voiceMost rules have exceptions. This one does not. Stephen King has a strong opinion on the topicTwo pages of the passive voice- just about any business document ever written, in other words, not to mention reams of bad fiction- make me want to scream. Its weak, its circuitous, and its frequently tortuous, as well. How about thisMy first kiss will always be recalled by me as how my romance with Shayna was begun. . . . A simpler way to express this idea- sweeter and more forceful as well- might be thisMy romance with Shayna began with our first kiss. Ill never forget it.The passive voice often sounds timid and lacks clarity. For examp le, consider this line from MurdochIn short- we would like to be able to get something done with Apple- but there are legitimate concerns.Using the active voice would make it a bit clearerWe want to work with Apple- but there are legitimate concerns.If you read the sentences side by side, you can see what King means when he calls the passive weak. Focus on using the active voice and strong verbs to strengthen your message.5. Close with your requestIn marketing campaigns, copywriters always put the call to action at the very end. The same should be true of emails. Why?If the request is embedded in the middle of the email, its likely to be forgotten. At the end, the recipient has just finished reading and is focused on the next step.In the emails between Jobs and Murdoch, Jobss agenda, or ask, was straightforward. He wanted Murdochs company on board for the iPad launch.But even though the point was abundantly clear, Jobs still ended on itWed love to have HC among the other publishers. The purpose of most emails isnt this complex. We often use emails to request a meeting, get permission for a change, obtain information, or do other daily tasks. But with a simple ask, ending with your request is even more important. When the recipient dashes off their reply, theyre more likely to respond to the last thing that was mentioned.It can often feel as if email takes up a lot of our workday. With these simple tips, not only will you simplify your email routine, but youll also find youll get better results.Natasa Lekic is the Founder of New York Book Editors, an editorial service that connects authors to veteran industry editors. In other words, theyre nerdy matchmakers.

New study 4 cups of coffee daily may make you practically immortal

New study 4 cups of coffee daily may make you practically immortalNew study 4 cups of coffee daily may make you practically immortalThe fountain of youth is right in our coffee cups. A new study found a link between drinking coffee and a longer life.In new research that was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Barcelona, researchers found that the more cups of coffee you drink, the lower your risk of dying.In a 10-year study of 20,000 participants, the people who hadfour cups of coffee per day had a 64% lower risk of dying during the study than those who never drank coffee. Even controlling for factors like people who put sugar in their coffee or the participants gender, diet, or age, the link between caffeine consumption and staying alive remained strong.Older adults can benefit from drinking coffeeBy the way, the Mayo Clinic also says that up to 4 cups of coffee a day is safe for adults.The link was particularly strong with older adults. Participants who were at least 45 years old and older had a 30% lower risk of mortality when they drank two cups of coffee a day.The studys lead author Dr. Adela Navarro suspects that this finding may be because coffee contains several bioactive compounds with tauglichkeit beneficial properties. Those benefits can include anti-inflammatory properties that can protect elderly adults immune systems. In fact, increasing your coffee intake has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.The Spanish study builds off of previous research that found that we can drink up to four eight-ounce cups of coffee before its no longer good for our health. In fact, one studys 15-year review of all coffee studies found that 400 mg caffeine/day in healthy adults is not associated with overt, adverse cardiovascular effects, behavioral effects, reproductive and developmental effects, acute effects, or bone status.So live long and drink coffee. Immortality may be just one sip away.

Certifications and Your Human Resources Career

Certifications and Your Human Resources Career Certifications and Your Human Resources Career People considering a career in the field of human resources frequently ask whether they need a degree or certifications to get employment in the field of HR. The answer is complex, with factors extending beyond the financial return, requiring thoughtful consideration as to how a certification might benefit you personally. Generally, certifications are considered a worthwhile investment. Why an HR Certification Might Be Needed Going forward with your career, you will be competing in the job market with people who have earned similar certifications. Companies that are looking for more strategic, financial, and organization development skills in their HR staff dont advertise these credentials as essential for applicants. In fact, many post these certifications as optional or decide not to require them at all, although they can be a substantial boost to career success. Obtaining either of the available certifications involves an investment of money for preparation courses and books. Theres also the time investment that requires hours and hours of study, often attending in-room class sessions. Talk to current HR people where you live  and want to work to find out answers from informed people about whether you need an HR certification. People reporting actual local conditions may differ from what you hear from industry publications or your schools career office. Different Types of Certifications No certification is required to work in the field of human resources. Certifications are optional in most circumstances. Increasingly, however, human resources professionals are seeking  certification  as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Recently, the HRCI added Associate Professional of HR (APHR) for college students. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has developed and is offering a competing certification program  that has been available since 2014. SHRM has established two competency-based certifications, the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) for early- and mid-career professionals and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) for senior-level practitioners. Additional certifications are available through professional associations in such areas as compensation and benefits management. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) offers certification as a Certified Professional in Learning Performance (CPLP). Compensation Differences According to research by Payscale.com, certified HR professionals make substantially more money than their uncertified counterparts. Employees with the SPHR certification make 93 percent more money overall than those who have no certification. Those with the SPHR also make 49 percent more than those who stop with the PHR. For all HR employees, the median pay with a PHR is $59,100, with an SPHR is $87,900, and is $45,600 with no certification. HR Promotions for Employees with Certifications HR professionals who have earned SPHR or PHR certifications also receive more promotions and achieve career success more quickly than their uncertified counterparts. For example, the percentage of HR employees receiving a promotion increased substantially with certification. For professionals at the HR associate level, 63 percent of professionals with certification were promoted to HR administrator while only 34 percent of uncertified employees were promoted. Promotions from HR administrator to HR generalist came in at 57 percent for certified employees and 27 percent for uncertified employees. As people progress in their HR careers, more and more personnel have industry certifications. At the vice president level, 42 percent of people holding these positions are certified. Thirty-nine percent of employees with the title of HR director and 30 percent of HR managers hold a certification.