Alphabet Soup


Are you one of those people on LinkedIn who puts every certification in your name field? 

Stop. Please, stop.

Not all certifications get matched up with your name.  The obvious ones that belong are MD, PhD, RN.  PMP is another.  A+ is not. Neither is ITIL.  MBA is a very iffy one. Take 'em away folks, if they don't belong. If you have several that do belong, be selective in the ones you put near your name. The cluttered look is not professional.

When you put your collection of certification by your name, you cross fully into the braggard field, a place you don't want to be. It also suggests you're a serial certificate earner, which indicates that you are a good test taker, not someone with practical knowledge.  If you're going after specific jobs that require one of the 'after name' certifications, then put it there, but don't leave all the rest up there. 

Remember, Keep It Simple (Stupid), as Less is More.

 

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  • 26 Sep 2008, 2:18 PM Byron Van Arsdale wrote:
    Excellent advice Jenn!

    I have a MCC designation (Master Certified Coach - International Coach Federation's highest designation) and few would ever know what it means! I buried it in my Summary and Groups/Associations section because it is important (very few of us) yet not widely know.

    Smart advise! Keep the clutter out of your profile so you can send a clear message of who you are and what you can do for others.

    Byron
    @headset (Twitter)
    Reply to this

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