What do you need on your resume that will catch the attention of any hiring manager?

Is it the length of experience you have in a particular field? Or is it the completion of relevant certificates and education programs that show you have the relevant theoretical knowledge? In this blog, Skills Certified looks at the difference in how employers value education and practical skills.

Know Your Industry

The first step to navigating job seeking is knowing your industry. Look at the type of roles on offer and do research into position descriptions of the roles you are interested in. Looking at the day-to-day tasks gives you great insight into what skills you need to be successful at that particular job.

Every hiring manager has a different process for sorting through candidates, but if you can clearly show that you meet the relevant skills whether, through education or practical experience, you have a head start.

Some industries might have an expected educational requirement to even be considered for the job in that field. In those instances, experience might not matter if you don’t have qualifications. However, in other instances, experience might be far more valuable to the role.

This is why carefully reviewing the selection criteria and day to day tasks can help you determine what you need for a successful application.

Experience and Education Complement Each Other

Most companies these days are looking to hire those with a more comprehensive and holistic skillset. This means you would likely need to show elements of both experience and education.

Make sure you are always looking to fill in those skill gaps especially as you move further up in your role or are looking to switch positions. Depending on what skill you have not mastered, a short internship or a diploma can go a long way to helping you reach your dream role.

Education helps you understand and acquire knowledge while experience helps you put what you’ve learnt into practice. You need both to be successful.

The Value of Upskilling

There’s never been a better moment to learn. Employers love when candidates or even current employees take the initiative to upskill and learn more. It shows drive, innovation and determination—which are all values hiring managers and employers look out for in candidates.

Skills Certified’s partner RTOs offer a range of course options for those looking to upskill or if you want further proof of your skills, you can opt to get a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and we can help make your resume more well-rounded.