Should you get a social media certification?

It’s difficult to assess what someone knows about social media.

You can shortlist candidates who possess a degree from a “good” university, including communications, journalism or business graduates (although I’ve seen some degrees in English and linguistics, too). The more desirable candidates will also have a PR or marketing diploma, or a certificate from a community college.

Almost all candidates claim to have knowledge and experience of social media and, given the demographic, you’d expect them to. In truth though, it’s nearly impossible to tell how much someone actually knows until they are on the job.

Often these young professionals come up wanting when it comes to social media skills.

Social media certification programs

Résumés that have Google AdWords, Facebook Blueprint, Hootsuite Academy​ or similar accreditation are much more likely to make the first cut for hiring managers.