should I keep CERTIFICATES on my CV?

Question

My certificates range from Bloomberg to Reuters from scubadiving to google stuff and so on... Should I keep them on my resume? (I invested time and resources and they are connected to the work and other experience I did)

Now they are at the very bottom after 1.ACADEMIC 2.WORK EXPERIENCE 3.EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 4.LANGUAGES

Answer 1

Hi Anonymous,

in general you should keep certificates that:

Emphasize a skill useful in consulting (team-player, analytics, communication, etc) and/or
Backup one of the points you have mentioned in the CV (which by definition should be perceived as relevant for consulting)

If the skill is related to an interest only (eg scuba diving), assuming you have a Certificates area in your CV, I would actually not put it there but in the Interest/Extracurricular section, as demonstration of the level you reached (eg Scuba diving - 5+ years of diving in countries XYZ, level ABC certified)

Best,

Francesco

Answer 2

If they are relavent for the job OR if they are highly differentiating, yes.

So if you did a Coursera course on SEO, that's not relevant for strategy consulting.

If you have (advanced) certifications in Reuters Terminal or a CFA, that's more relevant, especially if you go into M&A advisory.

If you completed (advanced) teaching certifications, like the Swiss Mountain Guide examination, are a certified sky diving instructor, have a German "Trainerschein" etc. that shows that you are A) a bad-ass, and B) you can take care of other people and are able to work in teams. So put it on your CV :-)

Answer 3

Hi A,

If you have some courses that make you different from other candidates, you should include them. During the interview if partners find something uncommon on your CV, there is 90% chance that they will ask you about that. Make sure you have a story prepared.

On the other hand, if your courses are common: Bloomberg or Reuters, then it will not be interesting for an interviewer.

All the best,

Egor

Answer 4

Hi A,

You should definitely keep certificates on your CV if they are relevant to the consulting industry.

That will stand you out amongst other candidates. But make sure you can tell a good story in case the interviewer will be interested and ask you about it.

Best,

André

Answer 5

Hi,

If you do so, make sure they illustrate a relevant dimension during your work experience. For instance this can show that you push your job to extra mile, going back to learning when it's necessary to perform at right level. If you can't connect it, then I would remove it.

BEst
Benjamin