Itil Certification on Resume

What Is Itil Certification

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Certification is a globally recognized set of best practices for IT service management, issued by AXELOS, a joint venture between the UK Cabinet Office and Capita plc. This certification validates core skills and knowledge in areas such as incident management, service strategy, service design, service transition, and more. ITIL is highly significant in the industry as IT provides a systematic approach to delivering effective and efficient IT services, contributing to improved business productivity and customer satisfaction. Prerequisites for obtaining an ITIL certification typically include some level of professional experience in IT service management, though this can vary depending on the specific certification level. The certifications have different validity periods and renewal requirements; for instance, the ITIL Foundation certificate is valid for three years, with renewal achieved through continued learning or re-examination. Estimated preparation time and difficulty level depend on prior knowledge and experience but can range from a few weeks to several months, and the level of certification sought.

Should I Include ITIL Certification on Resume?

Including an ITIL certification on your resume can be beneficial if you're seeking roles in IT service management or related fields, particularly when IT aligns with the industry and career stage. The closer the job description matches the skills addressed by ITIL, the more valuable the certification becomes. Job seekers should list their most recently obtained certifications first to demonstrate relevance to the current position being applied for. In some cases, such as when applying for a role in a specific region or country where ITIL is widely used, including the certification might be essential. Conversely, if the role focuses on software development or another non-IT service management area, IT may be less important to include the certification.

Hiring Managers And ITIL Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers view an ITIL certification as evidence of a candidate's understanding and practical application of IT service management best practices.
• Specific skills or qualities associated with this credential include process improvement, incident management, service strategy development, and overall IT service alignment with business goals.
• In some industries, such as telecommunications or government organizations, the ITIL certification may set candidates apart from competitors due to its widespread use and recognition.
• Potential negative perceptions include a lack of practical experience in applying ITIL principles or an overemphasis on certifications without relevant work experience.

How to List ITIL Certification on Resume

• Exact formatting example: ITIL Certification, [Certification Level] ([Issuing Organization]), [Expiration Date if applicable]
• Do not include certification numbers/IDs unless specifically requested by the job description.
• Include renewal or expiration dates only if they are approaching or have recently passed.
• Always mention the certifying organization, for example: AXELOS or PeopleCert.
• For in-progress certifications, list them with a note of their anticipated completion date.

Where to List ITIL Certification on Resume

• ITIL certification should be included in a dedicated certifications section for easy visibility.
• If there is no certifications section, IT can be listed under the education or professional development sections.
• Include ITIL in the summary only if IT's directly relevant to the job being applied for.
• Multiple placements are appropriate when listing multiple certifications; list them in order of relevance to the target position.
• If an applicant has multiple ITIL certifications at different levels, prioritize them based on their alignment with the job description and the level of the certification. For example, if applying for a role requiring service strategy skills, list the ITIL Service Strategy certificate first, followed by other relevant certificates.

Examples of How to List Itil Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

ITIL Certification, v3 Expert (AXELOS), Expiry: December 2024

In a technical resume focused on IT Service Management, listing the ITIL certification with its level and expiration date provides clarity for recruiters about your expertise. IT also sets expectations around your ongoing commitment to professional development.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (University of XYZ), Graduated: May 2021 ITIL Foundation Certification (AXELOS)

For a recent graduate, IT's essential to emphasize academic achievements and relevant certifications. By listing your ITIL certification alongside your degree, you demonstrate your readiness for an entry-level IT Service Management position.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

ITIL Certification: ITIL Foundation (AXELOS), August 2018 ITIL Practitioner (AXELOS), February 2020 ITIL Managing Across the Lifecycle (MALC) (AXELOS), June 2021

In a dedicated certifications section, listing your ITIL credentials in reverse chronological order allows recruiters to easily understand your progression and depth of knowledge. This format is particularly useful for experienced professionals with multiple certifications in the same domain.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Key Skills: IT Service Management (ITIL V3 Expert) ITSM Process Improvement Service Strategy, Design, Transition, and Operation

In a skills-first resume format, focusing on relevant competencies is crucial. By grouping your ITIL certification under key skills, you highlight the specific areas in which you excel and make IT easy for recruiters to identify your suitability for a role requiring IT Service Management expertise.