Complete guide on listing shrm certification on your resume. Learn proper formatting, placement strategies, and see real examples that help you stand out to employers. Includes tips for highlighting your shrm skills effectively.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers a set of globally recognized certifications designed to validate HR knowledge and expertise. The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) are two such credentials, aimed at mid-level and strategic-level practitioners respectively.
Issuing Organization: The SHRM Certification is awarded by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a global professional organization dedicated to advancing HR practices and serving the needs of HR professionals.
Validated Skills: The SHRM certification validates core HR competencies, including strategic planning, workforce management, total rewards, employment law and compliance, and organizational development.
Industry Significance: In today's rapidly changing business landscape, the SHRM certification is increasingly valued by employers as a benchmark for HR professionals seeking to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and stay current with best practices.
Prerequisites: To be eligible for either SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, applicants must meet specific prerequisites related to education, work experience, and continuing education hours. Please refer to the official SHRM website for detailed eligibility requirements.
Validity Period and Renewal: SHRM certifications are valid for three years, after which recertification is required. Recertification involves earning continuing education credits (CEUs) and demonstrating ongoing professional development.
Preparation Time and Difficulty Level: The estimated time to prepare for either certification varies among individuals but typically requires several months of focused study. The difficulty level is moderate, as IT assumes some basic HR knowledge and familiarity with the SHRM Body of Competencies and Knowledge (BoCK).
Including your SHRM certification on your resume can enhance its value, particularly in the HR field. However, the decision should be based on factors like industry, career stage, and geographical context.
Career Stage: For early-career professionals, including the certification might demonstrate a commitment to professional development and may help secure entry-level HR positions. For mid-career or advanced professionals, having the SHRM certification can highlight their expertise and contribute to their credibility within the field.
Recency: If you have recently obtained your certification, IT is appropriate to include IT on your resume. As the certification approaches renewal, IT may be less prominent but still relevant to mention in certain contexts.
Situational Value: In competitive job markets or regions with a high concentration of HR professionals, having the SHRM certification can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the field.
Less Important Inclusions: If the job for which you are applying is outside the HR field or if you have not yet obtained the SHRM certification, IT may be less important (or even unnecessary) to include IT on your resume.
Decision Influence: A SHRM certification can positively influence a hiring manager's decision, demonstrating a candidate's commitment to HR excellence and up-to-date knowledge of best practices.
Associated Skills/Qualities: Hiring managers associate SHRM certified professionals with strong strategic thinking, sound technical knowledge, and the ability to apply HR principles in practice.
Industry Perspectives: In some industries, a SHRM certification is expected for mid-career or senior HR roles, while in others IT may be less common but still valued. IT's essential to research the typical qualifications for the positions you seek.
Setting Candidates Apart: A SHRM certification can help set candidates apart from their competitors by demonstrating a commitment to professional development and the ability to apply HR principles effectively.
Negative Perceptions: If the only HR-related experience on your resume is the SHRM certification without other relevant qualifications or work experience, IT may raise questions about your preparedness for the role.
Formatting: Include a dedicated "Certifications" section on your resume and list the SHRM certification under this heading. If you have multiple certifications, list them in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Example:
Certifications ————————- SHRM-CP | Certified Professional, Society for Human Resource Management Date of Certification: MM/YYYY
Certification Number/ID: If your certification includes a number or ID, include IT in the above format (e.g., SHRM-CP #12345). If not, simply list the certification name (e.g., SHRM-CP).
Expiration/Renewal Dates: Include the year of your certification's expiration or renewal date if applicable. This helps demonstrate your ongoing commitment to professional development. Example:
Certifications ————————- SHRM-CP | Certified Professional, Society for Human Resource Management (expires MM/YYYY) Date of Certification: MM/YYYY
Certifying Organization: Include the certifying organization's name in your listing to clearly identify the credential. Example:
Certifications ————————- SHRM-CP | Certified Professional, Society for Human Resource Management (expires MM/YYYY) Date of Certification: MM/YYYY
In-Progress Certifications: If you are currently pursuing a certification but have not yet received IT, consider listing IT under an "Education in Progress" section or noting IT in your resume's summary.
Certifications Section: A dedicated "Certifications" section is the most appropriate place to list your SHRM certification, as IT allows for clear organization and easy identification of your credentials.
Education Section: If you do not have a "Certifications" section or if the SHRM certification is relevant to your degree program, IT may be included in the education section. However, IT should still be listed after your degrees and any academic honors or achievements.
Summary: In some cases, particularly for senior-level professionals or those with extensive HR experience, briefly mentioning your SHRM certification in the resume summary can help emphasize your qualifications.
Multiple Placements: If you hold multiple certifications, list them in reverse chronological order (most recent first) within their respective sections. Ensure that your most relevant or highest-level certification is listed prominently.
Order/Hierarchy: When listing multiple certifications, place the SHRM certification after any industry-specific certifications if applicable, and before other professional certifications not directly related to HR.
Certifications: Shrm Certification, Issuing Organization, Issued on March 1, 2020 (Expires on February 28, 2023)
In a technical resume, IT's beneficial to list certifications in a dedicated section for easy visibility. The Shrm Certification carries significant weight in the HR technology field, so listing IT clearly and prominently demonstrates your commitment to staying current with industry best practices.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management, University, Graduated on May 1, 2021
Certifications: Shrm Certification, Issuing Organization, Issued on October 1, 2021 (Expires on September 30, 2024)
For recent graduates, IT's essential to highlight their education and certifications in a way that emphasizes their fresh perspective and dedication. Listing the Shrm Certification under the Education section helps show that the individual has already taken steps to advance their HR career before even entering the workforce.
Certifications: Shrm Certification, Issuing Organization, Issued on January 15, 2020 (Expires on January 14, 2023)
In a resume with a dedicated section for certifications, IT's crucial to provide relevant details like the certification name, issuing organization, and validity period. This format ensures that your certifications are easy to find and understand by potential employers who may be scanning through numerous applications quickly.
Key Skills: Shrm Certification (Issuing Organization, Issued on October 15, 2021 Expires on September 30, 2024) Proficient in HRIS systems (Workday, UltiPro) Strong knowledge of employment law and regulations Exceptional interpersonal communication skills
In a skills-first resume format, IT's essential to incorporate the relevant certifications within the key skills section. This approach allows employers to quickly identify your most important qualifications without having to search through multiple sections of the resume. By including the Shrm Certification alongside other key HR skills, you demonstrate your expertise and commitment to staying current with industry best practices.
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