Benefits from Supply Chain/Logistics Certifications?

Reader Question:

I’m a former Logistics / Materials Manager currently in Healthcare and hating it. I’m looking to return to the Supply Chain / Logistics field. APICS will offer a certification in Supply Chain Management in the Fall. Kennesaw State will offer a 10 week Logistics Certification program as well. Is there any enhanced value to the candidate to work toward these certifications, or does it matter to the hiring manager at all?

Recruiter’s Advice:

THANKS for asking! Our experience is hiring authorities look at:

• Work Experience that is directly related to the role they are hiring for. “Show me” that you’ve done this before and could excel doing it again at my company.
• Absolute bare minimum necessity requirements (i.e. degree, 3 yrs experience, direct supervision of 5 or more candidates, location, etc)
• Salary level
• Outside indicators of being able to exceed expectations. Examples include the specialty courses you are considering taking

Is it worth the money? That has to be your call. What are you going to do differently with the information taught? Certifications are very helpful but it is a little like assuming all college graduates are therefore equipped to performance identically. They’re not. It’s what you bring the hiring authority’s table and can back up your claims for expected superior performance.

By the way, let us help. Please send your resume. Let’s see if The SearchLogix Group might be working on something you might want to consider.