Article by: Jon Harvill CPC
APICS Atlanta Career Center Director
Article appeared in the February 2009 APICS Atlanta Newsletter

Every day we see higher starting salaries being strongly correlated with the possession of one or more an certifications awarded by professional associations.  Involvement in those organizations continues to be looked upon as a value add by smart hiring officials.

Just as a diploma, a four year degree or an MBA imply a level of capability and therefore create an expectation of a certain level of performance, a professional certification raises the bar of expectation. Frequently, work capability and performance follow that expectation. "We expect more and therefore we get more."

In APICS, the Association for Operations Management, the new CSCP is getting good reviews for preparing individuals with supply chain body of knowledge and with the ability to apply best practices.  The old CPIM and even to some extent the CIRM have not lost their value, but the addition of updated materials has bolstered the value of candidates with a CSCP certification.

Within the Institute of Supply Management (ISM), formerly known as the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM), the newest certification is the CPSM, and here in Atlanta the first certifications have been handed out very recently.  The C.P.M. is still considered the standard for sourcing professionals, but the value of the new certification will certainly be felt over the next several years.

The kind of individual who puts forth the effort and sacrifice to attain certification, typically also does other job related activities with the same relative excellence and professionalism:

• They are more active in APICS, ISM, and other professional associations, which leads to extra knowledge and stronger personal and professional networks.

• They know ways to get the job done and to make their employer more profitable. If they do not have the answer, they know others who do and who are willing to assist them.

• Their accomplishments testify to superior performance and, when asked, professional references may be more enthusiastic.

There are many qualified workers looking for the right opportunities in the present economy, and so hiring officials are looking for ways to seek out individuals who can exceed expectations and increase productivity. Therefore, an inflated premium is building for the more promising job seekers.

You personally need to be that exceptional performer. Better yet, create a team of exceptional performers.  You will find that the results can be astounding.

Jon Harvill CPC, recruiter with Professional Search of Atlanta Professional Search can be contacted at
770-952-0009, jharvill@psa-recruit.com, or visit professionalsearchatlanta.com