I don’t have the right credentials!
I was asked (grilled) today about my credentials. Not by a client, or even a prospective client, but by somebody who has A LOT of credentials themselves. Still, this threw me a bit and I thought I would explore.
What is the thought behind this fear?
That nobody will take me seriously, or hire me, if I don’t have the “right” credentials. That I need to run out and get myself some cred. How many certifications, degrees, titles do I need? How many letters after my name in the email signature is enough? Quick! Who can certify me?
Is it true?
Not in the least. I have never actually been asked about my credentials by somebody who wanted to hire me. The only question they ask is “Can you help?”. Yes, I can help. “You’re hired!”.
What could be equally as true and would serve me?
Study, learning, always increasing my skills, being GREAT at what I do. Those are essential to my success. Certifications and credentials? I’ll worry about that when I’m done serving my clients.
*On the off chance that I am completely wrong here, I have decided to go ahead and add one credential. It was awarded me by my good friend Gary.
Sincerely,
David Schwendiman BAMF
David Schwendiman 
David I completely agree. The only credentials that are required are those required by statute. Consultants, motivators, life/professional consultants… such as yourself are not required to have credentials and rightfully so because they don’t necessarily assure any quality in the work you can do. That being said, I know first hand how effective and on point you are. You really have helped me to keep focus. You of all people truly know how to help others tackle the challenges and see a clear path to their goals.
On the other hand, I need certifications… not credentials! I now teach drivers ed and am twice certified by the state though I have not chosen to secure other private sector credentials. While impressive to some potential new clients, most people don’t even know what the credentials/letters stand for or anything about the credentialing agencies.
Many years back, when I first became a paralegal there were many professional associations that wanted to sign me up to pay dues. They touted how their affiliation could make more connections and land me a better job. In the end, every potential new employer I interviewed for had never even heard of them. While random acronyms at the end of your name may impress some, many won’t know what they really mean or what the credentialing agency stands for anyway. Standing on your past success is still a tried and true measure. David you for one can stand tall knowing how many people you have helped over the years. Count me every time you do.
Signed,
AAS, BA, MBA, ADEI, and soon enough MSEd.
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Thank you for the kind words Andrew. AND I completely agree. Some professions require certification/licensing/etc. I definitely look for that little ‘MD’ at the end of my doctors name before I pay a visit 🙂
Difference is you aren’t beating us about the head with it. And I thank you for that!
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