RE: Certification

["Brian Whitfield" <brian_whitfield@mindspring.com>]

I've placed quite a few java developers over the years.  In all the
requirements I've gotten from companies, maybe only one or two asked for
Java certifications. 99% of them asked for someone who had specific on the
job experience with Java and some other niche component (like struts, swing,
etc.) rather than a certification. Seems like most requirements these days
also demand some sort of experience in middleware.

For other roles (networking for example), companies do regularly ask for
certification (ie. MCSE's, etc.).  They would get 1000 unqualified
applicants if they didn't.  Instead, the company will ask for someone with
an MCSE and 5 years of experience.


It's a shame when I see someone with strong experience that I know would be
great for the job but gets ignored because they don't have a piece of paper.

With Java candidates in particular, I've found that certification had little
to do with the actual quality of the candidate.

Some great candidates are certified, some equally great candidates are not.
I do not use certifications to judge a candidate.  Instead, I take the time
to actually talk to them about what they've done.  Anything less is short
sighted.


Brian Whitfield
Essential Resources
phone: 770-271-3755
fax: 770-271-9739
email:  brian_whitfield@mindspring.com