3 Reasons to Earn the SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential
Just in case you missed it, during the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Talent Conference, they announced a new specialty credential in talent acquisition that will launch in June 2018.
If you’re wondering what a specialty credential is, think of it as sort of a micro credential. It demonstrates your knowledge and skills specifically in talent acquisition. You do not need to be SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP to pursue this credential. So, why study for it? Here are three reasons:
- For yourself. There are many HR-related credentials out there. This one is focused on talent acquisition. For individuals who are solely dedicated to recruiting and talent acquisition, this gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities. Pursuing a credential can make you stand out when it comes to new career opportunities both inside and outside your organization. Even if you don’t spend 100 percent of your time on talent acquisition, it could make sense for you to get the specialty credential.
- For your organization. Sourcing, engaging, and retaining talent are top priorities for organizations. Senior management will want to know that the people creating and leading their talent strategy know their stuff. Having a credential can indicate to your boss and company that you’re knowledgeable and decided to the talent acquisition profession. And if you’re a generalist, it can allow the organization to see that you’re committed to the strategies surrounding talent.
- For your candidates. Talent acquisition professionals spend tremendous time and energy building relationships with candidates. For the jobs they have today and the ones they will have tomorrow. Being able to share with candidates that you’re a dedicated talent acquisition professional can make you and your organization stand out in the candidate’s mind. Think employment brand. Candidates know they’re dealing with professionals and, as a result, the candidate experience will be top notch.
To earn the credential, individuals must enroll in SHRM’s Talent Acquisition: Creating Your Organization’s Strategy seminar (available in-person or online); participate in six comprehensive SHRM eLearning courses on talent acquisition-specific topics including recruiting, analytics and hiring trends; and pass an online 50-question knowledge exam.
The organizational focus on talent acquisition isn’t going away anytime soon. The numbers tell us that. With Boomers planning their exit strategies and fewer Millennials coming into the workforce, companies need to think about how they will find the best talent. And they will be looking for the best people to do it.
P.S. If you’re thinking about putting together a study plan for this new specialty credential, a resource that might help you is “A Manager’s Guide to Developing Competencies in HR Staff: Tips and Tools for Improving Proficiency in Your Reports” by Phyllis Hartman. This book offers practical tools in terms of checklists and spreadsheets that you can use for self-learning or guiding your team. I could see a book like this becoming a roadmap for earning the specialty credential along with the SHRM seminars and eLearning courses.
P.P.S. (April 25, 2018) I just learned that SHRM has set up a webpage where you can register for updates about the new Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential. Check it out when you have a moment. Thanks!
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