By Wanda Carter-Calhoun, MCHES® and L. Lynn Willis CHES®
Before starting to promote your CHES®/MCHES®, you should ask yourself one important question.
As the credential holder, looking to increase awareness of your credential, you may need to educate your current or potential employers regarding the value of your certification. You must position your credential as a benefit in the industry for those professionals who have earned it. Some employers and their hiring teams give preference to credentialed professionals, and may also encourage their staff to pursue credentialing by providing incentives (such as sponsorship of exam or recertification fees). CHES® and MCHES® are encouraged to look for ways to increase the CHES®/MCHES® credential visibility and effectiveness in the workplace.
When you are speaking to your current or potential employer about your certification, think about discussing the following:
· Once you are certified, share your accomplishment! Your credential creates a positive image and increases awareness of your professionalism. When discussing what you do for a living, be sure to mention that you are a credentialed professional. Include your credentials on your resume, curriculum vitae, and professional bios. If you have space on your profile summary, include a brief description of the credential and its value.
· Both the CHES® and MCHES® credentials are registered trademarks to protect the designation and all who are awarded this credential. The appropriate symbol to include immediately after the CHES® and MCHES acronyms is ®
Here is a possible (but not exhaustive!) list of ideas of where one can display the CHES® or MCHES® credential:
· Business cards
· E-mail signatures
· Letters and reports
· Memos and faxes
· Professional directories and listings
· Social media
Hope these tips help you increase the visibility of your credential. You earned it, so display it proudly!