If you are interested in a career in the tech industry, you’ve probably heard of Google Career Certificates: Google’s own brand of industry-specific online training. But are these courses right for you?
Not every online certificate is created equal and when deciding how to bolster your resume it’s important to understand the benefits of these types of alternative credentials, how they can improve your resume, and if they are worth your time.
Let’s dive into what exactly these courses offer, what they can add to your application, and how to list a Google Career Certificate on your resume.
What are Google Career Certificates?
Google Career Certificates are online training courses designed to provide industry-specific skills in high-growth fields within the technology industry, such as Data Analytics, IT Support, Project Management, and UX Design (user experience).
These programs are developed by Google and available through Coursera, a global online learning platform.
Google Certificates are a great place to start for anyone interested in the tech industry as they don’t require any previous experience or training. No matter your work history, you can branch out and start learning at your own pace. The programs are designed to be completed within six months, making them a great option to quickly add new skills to your resume. The training is 100% online, so can be completed from anywhere in the world and can easily fit around your current schedule. And the best thing, they are taught by industry experts at Google, so you know you are learning from the best.
Who are Google Certificates for?
Google Certificates are designed for people looking to transition into the tech industry, particularly those who don’t have a computer science or tech background.
These certificates are geared towards career changers, those new to the job market, as well as more experienced individuals looking to add new skills to their resumes.
What do Google Career Certificates add to your resume?
Google Career Certificates give you the hard skills and training that employers in these fields are actively looking for. They offer hands-on experience with industry-specific tools, provide an industry-recognized qualification, and help you create a professional portfolio.
Learn what specific skills are required for these jobs, and if your current resume is lacking any keywords or skills, by using our Targeted Resume tool to analyze job descriptions and highlight areas where you could improve your current skill list.
The cost of Google Career Certificates
Google Career Certificates cost $39 a month via Coursera.
These courses can take up to 6 months but, as they are self-paced, your price will vary depending on how long each course takes you to complete. An average completion time is between 3-6 months, so $117- $234.
You can also audit the courses for free, giving you access to all teaching materials but not graded tests or a certificate of completion. This is a great way to decide if the course is right for you before signing up.
Are Google Career Certificates worth it?
The simple answer: Yes.
These certificates are a great way to boost your resume and give you the tangible skills required for entry-level positions in these competitive fields.
Google Certificates are a great choice to add skills to your resume, as:
- They are designed for beginners
- They are quick to complete, so you spend less time learning and more time working
- They can can completed around your current schedule
- You are learning from the best
- They are cheaper and faster than a regular degree
How to list a Google Certificate on your resume
Listing a Google Certificate is the same as including a regular certificate on your resume.
You should include the:
- Name of the certificate
- Name of awarding institution (in this case, Google)
- Date of completion (or in progress)
- Expiry date (if applicable)
- Relevant skills (optional)
Here is an example:
Professional Certificate in UX Design, Google, Feb 2024
Relevant skills: UX Research, Wireframing, Usability Testing, Adobe XD
Where to include your Google Certificate on your resume
You can include your Google Certificate in various sections on your resume, including your:
- Education section
- Additional Information section
- Certificates and Trainings section
- Resume Summary
Here is an example of a candidate including a Google Certificate in their Education section:
Here is an example of listing a Google Certificate in an Additional Information section:
Here is an example of including a Google Certificate in a Certificates and Trainings section:
If you’re not sure if you’ve listed your Google certificate the right way on your resume, upload it to the tool below — it’ll scan your resume and give you detailed feedback and suggestions on how to improve your resume sections.
Should you include an in-progress certificate on your resume?
Yes, showing active education is always a positive addition to your resume.
While you are still completing your training, include your Google Certificate either as “in progress” or with an expected completion date.
Example:
Professional Certificate in UX Design, Google, in progress
When to include a Google Certificate on your resume and when not to
You should include your Google Certificate on your resume:
- If you are changing careers
- If you lack appropriate work experience for your new field
- To showcase your understanding of industry-specific skills
- To help beat the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
You should leave a Google Certificate off your resume if:
- You already have enough experience
- It’s not directly relevant to the application
- You have achieved a higher-level certificate/training
- The certificate has expired
Using your Google Certificate elsewhere
You can also include your Google Certificate in other areas of your application, such as:
- In your cover letter to highlight your skills
- During an interview to showcase education and training
- On your LinkedIn profile to optimize your profile for your new industry.
The top 5 Google Career Certificates for your resume
Let’s look at the top 5 Google Career Certificates, comparing what you will learn, the number of courses included, the hard skills you can add to your resume, and the careers these certificates lead to.
Don’t be put off if there is some unfamiliar terminology here. That’s what these courses are designed for! To teach you industry-specific terms and skills and to prepare you for work in these fields.
1: Data Analytics
Courses: 8
What you learn: How to process, prepare, and analyze data; data-based problem solving; data visualizations; data types and structures; and data-driven recommendations.
Skills: Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Ethics, Tableau, SQL, and R programming
Related jobs: Junior Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, Operations Analyst, Data Technician
2: Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
Courses: 7
What you learn: How to use online tools to connect and engage with customers and grow online sales and digital marketing campaigns, build e-commerce stores, and conduct market research.
Skills: Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Marketing Analytics, Industry tools such as Canva, Hootsuite, Shopify, Google Ads, and Google Analytics
Related jobs: Digital Marketer, Media Planner, SEO Specialist, Email Marketing Specialist, Marketing Coordinator
3: IT Support
Courses: 5
What you learn: Day-to-day IT support tasks such as troubleshooting, wireless networking, computer assembly, installing programs, system administration, and security.
Skills: Debugging, Cloud Computing, Encryption Algorithms and Techniques, Customer Service, Binary Code
Related jobs: System Analyst, Database Administrator, IT Specialist, Tech Support Specialist, Network Engineer
Further education: Advanced-level certificate available in IT Automation and Python
4: Project Management
Courses: 6
What you learn: How to plan, organize, and run multi-team projects; how to estimate time and budgets; how to identify and manage risks; problem-solving and strategic communication.
Skills: Stakeholder Management, Project Planning, Business Writing, Task Estimation, Agile Project Management, Scrum Events
Related jobs: Project Manager, Project Analyst, Operations Manager, Project Administrator, Scrum Master
5: UX Design
Courses: 7
What you learn: UX research, UX/UI studies, user-centered design, wireframes and
prototypes, and how to build a professional portfolio.
Skills: User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), UX Research, Wireframe, Usability Testing, Adobe XD
Related jobs: UX Designer, UI Designer, Interaction Designer, Virtual Designer, Product DesignerIndustry specializations: Build on your skills
Industry Specializations are a new addition to the Google Careers program that builds on the skills taught in Career Certificates and offers university-recognized credentials from over 300 institutions. Specializations currently include finance, healthcare, public sector, sustainability, and construction and make starting with Google Career Certificates even more beneficial for future career development.
FAQs
Are Google Career Certificates recognized by employers?
Yes. Google Career Certificates are recognized by a large number of top employers, including industry leaders such as Google, Deloitte, KPMG, Loblaw, Mosaic, Shopify, and TELUS.
Will a Google Certificate help me get a job?
While Google Career Certificates will not land you a job on their own, they will improve your resume, give you specific skills recruiters are looking for, and help you stand out to employers with industry-specific training. According to Coursera, “75% of program graduates report an improvement in their career trajectory” after completing a certificate.
How do I choose the right certificate for me?
Auditing a Google Certificate for free is the best way to find out which certificate is right for you. You can access all the course material for free and see if it aligns with your goals before spending any money.
