The decision to become a professional organizer isn’t an easy one. However, transitioning to this social career is easier with a certification. So, your clients will appreciate it, and if you’re looking to work for a company, your employer will, too!
Highlighting your skills and personality is a start. But don’t underestimate the value of your certification. That piece of paper alone can get your foot in the door. Especially if you haven’t developed an extensive portfolio yet. It’s your best chance of getting your resume to the top of the pile. Want to know what potential employers are thinking? Here are 4 reasons why they’ll love your professional organizer certification!
Credibility
A certificate proves that you’re professionally trained. So it allows employers to see where you got your training and the certifying body. Did you research before taking your professional organizing course? A reputable school will prepare you to take other certification programs or tests like the one offered by the Professional Organizers in Canada (POC).
You can become a member of these associations if you like. They represent the interests of the profession. Plus, they’ll prepare you to tackle any issue or client that comes your way. Participate and there will be no doubt in employers’ minds that you’re the best candidate for the job.
Personal Growth
Professional organizing isn’t regulated in most states. So you don’t necessarily need a certificate or formal training to do it for a living. However, this means that the field is a mix of low and highly skilled organizers. How can employers tell who the real deal is? They’ll need to find people with organizing skills AND potential to excel.
When you get certified, you’re doing it electively. It shows employers that you go above and beyond. And it’s true – proper education and training matters to you! Developing hard skills is important, but you’ve taken the time to flesh out your soft skills as well. Your employers will know that you’re driven. This translates into doing the best job possible and providing clients with amazing service. What employer wouldn’t love that? Your penchant for life-long learning is a valuable trait—don’t forget it!
A wide range of skills
Knowing how to declutter or organize a closet isn’t instinctive. Professional training teaches you to look at the bigger picture. From here, you can analyze both your client and their space. Is your client trying to make a life change or are they simply wanting someone to handle their annual clear out? Maybe your client is downsizing or starting a family. Your certificate shows employers that you have the necessary training to solve their mess. Sometimes they just need a little help, but other times they may have chronic disorganization. But even if your client is on the extreme end of the spectrum, you’ll be able to handle it. Not everyone can create order out of a hoarder’s chaos. Thankfully, accredited schools and certifying bodies have seen it all. So you will truly able to walk the walk when it comes to handling challenges. Your certification guarantees it!
The best hard and technical skills
Soft skills inform your hard skills. However, being intuitive to someone else’s needs may or may not come naturally. Luckily, your professional training walked you through client-relations. But, you can’t start a business without learning how to handle tough clients! Because professional organizing can be an intimate matter—you’re going through people’s stuff in their homes—sensitivity is a must.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution! Every client is different. So the information you gather allows you to create custom organizing solutions that address client wants and needs. Adapting your organizing tactics to each client is necessary. Your certification shows employers that you can combine your creativity with hard skills. So you’ll be an asset to any team!
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Challenges are your best friend
The hardest part of the job is excelling under special conditions. Sometimes you’ll have an easy client. But if you wanted easy, you picked the wrong profession! From the aforementioned hoarders to small children in family homes—you must handle it all. Those who don’t have a certification likely haven’t been exposed to the most difficult cases. After all, how could they? Apprenticing means you’ll only see cases that the professional you’re shadowing handles.
Professional organizing courses prepare you with the most challenging and extreme case studies. Clients may not always intend to be difficult. But developing perseverance and an aptitude for handling tricky cases is invaluable. However, only half of this can be taught, and the other half you must learn on your own.
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