Helping candidates to become experts
The shortage of qualified experts is a challenge which can only be met successfully through sustainable concepts. Every solution has to be assessed based on the level of strategic advantage it brings to a company and at the same time on the degree of support it offers to interests of prospective candidates. This is our philosophy and the basic idea behind it is simple: xinonet discerns promising candidates and has the tools to help them become real jewels, through training and certification.
Since the certification of an employee can be decisive in helping a company gain or maintain partner status –which in turn has an impact on its position in the market– the certification question has a fundamental and strategic importance. The fight for talents is particularly fierce in the field of certified experts.
Within the framework of our clients’ talent development programmes, we carefully select prospective candidates’ profiles, define career and certification goals in close cooperation with both clients and candidates, take care of a smooth process with regard to suitable training courses and simultaneously guarantee to meet the agreed goals within the defined time frame.
Manufacturer certifications – the Cisco example
Cisco Systems are not only renowned for their high quality network component products -such as routers and switches- but also for their established certification programmes. From Professional level on or even starting below this, network specialists with a Cisco certification are universally acknowledged as highly qualified experts. Needless to say, this does not only cover knowledge particular to Cisco products but is applicable to the whole world of network technology. For this reason we are exclusive partners to one of the biggest Cisco Learning Solutions Partners in the world and are able to offer integrated programs –including recruitment– to help prospective candidates become certified specialists, up to the level of CCIE Voice for example.
Cisco certification – what is that?
There is a way for everyone, regardless of the level of experience, to enter the world of certifications. Cisco certifications comprise four levels: Associate (as the basis level of network certifications), Advanced Level Professional, Expert and Architect, with the latter being the highest certification level for network technology experts. These four certification levels are yet again subdivided into different certification paths. Depending on the respective field of work there are possibilities to specialise in certain areas:
• Borderless Network Solutions
• Collaboration Solutions
• Data Center Solutions
• Service Provider Solutions
Further information about Cisco certifications can be found here: Cisco Website
Since there are a multitude of manufacturers and possible specialisations, a candidate needs to keep in mind that not every certificate may make sense for them in the light of their particular background. However a certificate can suitably complement the candidate’s skills, and can for example
• open doors to certain job offers on the market
• be an internationally recognised proof of specialist knowledge in a certain field
• increase a candidate’s value on the market
Last but not least, the investment in terms of time and effort has to be taken into consideration. Associate and Professional certification exams can be prepared through self-study and are not rocket science to someone with the necessary practical experience. They comprise a written exam but no lab exam.
Expert certifications require extensive preparation and also include a lab exam.
