A Top Tech Certificate Once Got You Hired on the Spot. Now It Gets You an Interview.
The resume earns a conversation, but curiosity and real interest close the deal.
The Intelligence Quest Podcast · How to Get Started In Tech | Ep. 11In 1997, telling an employer "I have an MCSE," Microsoft's top engineer certificate, could get you hired on the spot. Today, that kind of tech certificate gets you an interview.
Tylor Wentworth, a longtime technology worker who earned his MCSE in 1997 or 1998, remembers the old reaction as a simple, "Oh, really? You're in." He says certificates like these now serve a narrower purpose. They put recent study on a resume, and the resume earns a conversation. That includes the CCNA for Cisco networking, and Security+ and Network+ for entry level security and general networking from CompTIA.
The rest happens in person. Tylor says he would explain why the material matters to him, that he enjoys cybersecurity, reads the forums, and talks with other people about what is happening. The paper gets you in the room, and curiosity closes the deal.
Questions people ask
What do certificates like MCSE, CCNA, and Security+ actually stand for?
MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert, Microsoft's credential for engineers who set up and managed business computer systems. CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco's credential for handling networks. Security+ and Network+ are CompTIA credentials covering entry level cybersecurity and general networking.
Are tech certificates still worth getting?
Yes, for beginners. Many job listings still use them as a filter, so having one can keep your resume from being skipped. They work best when paired with hands on projects and the ability to explain what you learned.
If the certificate gets me an interview, what matters most in the interview?
Curiosity, shown through hands on projects and clear explanations, matters most. Employers respond to candidates who describe recent projects, explain what they learned, and ask thoughtful questions about the work. That personal interest is what turns an interview into an offer.