In 2025, more employers are focusing on skills when hiring. That means what you can do is just as important — or even more important — than what degree you have.

But just saying you have a skill isn’t enough. You need to prove it.

To do that, you should have two things:

  1. A portfolio (examples of your work)

  2. Certificates or short courses (also called microcredentials) that show you’ve learned and mastered useful skills.

A recent report from Coursera shows how powerful these certificates can be:

  • 96% of U.S. employers say microcredentials make a candidate stronger.

  • 90% are willing to offer higher starting pay to candidates with these credentials, especially for certificates in AI or those that offer college credit.

  • 86% of employers hired someone with a microcredential in the past year.

So having the right certificate on your resume can help you get noticed, move to the next stage of hiring, or even land the job.

Which Certificates Should You Add?

The key is to choose courses that are relevant to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a software developer role, a life coaching course doesn’t help — unless the company values leadership and coaching.

Look for certificates that match the skills needed for your industry, the company, and the job title. You can also use reports like Coursera’s or the World Economic Forum’s list of important future job skills.

Coursera lists the most in-demand skills in the U.S. today:

Top Tech Skills:

  • Generative AI (GenAI)

  • Data strategy

  • Cybersecurity

Top Soft Skills:

  • Business communication

  • Resilience and adaptability

  • Teamwork

  • Active listening

6 Free Courses to Consider

Here are six free courses you can take to build these skills. Some may charge a fee if you want a certificate, or offer a free trial to access the course.

  1. Generative AI for Beginners – Microsoft

  2. Big Data Strategies to Transform Your Business – DelftX on edX

  3. Free Cybersecurity Training – ISC2

  4. Effective Communication – Great Learning

  5. Diploma in Emotional Intelligence – Alison

  6. Remote Work Evolution for Everyone – HarvardX

When was the last time you updated your skills in these areas? Start now so you’re ready for the future of work — and new job opportunities that come your way.

Published: 3rd July 2025

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