Using SimplyCerts to Validate Your Skills: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Introduction: The Credibility Gap in Tech Hiring
When hiring junior developers or designers, managers scan dozens of resumes claiming proficiency in React, Python, or Figma. But how do they know who really knows those skills?
At Blip School, we built SimplyCerts precisely to close this credibility gap. Rather than relying solely on self-reported skills or generic badges, SimplyCerts generates professionally designed, verifiable certificates that demonstrate exactly what you’ve learned, built, and mastered.
In this detailed walkthrough, you’ll learn:
1. Why verifiable certificates matter to employers
2. How to generate and customize certificates step by step
3. Best practices for showcasing your credentials
4. Real-world impact stories from Blip School alumni
1. Why Employers Trust SimplyCerts
1.1. Verified Metadata & Transparency
Each SimplyCerts certificate embeds hidden metadata—issuance date, issuer information, project details, and a unique verification link. Employers can click the link and see:
Your name and completion date
Course or project title and description
Issuer (Blip School) and instructor name
This level of transparency reassures hiring managers that your certificate isn’t just decorative—it’s authenticated.
1.2. Standardized Design for Quick Scanning
Certificates follow a clean, consistent template, so recruiters immediately identify the skill, completion date, and issuing organization. This visual uniformity helps resumes and portfolios stand out in busy inboxes.
1.3. Endorsements & Skill Tags
You can include endorsements from mentors or peers (e.g., "Mentored by John Doe, Senior Engineer at Google") and skill tags (React.js, Node.js). These contextual cues elevate your certificate beyond a checklist and speak to real-world relevance.
2. Step-by-Step Guide: Generating a SimplyCerts Certificate
Below is an expanded process with tips, screenshots, and pro hacks:
Step 1: Access Your Dashboard
1. Log in or sign up to your SimplyCert account.
2. Click the "My Learning" tab.
3. Under completed courses or projects, find the "Generate Certificate" button next to the item.
Pro Hack: Ensure your profile photo and bio are up to date. Certificates link back to your public profile for verification.
Step 2: Select & Preview a Template
1. Choose from three style categories: Modern, Classic, or Minimal.
2. Preview the certificate with your name and course details in real time.
3. Adjust color schemes to match your personal brand or portfolio theme.
Design Tip: Use your portfolio’s accent color for consistency. A unified color palette demonstrates professionalism.
Step 3: Fill In Detailed Information
Certificate Title: e.g., “Front-end Development with React”
Recipient Name: Auto-filled from your profile
Completion Date: Default to the actual end date of your course/project
Skill Tags: Add up to five (e.g., HTML5, CSS3, React.js, REST APIs)
Endorsement (Optional): Add a brief line from your mentor or project sponsor
Copy Tip: Write concise, impactful descriptions. For projects, use metrics: “Built a portfolio site attracting 500+ unique visitors per month.”
Step 4: Add Verification & Security Features
1. Enable the QR code option to embed a scannable link.
2. Toggle on "Metadata Protection" to prevent tampering.
3. Save your settings and click “Generate Certificate.”
Step 5: Download, Share, or Embed
Download PDF: High-resolution file for printing or attaching to email.
One-Click Share: Post to LinkedIn, Twitter, or WhatsApp with pre-written captions optimized for engagement.
Embed Code: Copy HTML snippet to showcase directly on your portfolio website or Notion page.
Sharing Strategy: Pin your certificate post on LinkedIn for 30 days. Recruiters often scan featured posts for skills.
3. Showcasing Certificates: Best Practices
3.1. Integrate Into Your Portfolio
Embed certificates alongside project case studies. Under each project description, include a small certificate icon linking to the full credential.
3.2. Leverage LinkedIn’s "Licenses & Certifications" Section
Populate this section with your SimplyCerts credentials. Use the official Blip School URL as the issuing organization.
3.3. Use in Cover Letters & Emails
Reference your certificate in job applications:
“I recently completed 'Back‑end Development with Node.js'(SimplyCerts certified) which covered building secure REST APIs. I'm excited to apply these skills at [Company.]”
3.4. Maintain a Certificate Log
Keep a simple spreadsheet of all your certificates, dates, and skills. This helps you track learning progress and prepare for performance reviews or future interviews.
4. Real Impact: Alumni Success Stories
Case Study 1: Victor in Nairobi
Challenge: No formal degree and limited internship experience.
Action: Built three projects via Blip School, generated certificates for each using SimplyCerts, and embedded them in his online profile.
Result: Received three interview requests in one week and landed a paid internship at a SaaS startup.
Case Study 2: Chika in Lagos
Challenge: Fierce competition for remote roles.
Action: Added SimplyCerts credentials for UI/UX and frontend courses; shared certificate posts on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Result: Attracted a freelance gig paying ₦150K/month by showcasing verified skill badges.
Conclusion & Next Steps
SimplyCerts empowers you with more than a digital badge—it gives employers verifiable proof of your hard-earned skills. Follow the steps above to:
1. Generate customized, secure certificates.
2. Share them strategically across your portfolio and social profiles.
3. Maintain a growing library of credentials that demonstrate continuous learning.
Ready to elevate your career credibility?
👉 Generate your first SimplyCerts certificate now
🎓 Explore Blip School’s course catalog and earn more certificates as you learn:
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