If you're a job seeker, you don't need to be told the job market is tough. You're experiencing it. You know you're competing with a lot of other qualified candidates, and it's difficult to stand out to employers. Yet the surprising thing is that many companies are having trouble filling positions, because they can't find candidates who have the right skills and experience.

That's why certifications can help set you apart from others and prove your commitment to a specific job field or occupation. Certifications can also save employers time and resources, because they won't have to provide as much on-the-job training…. If you're interested in pursuing a certification but aren't set on one just yet, here's information on six certifications in fields with bright job outlooks*:

3. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER[™ Certification]

What they do: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER[™ professionals] look at your financial picture and help you find ways to improve it. According to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, this is accomplished by gathering relevant financial information, helping you set life goals, examining your current financial status and developing a plan for meeting your financial goals. Read more >

MSN Careers
Debra Auerbach
June 25, 2012