Linux Jobs: Hands-On Experience Beats Certification

An Australian survey shows that organizations favor real-word experience over certification when it comes to hiring Linux programmers. This phenomenon is limited to Linux skills, however. Course completion and certifications are often required for developer and programmer positions in other areas. Since most positions require more than just Linux skills, certifications are still important, but don’t suffice without experience. According to Amit-Jobnet, Unix programmers are in high demand in Australia: 11.5 percent of all OS positions require Unix skills with an additional 3.3 percent asking for Linux skills. Peter Butterss of Ambit IT recruitment said: "Companies have been happy enough with people simply having practical experience, but this could well change as demand grows." "Predictions are that demand for Linux people will increase over the next few years but there will be no real spikes, because while Linux is low-cost and in some cases no cost, it does not have the support infrastructure of Microsoft," he added. Read more here .