There are a number of prerequisites for new graduates looking to secure that all-important first job: An eye-catching resume, effective interview skills and the appropriate clothing. But, in a highly competitive job market, which has been made tougher still by the financial crisis, what else can new graduates do to get ahead of the competition?

In these challenging times, fledgling job seekers are realizing the importance of different certificates and the power they have to boost a candidate's job prospects. Such certificates may not guarantee success, but they certainly serve to demonstrate a candidate's versatility, which helps him or her to stand out from the crowd and get a strong foothold on the career ladder.

So, let's take a look at the top ten types of certificate which can help to propel new graduates into the ultra-competitive job market.

   Double Major Certificate 第二學位證

College graduates with double majors are becoming more and more sought after by employers. Besides their primary major, undergraduates may simultaneously apply for a second major from a different department. After completing all necessary credit requirements, students graduate with double degrees or majors (e.g., major in English Language & Literature and Economics). Students who take this kind of interdisciplinary approach to their studies get a wider academic education and broaden their horizons, both of which are attractive traits to potential future employers. Possessing a double major certificate is, to some extent, considered a symbol of versatility and a passport to career success. However, such a certificate doesn't necessarily reflect a candidate’s full range of abilities.