General Questions
What is a Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
A Learning and Employment Record (or LER), is a digital record of learning and work that can be grouped together with other individual LERs for use in describing their abilities when pursuing education and employment opportunities.How are Learning and Employment Records (LER) different from resumes?
Unlike traditional records such as resumes, certificates, transcripts, and diplomas, LERs are a secure and detailed record of verified achievements that can easily transfer from one job or learning experience to another.What types of information are included in a Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
A Learning and Employment Record (LER) includes information about an individual's skills, competencies, credentials, and work experiences, encompassing details from their education, training, workplace achievements and community activities.Are Learning and Employment Records (LER) better than resumes?
Learning and Employment Records (LERs) are generally considered "better" than traditional resumes because they offer a more comprehensive and verifiable picture of a person's skills and achievements throughout their career, going beyond just job titles and dates, allowing for a more accurate assessment of their abilities when compared to a resume which can be subjective and limited in information.If I already have a resume, why do I need a Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
A Learning and Employment Record (LER) offers a more comprehensive picture of your skills and competencies, including informal learning experiences, verified credentials, and detailed achievements, allowing employers to better assess your capabilities beyond just job titles and dates, particularly in a skills-based hiring landscape where traditional resumes might not capture the full range of your abilities.What costs would I need to pay in order to build and update my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Building your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) is free. However, you may incur costs when working with other vendors or service providers to obtain some of the information you need to populate your personalized LER.Do I need to provide any private or sensitive information when I create my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
When creating a LER.me account, you generally do not need to provide any highly sensitive personal information like your Social Security number, bank details, or medical records; however, you will likely need to provide basic identifying details like your name and email address to set up your profile.If I have LinkedIn, why do I need an LER?
While LinkedIn may be great for networking and maintaining a public profile that showcases your experience and credentials. LER.me focuses on validated skills, experiences, and credentials. On LinkedIn, skills and endorsements are self-attested and not validated, while LER.me ensures that everything in your Learning and Employment Record (LER) is validated. Employers can use LERs to find candidates with validated qualifications, making the hiring process more efficient.Access and Use Cases
Which Employers use Learning and Employment Records (LER) to assess potential candidates for jobs?
Walmart, Amazon, Google, IBM and Salesforce are among the hundreds of large employers that have adopted LERs in support of their recruitment, learning and development processes. There are also dozens of U.S. State Government Agencies, Foundations and LER collaboratives who are continuing to orchestrate and accelerate LER adoption throughout the Country, including the Alabama Talent Triad, National Governors Association and others.
How do Employers access and use my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
An employer can verify information on your LER.me Learning and Employment Record by accessing the underlying data source directly through the LER platform, which typically involves checking with the issuing institutions or organizations that provided the credentials listed on your LER, similar to how they might verify a traditional degree by contacting the relevant university registrar; this process often utilizes digital verification methods like blockchain technology to ensure authenticity and prevent tampering.
At what stage(s) of the recruitment process do Employers access and use my Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Employers typically use your LER.me during the resume screening stage of the recruitment process, but may also leverage LER.me during other phases including during hiring and onboarding.
Which Universities and Colleges use Learning and Employment Records (LER) to assess applicants?
Currently, there is no list available detailing which college or university accepts an LER, but per the National Governors Association, colleges are increasingly using LERs as an enrollment tool, targeting students for admissions offers and scholarships based on the information provided via their LERs.
What does skills-based hiring and advancement mean?
Skills-Based Hiring and Advancement (SBHA) is the process by which employers and their HR service providers identify, recruit, hire, and advance candidates based on the match between a work opportunity's skill requirements and a candidate's skills.
Types of Information in LERs
What is a learning credential?
A learning credential is a documented award that verifies a person has achieved specific learning outcomes. Credentials can be earned by completing a course, passing an assessment, or meeting certain requirements. Examples of learning credentials include Diplomas, Degrees, Licenses, Certificates, Badges, and Professional or industry certifications.
What is a micro-credential?
A micro-credential is a small, specialized credential that demonstrates a person's skills, knowledge, or accomplishments in a specific area. They are designed to be more flexible, accessible, and time-efficient than traditional degree programs or larger certifications.
What is a learning certificate?
A learning certificate is a credential that demonstrates a student has completed a program and gained knowledge or skills in a specific area.
What is an achievement?
An "achievement" refers to any verifiable accomplishment or skill gained through education or work experience, including degrees, certificates, specific course completions, professional licenses, project successes, or even demonstrable competencies acquired in a workplace, all documented in a digital format that can be shared with potential employers or educational institutions; essentially, it's a detailed record of an individual's learning journey beyond just traditional degrees or certificates. LER.me LERs can capture smaller achievements, like completing a specific training module or mastering a particular skill, not just major milestones.
What is a digital skills badge?
A digital skills badge is a virtual icon that verifies and displays a person's skills and knowledge in a specific area. It's a web-based credential that can be shared and is easy to verify. Digital badges can be used to showcase a person's professional development and skills to potential employers, recruiters, and colleagues.
How are digital skills badges different than a Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
A digital skills badge represents a single, specific skill or competency achieved by an individual, while a Learning and Employment Record (LER) is a comprehensive digital record that captures a person's entire learning journey, including multiple skills, experiences, and achievements across their education and career, providing a much broader picture of their capabilities.
Feature and Function: How-To Questions
What is an LER.me Digital Wallet?
The LER.me Digital Wallet allows users to collect and manage their Credentials, Skills & Experiences using the following methods: Sync, Connect, Upload, Embed and Link.
What is an LER.me Digital Resume?
LER.me Digital Resume(s) allow users to curate Learning and Employment Records (LERs) from the contents of their Profile and Digital Wallets. Digital Resumes may be printed, emailed or exported as PDFs. Shared resume(s) will be used to generate personalized learning and earning recommendations.
How do I add a skill to my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
To add a skill to your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER), navigate to your LER dashboard, access the "Skills" section, and click on the "Add Skill" button. Then, type in the skill name, select the relevant skill category (if applicable), and provide any additional details like proficiency level or context for how you acquired that skill; you can also often upload supporting evidence like certificates or project descriptions to further verify your competency.
How do I add a credential or micro-credential that I’ve earned from another business, organization or learning program to my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
To add a credential or micro-credential earned from another organization to your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER), you typically need to import the credential data directly from the issuing organization's platform, if they offer integration with LER.me, or manually enter the details of the credential by providing information like the issuing body, credential name, date earned, and any relevant descriptions or evidence of completion (like a digital badge or certificate link).
I have obtained microcredentials from Credly - how can I add these to my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
To add Credly certifications to your LER.me profile, you can copy the public URL of your Credly badge and paste it into the relevant section on your LER.me profile; most platforms allow you to add a link to your certification, which will then direct viewers to your Credly badge where they can verify its authenticity.
I have obtained microcredentials from Google - how can I add these to my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Your microcredentials from Google can be linked or embedded in the "Credentials" section of your LER. If you have a physical copy of your credential, you can upload a photo or pdf file of the credential for employers and/or education institutions to preview.
I have obtained microcredentials from Microsoft - how can I add these to my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Your microcredentials from Microsoft can be linked or embedded in the "Credentials" section of your LER. If you have a physical copy of your credential, you can upload a photo or pdf file of the credential for employers and/or education institutions to preview.
I have obtained microcredentials from Accredible - how can I add these to my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Your microcredentials from Accredible can be linked or embedded in the "Credentials" section of your LER. If you have a physical copy of your credential, you can upload a photo or pdf file of the credential for employers and/or education institutions to preview.
I have obtained microcredentials from my University or College - how can I add these to my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
To add microcredentials from your university or college to your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER), you will need to access your LER platform, navigate to the relevant section for adding credentials, and typically either upload a digital badge (if available), provide a link to the microcredential on your institution's platform, or manually input the details of the microcredential, including the course title, issuing institution, and date of completion; most importantly, ensure you have the necessary verification information ready to support your claim of earning the microcredential.
How can I share my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) with Universities or Colleges?
To share your LER.me Learning and Employment Record with universities or colleges, navigate to your LER.me dashboard, select the relevant information you want to share, generate a shareable link or download a verifiable credential, and then provide that link or file directly to the university during the application process; most institutions will likely ask you to upload your LER through their online application portal or provide a link to access your digital record.
Is there a cost for sharing my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) with Universities or Colleges?
No, currently there is no cost associated with sharing your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) with universities or colleges; LER.me is a free platform for creating, managing, and sharing self-sovereign LERs, meaning you can share your record with institutions without incurring any direct fees.
How does an employer verify the information that I provide in my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
An employer can verify information on your LER.me Learning and Employment Record by accessing the underlying data source directly through the LER platform, which typically involves checking with the issuing institutions or organizations that provided the credentials listed on your LER, similar to how they might verify a traditional degree by contacting the relevant university registrar; this process often utilizes digital verification methods like blockchain technology to ensure authenticity and prevent tampering.
How does a University or College verify the information that I provide in my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
A University or College verifies information provided on a LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) by accessing the digital credential embedded within the LER, which is cryptographically signed by the issuing institution, allowing them to confirm its authenticity and verify the details of the learner's achievements without needing to contact the institution separately; essentially acting like a digital transcript with built-in security features.
Do recruiters have access to my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Recruiters do not have access to your LER account. You can however, allow for your resume to be viewable within the platform. You can share the information within your LER, such as your list of skills or credentials during face-to-face or virtual face-to-face interactions with the recruiter.What criteria is used to certify or verify my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
To certify or verify an LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER), the key criteria include: ensuring the issuing institution or organization is recognized and credible, verifying the accuracy of the learning experiences and skills listed, and utilizing secure digital verification methods to prevent tampering, all while upholding privacy standards and allowing individuals to control their data sharing; this often involves alignment with established standards like Credential Engine or Open Badges, depending on the specific LER platform and its verification process.
Do I need to obtain my college transcript myself in order to include it in my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Yes, to include your college transcript in your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER), you will typically need to obtain it yourself from your college's registrar's office or through the National Student Clearinghouse.
How does LER.me make my Learning and Employment Record (LER) more discoverable to prospective employers?
LER.me makes your Learning and Employment Record (LER) more discoverable to prospective employers by providing a centralized digital platform where you can showcase your skills, credentials, and experiences from various sources in a standardized, verifiable format, allowing employers to easily search and access your relevant competencies through a single point of access, rather than relying solely on traditional resumes which may not fully capture your full skillset.
Will my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) ever expire?
No, an LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) is not designed to expire; it is intended to be a lifelong record of your learning and employment experiences, meaning you can continue to add to it throughout your career, and it will remain accessible to you indefinitely.Do I need to renew my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)? If so, how often?
It is encouraged to update the information within your LER whenever you have attained a new skill or have a new experience. For best practice, we suggest updating your LER once a quarter to track your educational and professional growth.
When I update or change my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER), will you notify any employers about these updates or changes?
No, when you update or change your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER), the platform will not automatically notify any employers about these changes. The privacy of your LER is paramount, and you have full control over who can access your information. Sharing is optional: You must actively choose to share your LER with potential employers by sending them a link to your profile or by integrating your LER with a job application platform that supports it. Employer access is controlled: If an employer requests access to your LER, they will need to request permission from you first. You can choose to grant or deny access based on your preference. No automatic updates: Even if you update your LER, employers who have previously viewed it will only see the version that was available to them at the time they accessed it unless you actively share the updated version with them.
Can I print or create a PDF version of my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Yes. You can print to PDF or physically print the webpages that hold your LER information. You can keep a physical copy for yourself or share it as an additional attachment to include with your resume or application.
Can LER.me help me to create my resume?
Yes, LER.me can definitely help you create your resume. It's an AI-powered resume builder that allows you to input your work experience, skills, and education, and then generates a professional-looking resume based on your information. Customization options: While LER.me provides a base structure, you can edit and tailor the generated content to match your specific needs and highlight your most relevant accomplishments. ATS optimization: LER.me can optimize your resume to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which are software used by many companies to screen resumes. Multiple templates: Choose from a variety of resume designs that fit different industries and career levels. Easy to use interface: The platform is designed to be user-friendly, even for those with limited resume writing experience. How to use LER.me to create your resume: 1. Sign up: Create an account on the LER.me website. 2. Enter your details: Fill in your personal information, work experience, education, skills, and any relevant achievements. 3. Select a template: Choose a resume template that best suits your career field. 4. Generate your resume: LER.me will automatically create a draft based on your input. 5. Review and edit: Carefully review the generated content, making any necessary adjustments to ensure accuracy and highlight your strengths. 6. Download: Download your resume in a PDF format ready to be submitted to potential employers.
Do I need access to the Internet in order to access or update my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER)?
Yes, you need access to the internet to access or update your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) as it is a digital record stored online, requiring an internet connection to log in and manage your information on the LER.me platform.
Can I access or update my LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) on my mobile phone or tablet?
Yes, you can access and update your LER.me Learning and Employment Record (LER) on your mobile phone or tablet through the dedicated LER.me app available on both iOS and Android app stores, allowing you to manage your professional profile and credentials on the go.