Why Should You Become a Notary?

A notary public, or sometimes just a notary, is someone licensed by the government to perform certain, legal functions. Notaries witness the signing of legal documents, like loans and contracts, and they can also administer oaths of office. Also, it's important to mention, that while they are licensed by the government, notaries are not paid by the government unless they're already government employees.

So Why Become a Notary?

There are two reasons to go through a course, take a licensing exam, and become a notary public. The first is that it allows you to participate in America's legal system in a way you couldn't before. This authority is a positive aspect for several people who want to get involved in legal affairs in ways they couldn't before. The second reason is that being a notary public looks good on your resume, particularly if you work in a field like real estate or banking where certain documents will need a notary's signature to be considered valid and binding.

How Does Being A Notary Make You More Employable?

Having a notary public on staff is a huge convenience for businesses that regularly need their services. For example, banks that specialize in mortgage loans and real estate contracts will need to have all of these documents notarized. Under normal circumstances, that would mean daily, or at least weekly, trips to the local notary public. It would also mean paying whatever fee the notary charged for his or her services, which could add up to a lot of money over the long term.

So, instead of using the services of an independently employed notary, a bank or similar business will simply hire someone with a notary license to work for them. An in-house notary typically has an official job title, and other responsibilities, but the fact that he or she can notarize documents without the need for the business to pay extra fees, or go to another location, makes notaries quite employable in many fields.

But What About The Competition?

On the one hand, being a notary is an advantage for those who work in a legal or financial field. On the other hand, being a notary is not enough to guarantee a job, or even sufficient to run your own business, according to US Notaries. Being a licensed notary is like having the right tie; it makes you stand out, but it isn't enough to make the right impression on its own. You still need the right suit to go with it, which in this case is made from your job skills and work experience.

With that said, being a licensed notary is not something that can ever hurt your chances of employment. In that way, it's similar to having a CPR certification; even if you aren't going to be expected to use it often at your job, it's still a point in your favor.

Your Training Could Be Free (If You Ask Your Boss)

Another good reason to become a notary is, in some circumstances, your employer will foot the bill for your classes and tests. If you work in a business that regularly requires the services of a notary public, chances are good there is a program where your employer sends candidates to take classes, and then get licensed. This gives you a solid opportunity to expand your resume, increase your skills, and make yourself that much more valuable to your employer. After all, if they invested in making you a notary, then it would only make sense that they'll want to keep you instead of letting you go.