The unrealistic expectation that certification candidates have also interferes with their ability to apply for appropriate jobs and perform well in job interviews. Just because someone has attained an MCSE doesn't mean they are going to be hired automatically into a job of any great responsibility. If they don't have any experience and they want to work for a company of any decent size, they are going to need to set their sights lower and be prepared to hump hardware around, replace hard drives, label backup tapes, and do the other grunt work in addition to working for a relatively low wage. Of course, if they also develop the attitude that the certification makes them something special, a member of some kind of elite group that deserves a high salary, and they communicate that attitude in the job interview, they won't even get the entry-level position. This is not to say that certification is without value or that you should forsake your ambitions.
Certification can possess significant value, but only if seen in a more balanced context.
Don't also forget soft skills, such as the ability to communicate well and get along with people.