Certs are great for breaking into a new area and/or expanding your knowledge. They provide a logical progression of topics that help you learn in a meaningful way. Then once you finish the course/book/video series, whatever. You can test your knowledge against the expected norm. The cert itself will not get you a job. You take a cert for the knowledge. The piece of paper is just a perk.

Seconded, If you are using company resources to hunt for a new job or flirting with co-workers you're bound to get caught anyways. Also why would you give a potential employer your direct extension or company email?