Importance of a Credential File

1. Importance of a Credential File Presented by Career and Professional Development Center Frostburg State University

2. Opening a Credential File • Must sign Credential File Activation Form • A $20.00 Activation fee maintains your file for 7 years. Activation fee may be paid at the Business Office during business hours. (Forms for opening your file may be obtained on our web page) • 2 types of files: • Open-Retain your right to see content of file • Closed-Waive right to see your letter of recommendations. Letters of recommendations for “closed” files must be mailed to our office in a sealed envelope w/the senders name signed across the back seal of the envelope.

3. Credential File Policies • Original copies should be placed in your file. • Individual responsible for updating their information and keeping it current.. • Requests made by student and employer by emailing careerservices@frostburg.edu or by filling out a “Send To” form located in our office or on our website as a PDF file. • A original copy of your official transcripts should be keep in your credential file. You may obtain a transcript by visiting the Registrar’s Office

4. EXTRA INFORMATION TO HELP OUT • Students can remove items from their file at any time. • Letters of recommendation can be removed by name of author, however, once removed they can’t be returned to the file. Any confidential recommendations are destroyed immediately when removed. • Once a file has be opened at a “closed file” and any information has been put in them, the file must remained closed or you can have the file destroyed and start the opening of a credential file process all over again. • After the 7 year maintenance period, the file will be destroyed. If you wish to have your file remain active after the 7 year period , you MUST repay the $20.00 activation fee at the business office again before the 7 year deadline.

5. Statement of Interest • Purpose is to allow graduate programs to learn about your strengths. • Elements in a statement of interest: • Goals desired from the program • Philosophy/Theoretical approach to the degree sought • Experience that highlight your strengths • Expression of your values and commitment to the profession

6. Resume • Layout/Presentation must be Professional • Use action verbs that “show & tell” what your skills, strengths, and accomplishments are • Laser printed on quality resume paper • Make and appointment and bring your resume by our office for critiquing @ 301-687-4403.

7. Letters of Recommendation • Ask people who champion your career • “Can you write me a strong letter of recommendation?” • Give writer courtesy of time, addressed envelopes, and copy of your resume • Give writer at least 2 month notice. • Writer may use form or write a letter • Keep recommendations current • Do you want a closed or open file?

8. Test Scores, Transcript, Certificates, and stuff • Test scores-NTE/Praxis, GREs, GMAT must be requested by the Counseling Center @ 301-687-4234 to be sent to file • Only original transcripts may be in file • Certificates may be submitted to file • Files cannot include: health records, fingerprints , citizenship, birth certificates, or copies of academic work

9. Our office can help you…124 Sand Spring Hall ~ 687-4403 • Critiquing resumes,majors counseling and internship assistance • Career decision-making/goal setting • Job search and networking assistance • Interviewing strategies and mock interviews • Applying to graduate school