Northwest Career Services announces the transition to self-managed credential files beginning
September 1, 2009.

Career Services will help current students and alumni as they transition to self-maintained credential files.  Options include; 1) independently maintain hard or electronic copy or 2) maintain electronically through an outside vendor (Interfolio).

• Independently maintain - Hard copy or electronic
• Outsource - What is Interfolio?
• Self-Managed Credential Files 

Candidates with files currently maintained by Career Services who choose to outsource with Interfolio may contact Career Services through July 31, 2010 to have the contents of their file transferred.  Candidates with confidential letters of recommendation will not be allowed copies of those letters to independently manage their credentials, but can transfer them to Interfolio where they will remain confidential.  To obtain copies of confidential letters, Career Services would encourage candidates to follow-up with the author(s). 

Please view the following contents for more details.  If you still have questions or concerns, please, do not hesitate to contact Career Services at 660.562.1250.

What is a Credential File?
Why have a Credential File?
How to establish a Credential File?
Options available for self-managing a Credential File:

• Independently maintain
  • Hard copy or electronic
• Outsource - What is Interfolio?
  • Why use Interfolio?
  • Fees associated with Interfolio

What is a Credential File?

A credential file is a packet of information, sent to prospective employers or graduate programs during a candidate's application process.  Credential files may be used by candidates of any major.  Education majors have traditionally made use of these files to pursue teaching positions. 

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Why have a Credential File?

Credential Files are a professional, convenient and dependable aid in the application process.  It is a way to organize and send your application materials to potential employers and graduate schools.  It also eliminates the time-consuming process of continuously compiling the necessary documents for various applications.  Finally, it allows your information to reach the employer in one complete package.

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How to establish a Credential File?

To establish a credential file, collect the necessary application documents.  There are options: 1) collecting hard copies of all documents and personally keeping a file; 2) collect documents electronically; or 3) collect documents and manage them through an outside vendor.

Documents may include but are not limited to:

• Resumes
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement(s) of purpose
• Writing samples
• Dissertation abstracts
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Teaching certificates
• Anything that supports the application process

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Options available for self-managing a Credential File

• Independently maintain - hard copy or electronic
• Outsource and maintain your credential file electronically with an
  outside vendor (Interfolio)
• Or a combination of both
• More Information 

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Independently manage - hard copy or electronic

For self-maintained credential files you collect, manage, and send documents directly to prospective employers or graduate schools.  Your credential file may contain: resumes, cover letters, non-confidential letters of recommendation, transcripts, evaluations, teaching certificates and anything that supports the application.

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Outsource - What is Interfolio?

Interfolio is an online credential management service that allows you to create and manage a portfolio of application materials and coordinate their distribution as needed.  Your portfolio may include: confidential and non-confidential letters of recommendation, resumes, cover letters, writing samples, evaluations, transcripts and more.

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Why use Interfolio?

Here are some of the advantages Interfolio will provide:

• Self-managed - add or update letters of recommendation or documents to your file on your time.  With Interfolio, you are in complete control of your life!
• 24-hour availability - you can make mailing requests and view mailing history around the clock.
• High quality contents - instead of photocopying, documents can be electronically uploaded to your file, including confidential letters of recommendation.
• Fast, customized deliveries - Interfolio sends every delivery (paper or electronic) within one business day of your request.  If you need to meet a deadline, express deliveries can be arranged the same day (as long as you make the request by 2 p.m. Eastern).
• Payment options - online credit card payments are accepted as well as checks or money orders.
• Customer Service - Interfolio offers one business day turnaround on questions submitted via email to help@interfolio.com.
• Low cost - It is cheaper to send a 30 page delivery through Interfolio than to go to Kinkos and the US Post Office. 
• You get 250MB of storage space!

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What are the fees associated with Interfolio?

For a list of account options and delivery fees, click here.

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