Credential File
December 1, 2003
Dear Union Students and Alumni/ae:
The Becker Career Center has been investigating better ways to manage your credentials. After careful consideration, including positive references from other colleges, we have decided to refer students and alumni/ae to Interfolio, a premier web-based credential file management service. We have concluded that on-line access to an electronically stored credentials file will provide the greatest convenience and accessibility to you.
Accordingly, as of December 1, 2003 we will offer a credential file transfer service for those who have established credential files with the Becker Career Center. Since the Center will no longer be forwarding credential file documents directly to employers and/or graduate schools, students and alumni/ae need to take advantage of this transfer service or choose to have their credential file documents destroyed. While the Center recommends transferring credential files to Interfolio, students and alumni/ae are free to choose an alternative file management service.
Here are several ways Interfolio will change, and improve, the way you manage your credentials:
- Self-managed – With Interfolio you can do everything by yourself, anytime. You are in complete control of your credentials file.
- 24-hour availability – You don’t need to wait for regular business hours in order to add or update letters or documents in your file. You can make mailing requests and view mailing history round the clock as well.
- High quality content – Instead of photocopying, documents can be electronically uploaded into your account, including confidential letters of recommendation, making for the cleanest credential file deliveries.
- Quick turnaround – Interfolio processes all delivery requests in 1 day. It also offers multiple mailing options, including FedEx, and even electronic delivery (where available).
- Familiar payment options – Online credit card payments are accepted, as are checks and money orders.
- Flexibility – Your files may contain many kinds of documents, so that you can store whatever you need to have the most complete application. In addition to recommendation letters you can store other types of documents, such as writing samples, articles, test scores, unofficial transcripts, and many more.
- Cost – Interfolio charges only $5 for US Mail delivery, following a $15 account set-up fee.
- Customer Service – Interfolio offers 1 business day turnaround on voicemail and all email questions to help@Interfolio.com. They also offer an online helpdesk for immediate answers to almost any question about their service.
We believe students and alumni will find Interfolio to be a convenient and efficient resource. Again, we realize you may want to use a credentials management service other than Interfolio or that you may no longer be in the job market or applying to graduate school. You therefore have the following options available to you with regard to your credentials file:
- Transfer the contents of your Becker Career Center credentials file to Interfolio. To begin utilizing Interfolio’s credentials file services, you will need to go to www.interfolio.com and sign up for an account. Then, complete and return the enclosed authorization form, along with a $10 check (for FedEx shipping) to the Becker Career Center.
- Transfer your file to a different credentials management service. You may choose to have the Becker Career Center send your credentials file to that organization’s credential file office. Complete and return the enclosed authorization form, along with a $10 check (for FedEx shipping) to the Becker Career Center.
- Close your Becker Career Center credentials file and have the contents destroyed. Complete and return the enclosed authorization form to the Becker Career Center.
Please indicate your choice on the enclosed authorization form and return the form to us as soon as convenient. We will then process your authorization within 5 business days. The original contents of your credential file will be sent by FedEx and you will be supplied with a tracking number. You have until December 1, 2004 to request a transfer, after which Becker Career Center credential files will no longer be available.
If you have any questions about these changes in credentials file service, please feel free to contact the Becker Career Center. If you would like to learn more about Interfolio, please visit their website at www.Interfolio.com
Sincerely,
The Becker Career Center Staff