FAQ: How Do I Set Up A Credential File?

As we dive into the Spring Semester, a lot of my friends have become extremely focused on their classes and on their job search after graduation. Many of my friends know that I work in Career Services and they frequently ask about letters of recommendation. Their questions include: Do I send out those letters? Does your office hold them for me? Are they expensive? Can I pay with a credit card?

Let us put your mind at ease ... it's simple, painless, and will provide you with a stress-free semester (in regards to job applications). Follow the steps listed below to create your very own credential file!

STEP 1: Come visit our office! We're located in GAC 111 and will be able to hand you a registration packet when you ask to set up a credential file.  

STEP 2: Simply fill out the registration packet with your information and return it to our office at your earliest convenience. 

STEP 3: Pay a small fee of $10 for your credential file with either cash or a check made payable to Nazareth College Career Services.


*IMPORTANT: We can't set up your credential file unless you pay for it! If you don't have cash or a check with you when you come into the office, we will hold the registration materials for you until you come back with the required $10. 


"What if I can't come into the office?" No worries! Visit our website: http://www.naz.edu/career-services and click on the link labeled "Credential Files" on the right hand side of the screen. From there, click on the link labeled, "How do I register?" located in the middle of the screen. Download the registration form, print and fill out the required information, include $10 cash or by check, and send it to our office via snail mail! If you have any further questions about credential files, feel free to check out our previous blog posts or stop by the office and ask! 

Credential Files: What are they and why should I have one?

A lot of students frequently come into the office curious about credential files and what they entail. Credential files are used to store letters of recommendation for Nazareth College students. In order to create one you can come into the office (located in Shults for the remainder of Fall 2013, and moving to the 1st floor of GAC for the Spring 2014 semester). Students will select a "teaching" or "general" credential file. Those students that are education majors or who student teach should utilize the "teaching" credential file while all other majors, the general credential file. It costs $10 to set up the file which can be paid through cash or check.

A credential file packet holds four cover sheets that should be given to your letter writers when you ask them to write a letter of recommendation. The top of the form should be filled out by the student in which you should print and sign your name along with the date. You should also choose if you want your letter to be confidential or non-confidential.

Credential files allow for potential employers to read all the good things your teachers, past employers, and other important figures in your education view you and your skills. Your letters are an opportunity for grad schools or employers to see what kind of individual you are and to hear these testimonies from people other than yourself.

What can I put in my Credential file??

Credential files hold letters of recommendation. (Certifications & Proof of Fingerprinting are now accessible on the Teach System.)

Note: Transcripts, GRE scores and NYS Teacher Exam scores CANNOT be placed in the file.

Confidential vs. Non-Confidential 

Confidential means that it is not open for your review and therefore you cannot read what your letter writer has said about you. Because of this letters of recommendation that are confidential appeal better to potential employers as they know the candidate has not had the opportunity to read their letter at all.Students with confidential letters cannot have access to them as easily as non-confidential letters. For example, if a teacher has your letter finished and wants to give it to you to bring to career services, they must seal the envelope and sign the seal in order to ensure that you have not read it when you bring it into the office. Confidential letters brought in without the letter writer's signature on the seal cannot be accepted as confidential.

Non-Confidential letters are able to be reviewed by the student. Therefore there aren't any limitations to access that the student can have to these letters.

How do I send my Credential file out to Grad Schools or Potential Employers?

When you need to send out your credential file you simply contact our office. You can come in person, call (585-389-2878), or email our offices (careers@naz.edu). All you need to do is specify where you want your letters sent and if you only want specific letters sent. You need to know the name of the contact person and address of the employer or grad school you are sending your letters to. 

The Monroe-2 Boces system is an online web recruitment system used by various school districts in the Rochester area. We are able to upload these files for you through our office provided that you supply the email address you have associated with your online account. There are several other Upload Systems as well.

The first 5 send requests are FREE.

After we've sent your file 5 times, it costs $2 each time you request to send or upload your file 

For More information visit our office or call us at (585) 389-2878