Recommendations are a tool used in the job search. It is important to identify at least five individuals who will serve as references for you. A list of these individuals should be developed in such a way that you may share it with prospective employers. Verbal recommendations are often provided over the telephone, however most school systems will request written letters of recommendation.
You may provide these yourself, however the credential file service is often received very well from school systems. A credential file is a collection of letters of reference maintained by an outside party, in this case the Career Development Center. On your resume you may indicate in several ways that references are available. If you utilize the credential file service employers may contact this office directly to request your file.
The following must be included in order for your file to be considered complete:
*Inventory Sheet- A form which clarifies to the Career Development Center which letters of reference you wish to have included in your file
*Statement of Authorization- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 protects anyone from seeing your file without your permission. The permission form, which must be signed and checked before your file can be established, gives you two options: (a) blanket permission to the Career Development Center to release the information in the file if contacted directly by a potential employer; and (b) individual option which means that credentials will be released only at your direct request.
*Recommendations- A minimum of 5 and maximum of 8 recommendations may be maintained in your credential file.
*Resume- A current resume on white paper will serve as the identification document with your letters of reference.
