GENERAL TIPS FOR SELF-MANAGING YOUR NON-CONFIDENTIAL FILE
These tips are meant for anyone who IS NOT an Education major. Education majors should use Education Majors: Tips for Self-managing Your Non-confidential File.
Creating Your File
1) Determine which materials you will need in your file.
a) Items to consider:
- Cover Letters
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Non-confidential Letters of Recommendation
- Unofficial Transcripts* (issued to students by the Transcripts Office)
- Personal Statements
- Writing Samples
- Certifications
- Other Non-confidential Application Materials
b) Research the industry or program type that interests you. You can meet with your Career Counselor, visit industry websites, ask professionals in the field, and talk with your professors or those who wrote your letters of recommendation.
c) Carefully read the job description or admission requirements specified by places to which you are applying.
2) Request the items you need from other parties. This includes transcripts and letters of recommendation, as well as test scores and evaluations if applicable.
3) Create the other items that you need in your file. Visit the Career Library to find books about constructing effective cover letters, resumes, and personal statements as well as information on various industries and graduate programs. The Career Services website also has helpful information and samples of cover letters and resumes in the Resume section.
4) Proofread your materials and make sure they represent you well. You Career Counselor can help you edit and refine your cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, or personal statement.
*About Transcripts: If you have not yet graduated and an application deadline is approaching, an in-progress transcript is acceptable. It is not expected that your transcript will show your completed coursework or degree. You will need to request a transcript from each college or university you have attended. Photocopies of transcripts are generally accepted during initial application. Potential employers may require that official transcripts from the Transcripts Office be submitted at a later date.
Maintaining Your File
Keep your file materials current:
- Update your contact information as necessary.
- Request a new transcript if you complete more classes.
- Discard outdated letters of recommendation and request new ones. As a general rule, letters of recommendation should not be more than 2 years old.
- Revise your resume to reflect new achievements.
Sending Your File
- Take note of posted deadlines and be prepared to send you materials in time to meet them.
- Include a General Cover Sheet to introduce your file.
- Send copies of everything and keep your originals for future use.
- Make certain every single piece of paper has your name on it and includes all required signatures.
- Do not fold your file materials. Use a large envelope instead.
- Paper clip materials all together under the General Cover Sheet and put them in one envelope. It is likely that many applications are being reviewed. Keeping your materials together reduces the risk of your file contents being lost, incomplete, or confused with those of other applicants.
- Ensure that your envelope has the complete application mailing address including:
a) Contact Name
b) Department
c) Name of Company or School
d) Building and Room/Suite Number
e) Street Address or P.O. Box
f) City, State, ZIP Code