What is a Credential File?

A credential file is a packet of background information that is sent to a prospective employer when a candidate is applying for a professional position. Files are most frequently established for elementary and secondary school teachers, school administrators, college and university professors, school counselors, speech pathologists and other school specialty areas. Candidates applying for jobs in business, private industry, or government typically do not establish credential files, but the can do so if they feel it will be beneficial to them.

Why Should I Open a Credential File?

Credential files provide a professional, convenient, dependable aid in the job application process. It is a way to organize and send your information needed for 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.

Interfolio - Interfolio, the premier application portfolio management service, is now available to the students of Grinnell College! Interfolio is the easiest and most affordable way for a student to send application materials to graduate and professional schools, a prospective teacher to apply for a new position, or a PhD to send academic credentials to a search committee. Interfolio's online system allows you to build an online portfolio - a complete file of all your credentials.
Nearly any document can be stored, including, but not limited to:

Confidential letters of recommendation

Resumes

Curriculum Vitae

Statement(s) of Purpose

Writing samples

Dissertation abstracts

Teaching Portfolio documents

Supervising teacher evaluations

Student & peer evaluations

Transcripts

Benefits of using Interfolio:

Build a portfolio of all your important documents.

Ask writers for letters of recommendation or add non-confidential documents yourself.

Up to 250 MB of storage is included.

Comprehensive, fast and customized deliveries: Interfolio allows you to deliver any document anywhere in the world in one complete, professional package. Whether you're applying for further study or future employment, Interfolio allows you to specify the order in which your materials are packaged so your presentation is powerful and persuasive.

Self-managed files: With Interfolio, you have complete control of your portfolio. You don't have to rely on others to make decisions about what documents are delivered on your behalf.

Lightning-fast delivery: We send every delivery - paper or electronic- within one business day of your request. If you need to meet a deadline, we can send express deliveries the same day (as long as you make the request by 2 PM EST).

24/7 access: With our web-based system you can manage your portfolio whenever and wherever you want.

Low Cost: Since you only need to send one delivery for each application, you save money and headaches. It's more affordable to send a 30-page delivery through Interfolio than to use Kinko's or the U.S. Post Office.

Current fees for Interfolio are:
1 Year Account - $19.00
3 Year Account (30% Discount) - $39.90
5 Year Account plus 3 first-class USPS mailings (50% discount) - $57.00

To Create an Account:
It takes just two minutes to create an Interfolio account and begin building your portfolio immediately.

Click here to sign up now!

Contact the CDO for more information or if you have any questions!