Recommendation File Summary Sheet
What is a placement file?
Material submitted on behalf of students/alumni to the Career Services Office that may be requested by prospective employers, graduate school admissions and/or scholarship committees. What goes in a placement file?
Up to eight letters of recommendation can be included. A resume is optional and, if included, please update often! You may include an unofficial transcript in your file. Unofficial transcripts from other colleges/universities are also allowed. Personal papers, cover letters, thank you letters, evaluations, teaching certificates, autobiographies, test scores or letter(s) of recommendation written for another purpose may not be included. What if I want to put a transcript in my file?
You must request an unofficial copy from Records in Erwin 102 and bring/send it to Career Services. The Career Services Office will not request one for you. Due to format limitations we regret that we cannot include the Knightweb version of transcripts. If an employer or graduate school requires that you send an official transcript, you must request it directly from the Office of Records and Scheduling in Erwin Hall. Official transcripts cannot be included in your placement file. How do I set up a file?
Complete and return the Placement File Reference List (both sides) found in the registration packet. The Reference List identifies who will be the authors of your letters of recommendation. Specific directions concerning the letters of recommendation can be found on the reverse side of the Recommendation Form. Whom should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
Professors, supervisors, or others especially familiar with you and your work. The more relevant the position of your reference person is to your career goals, the better. Cooperating and supervising teachers' comments carry the most weight with education employers. Avoid character references (neighbors, friends, etc.). Important! Be sure to sign the front of the form in the space marked "Candidate's signature" and check either the "waive" or "do not waive" box. It is your responsibility to check with Career Services to determine if your letters have been received. What does the file cost?
There is a $10 set up fee when you return your completed form and resume to Career Services. Each time a copy of your file is mailed out or faxed, it costs $4.Make all checks payable to "SUNY Geneseo". You can prepay $25 and receive ten mailings (37% discount). A fax uses two mailings with the pre-paid option. The fee is nonrefundable and good for one calendar year from the date paid.We do not accept cash in payment for file related services. You must pay in check or credit card/debit card. How do I have my file sent?
Files are sent directly to actual employers, graduate school admissions and scholarship committees. Submit a request in writing to the Career Services Office and include your name, social security or G number, graduation month/year and current phone number with appropriate payment. Indicate the person's name/title and the specific address to which the file should be sent. If necessary due to application deadlines, you may fax your request. How do I keep my file up to date and how long is my file kept at Geneseo?
It is highly recommended that you keep your file up to date during your career. Simply indicate in writing to the Career Services Office the author's name of the letter(s) you wish included or removed from your file. Removed letters are destroyed. Files are kept a minimum of twenty years. If no activity occurs (file sent, letters added or removed) over that time, it will be destroyed.
