Are transcript photocopies appropriate?

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I plan to start looking for a new job soon and got my single free transcript from my university after graduation. Would future employers accept a photocopy of the transcript that I have? New copies cost $6 and I'd rather spend much less copying it if I can but I also don't want to seem unprofessional.







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  • What country are you in? If the USA, I would be surprised to find companies ask about this. If they do, I would be shocked to find one who requests/needs an official transcript or would care if you gave a scanned/pdf version vs an official one
    – Elysian Fields♦
    Nov 6 '12 at 15:28











  • @enderland Yes I live in the USA, my job search will be in the Cincinnati, Ohio area as well. Thanks.
    – CincinnatiProgrammer
    Nov 6 '12 at 15:33
















up vote
4
down vote

favorite
1












I plan to start looking for a new job soon and got my single free transcript from my university after graduation. Would future employers accept a photocopy of the transcript that I have? New copies cost $6 and I'd rather spend much less copying it if I can but I also don't want to seem unprofessional.







share|improve this question






















  • What country are you in? If the USA, I would be surprised to find companies ask about this. If they do, I would be shocked to find one who requests/needs an official transcript or would care if you gave a scanned/pdf version vs an official one
    – Elysian Fields♦
    Nov 6 '12 at 15:28











  • @enderland Yes I live in the USA, my job search will be in the Cincinnati, Ohio area as well. Thanks.
    – CincinnatiProgrammer
    Nov 6 '12 at 15:33












up vote
4
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
4
down vote

favorite
1






1





I plan to start looking for a new job soon and got my single free transcript from my university after graduation. Would future employers accept a photocopy of the transcript that I have? New copies cost $6 and I'd rather spend much less copying it if I can but I also don't want to seem unprofessional.







share|improve this question














I plan to start looking for a new job soon and got my single free transcript from my university after graduation. Would future employers accept a photocopy of the transcript that I have? New copies cost $6 and I'd rather spend much less copying it if I can but I also don't want to seem unprofessional.









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




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edited Nov 6 '12 at 15:59









Rarity

4,37643457




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asked Nov 6 '12 at 15:23









CincinnatiProgrammer

2,75792862




2,75792862











  • What country are you in? If the USA, I would be surprised to find companies ask about this. If they do, I would be shocked to find one who requests/needs an official transcript or would care if you gave a scanned/pdf version vs an official one
    – Elysian Fields♦
    Nov 6 '12 at 15:28











  • @enderland Yes I live in the USA, my job search will be in the Cincinnati, Ohio area as well. Thanks.
    – CincinnatiProgrammer
    Nov 6 '12 at 15:33
















  • What country are you in? If the USA, I would be surprised to find companies ask about this. If they do, I would be shocked to find one who requests/needs an official transcript or would care if you gave a scanned/pdf version vs an official one
    – Elysian Fields♦
    Nov 6 '12 at 15:28











  • @enderland Yes I live in the USA, my job search will be in the Cincinnati, Ohio area as well. Thanks.
    – CincinnatiProgrammer
    Nov 6 '12 at 15:33















What country are you in? If the USA, I would be surprised to find companies ask about this. If they do, I would be shocked to find one who requests/needs an official transcript or would care if you gave a scanned/pdf version vs an official one
– Elysian Fields♦
Nov 6 '12 at 15:28





What country are you in? If the USA, I would be surprised to find companies ask about this. If they do, I would be shocked to find one who requests/needs an official transcript or would care if you gave a scanned/pdf version vs an official one
– Elysian Fields♦
Nov 6 '12 at 15:28













@enderland Yes I live in the USA, my job search will be in the Cincinnati, Ohio area as well. Thanks.
– CincinnatiProgrammer
Nov 6 '12 at 15:33




@enderland Yes I live in the USA, my job search will be in the Cincinnati, Ohio area as well. Thanks.
– CincinnatiProgrammer
Nov 6 '12 at 15:33










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
6
down vote



accepted










Disclosure &/or support for my answer: I am head of product & technology for a company that maintains academic dossiers; we deal with academic transcripts and the confidential or non-confidential delivery thereof.



Some general terminology:




  • Official Transcript: issued in a sealed envelope, with a signature or a seal indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Can be given officially to you, or sent to an organization (a company or another school).


  • Unofficial Transcript: an unsealed transcript (such as something printed off the web out of a student account), an official transcript unsealed by someone other than the intended recipient, a photocopy of a transcript that was previously official (e.g. if you take it out of the sealed envelope and photocopy it)

As for the core question: Will employers want an official or unofficial transcript? the answer depends on the company. Many companies don't require transcripts, but for those who do, a common situation is that the unofficial transcript is used in the application process, but as part of the hiring finalization the official transcript is required for your file.



My recommendation would be to get a few copies of your official transcript (and keep them sealed), and also make copies (photocopy or scan) so they are available for you. When someone asks for a transcript, clarify with them if an unofficial transcript is ok at this stage. If unofficial is fine, send them the unofficial copy. If official is required, you will have some ready (and won't have to pay expedited costs) to hand over.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    2
    down vote













    This depends on whether transcripts are a hard requirement.



    Companies requiring transcripts tend to want sealed versions of them coming from the institution in question to make sure that they have not been tampered with. This is a very common practice in Finance, for example.



    On the other hand, photocopies will suffice if you just want to show the hiring manager that you're an all-around over-achiever type, and only use them to pepper your application.



    FWIW most people understand that official transcripts cost money and will only expect them if it's an HR policy.






    share|improve this answer




















    • I was wondering why my University had the option to deliver the transcript in a "sealed envelope" on the website. I didn't have the best grades through school so I leave my GPA off of my resume but I wanted to make sure I would be prepared for an interview if I was asked for a transcript on the spot, thanks.
      – CincinnatiProgrammer
      Nov 6 '12 at 17:17










    • Unless you're going into academia, few places will request official transcripts.
      – user8365
      Nov 6 '12 at 17:20










    • @JeffO if you are applying to be a financal analyst in NYC and you're a recent grad it is standard practice.
      – MrFox
      Nov 6 '12 at 17:35

















    up vote
    2
    down vote













    The U.S. government will take copies of transcripts with an application, and will require official copies if a job is offered. Many educational institutions are the same way, but some require official transcripts even with an application.



    In the small software company where I work a photocopy of transcript from a recent graduate is appreciated, but not usually required. I've never heard of pure private sector company wanting an official transcript with a job application.






    share|improve this answer




















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      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      6
      down vote



      accepted










      Disclosure &/or support for my answer: I am head of product & technology for a company that maintains academic dossiers; we deal with academic transcripts and the confidential or non-confidential delivery thereof.



      Some general terminology:




      • Official Transcript: issued in a sealed envelope, with a signature or a seal indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Can be given officially to you, or sent to an organization (a company or another school).


      • Unofficial Transcript: an unsealed transcript (such as something printed off the web out of a student account), an official transcript unsealed by someone other than the intended recipient, a photocopy of a transcript that was previously official (e.g. if you take it out of the sealed envelope and photocopy it)

      As for the core question: Will employers want an official or unofficial transcript? the answer depends on the company. Many companies don't require transcripts, but for those who do, a common situation is that the unofficial transcript is used in the application process, but as part of the hiring finalization the official transcript is required for your file.



      My recommendation would be to get a few copies of your official transcript (and keep them sealed), and also make copies (photocopy or scan) so they are available for you. When someone asks for a transcript, clarify with them if an unofficial transcript is ok at this stage. If unofficial is fine, send them the unofficial copy. If official is required, you will have some ready (and won't have to pay expedited costs) to hand over.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        6
        down vote



        accepted










        Disclosure &/or support for my answer: I am head of product & technology for a company that maintains academic dossiers; we deal with academic transcripts and the confidential or non-confidential delivery thereof.



        Some general terminology:




        • Official Transcript: issued in a sealed envelope, with a signature or a seal indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Can be given officially to you, or sent to an organization (a company or another school).


        • Unofficial Transcript: an unsealed transcript (such as something printed off the web out of a student account), an official transcript unsealed by someone other than the intended recipient, a photocopy of a transcript that was previously official (e.g. if you take it out of the sealed envelope and photocopy it)

        As for the core question: Will employers want an official or unofficial transcript? the answer depends on the company. Many companies don't require transcripts, but for those who do, a common situation is that the unofficial transcript is used in the application process, but as part of the hiring finalization the official transcript is required for your file.



        My recommendation would be to get a few copies of your official transcript (and keep them sealed), and also make copies (photocopy or scan) so they are available for you. When someone asks for a transcript, clarify with them if an unofficial transcript is ok at this stage. If unofficial is fine, send them the unofficial copy. If official is required, you will have some ready (and won't have to pay expedited costs) to hand over.






        share|improve this answer






















          up vote
          6
          down vote



          accepted







          up vote
          6
          down vote



          accepted






          Disclosure &/or support for my answer: I am head of product & technology for a company that maintains academic dossiers; we deal with academic transcripts and the confidential or non-confidential delivery thereof.



          Some general terminology:




          • Official Transcript: issued in a sealed envelope, with a signature or a seal indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Can be given officially to you, or sent to an organization (a company or another school).


          • Unofficial Transcript: an unsealed transcript (such as something printed off the web out of a student account), an official transcript unsealed by someone other than the intended recipient, a photocopy of a transcript that was previously official (e.g. if you take it out of the sealed envelope and photocopy it)

          As for the core question: Will employers want an official or unofficial transcript? the answer depends on the company. Many companies don't require transcripts, but for those who do, a common situation is that the unofficial transcript is used in the application process, but as part of the hiring finalization the official transcript is required for your file.



          My recommendation would be to get a few copies of your official transcript (and keep them sealed), and also make copies (photocopy or scan) so they are available for you. When someone asks for a transcript, clarify with them if an unofficial transcript is ok at this stage. If unofficial is fine, send them the unofficial copy. If official is required, you will have some ready (and won't have to pay expedited costs) to hand over.






          share|improve this answer












          Disclosure &/or support for my answer: I am head of product & technology for a company that maintains academic dossiers; we deal with academic transcripts and the confidential or non-confidential delivery thereof.



          Some general terminology:




          • Official Transcript: issued in a sealed envelope, with a signature or a seal indicating that the envelope has not been opened. Can be given officially to you, or sent to an organization (a company or another school).


          • Unofficial Transcript: an unsealed transcript (such as something printed off the web out of a student account), an official transcript unsealed by someone other than the intended recipient, a photocopy of a transcript that was previously official (e.g. if you take it out of the sealed envelope and photocopy it)

          As for the core question: Will employers want an official or unofficial transcript? the answer depends on the company. Many companies don't require transcripts, but for those who do, a common situation is that the unofficial transcript is used in the application process, but as part of the hiring finalization the official transcript is required for your file.



          My recommendation would be to get a few copies of your official transcript (and keep them sealed), and also make copies (photocopy or scan) so they are available for you. When someone asks for a transcript, clarify with them if an unofficial transcript is ok at this stage. If unofficial is fine, send them the unofficial copy. If official is required, you will have some ready (and won't have to pay expedited costs) to hand over.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Nov 6 '12 at 17:38









          jcmeloni

          21.6k87393




          21.6k87393






















              up vote
              2
              down vote













              This depends on whether transcripts are a hard requirement.



              Companies requiring transcripts tend to want sealed versions of them coming from the institution in question to make sure that they have not been tampered with. This is a very common practice in Finance, for example.



              On the other hand, photocopies will suffice if you just want to show the hiring manager that you're an all-around over-achiever type, and only use them to pepper your application.



              FWIW most people understand that official transcripts cost money and will only expect them if it's an HR policy.






              share|improve this answer




















              • I was wondering why my University had the option to deliver the transcript in a "sealed envelope" on the website. I didn't have the best grades through school so I leave my GPA off of my resume but I wanted to make sure I would be prepared for an interview if I was asked for a transcript on the spot, thanks.
                – CincinnatiProgrammer
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:17










              • Unless you're going into academia, few places will request official transcripts.
                – user8365
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:20










              • @JeffO if you are applying to be a financal analyst in NYC and you're a recent grad it is standard practice.
                – MrFox
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:35














              up vote
              2
              down vote













              This depends on whether transcripts are a hard requirement.



              Companies requiring transcripts tend to want sealed versions of them coming from the institution in question to make sure that they have not been tampered with. This is a very common practice in Finance, for example.



              On the other hand, photocopies will suffice if you just want to show the hiring manager that you're an all-around over-achiever type, and only use them to pepper your application.



              FWIW most people understand that official transcripts cost money and will only expect them if it's an HR policy.






              share|improve this answer




















              • I was wondering why my University had the option to deliver the transcript in a "sealed envelope" on the website. I didn't have the best grades through school so I leave my GPA off of my resume but I wanted to make sure I would be prepared for an interview if I was asked for a transcript on the spot, thanks.
                – CincinnatiProgrammer
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:17










              • Unless you're going into academia, few places will request official transcripts.
                – user8365
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:20










              • @JeffO if you are applying to be a financal analyst in NYC and you're a recent grad it is standard practice.
                – MrFox
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:35












              up vote
              2
              down vote










              up vote
              2
              down vote









              This depends on whether transcripts are a hard requirement.



              Companies requiring transcripts tend to want sealed versions of them coming from the institution in question to make sure that they have not been tampered with. This is a very common practice in Finance, for example.



              On the other hand, photocopies will suffice if you just want to show the hiring manager that you're an all-around over-achiever type, and only use them to pepper your application.



              FWIW most people understand that official transcripts cost money and will only expect them if it's an HR policy.






              share|improve this answer












              This depends on whether transcripts are a hard requirement.



              Companies requiring transcripts tend to want sealed versions of them coming from the institution in question to make sure that they have not been tampered with. This is a very common practice in Finance, for example.



              On the other hand, photocopies will suffice if you just want to show the hiring manager that you're an all-around over-achiever type, and only use them to pepper your application.



              FWIW most people understand that official transcripts cost money and will only expect them if it's an HR policy.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Nov 6 '12 at 17:10









              MrFox

              11.8k33857




              11.8k33857











              • I was wondering why my University had the option to deliver the transcript in a "sealed envelope" on the website. I didn't have the best grades through school so I leave my GPA off of my resume but I wanted to make sure I would be prepared for an interview if I was asked for a transcript on the spot, thanks.
                – CincinnatiProgrammer
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:17










              • Unless you're going into academia, few places will request official transcripts.
                – user8365
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:20










              • @JeffO if you are applying to be a financal analyst in NYC and you're a recent grad it is standard practice.
                – MrFox
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:35
















              • I was wondering why my University had the option to deliver the transcript in a "sealed envelope" on the website. I didn't have the best grades through school so I leave my GPA off of my resume but I wanted to make sure I would be prepared for an interview if I was asked for a transcript on the spot, thanks.
                – CincinnatiProgrammer
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:17










              • Unless you're going into academia, few places will request official transcripts.
                – user8365
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:20










              • @JeffO if you are applying to be a financal analyst in NYC and you're a recent grad it is standard practice.
                – MrFox
                Nov 6 '12 at 17:35















              I was wondering why my University had the option to deliver the transcript in a "sealed envelope" on the website. I didn't have the best grades through school so I leave my GPA off of my resume but I wanted to make sure I would be prepared for an interview if I was asked for a transcript on the spot, thanks.
              – CincinnatiProgrammer
              Nov 6 '12 at 17:17




              I was wondering why my University had the option to deliver the transcript in a "sealed envelope" on the website. I didn't have the best grades through school so I leave my GPA off of my resume but I wanted to make sure I would be prepared for an interview if I was asked for a transcript on the spot, thanks.
              – CincinnatiProgrammer
              Nov 6 '12 at 17:17












              Unless you're going into academia, few places will request official transcripts.
              – user8365
              Nov 6 '12 at 17:20




              Unless you're going into academia, few places will request official transcripts.
              – user8365
              Nov 6 '12 at 17:20












              @JeffO if you are applying to be a financal analyst in NYC and you're a recent grad it is standard practice.
              – MrFox
              Nov 6 '12 at 17:35




              @JeffO if you are applying to be a financal analyst in NYC and you're a recent grad it is standard practice.
              – MrFox
              Nov 6 '12 at 17:35










              up vote
              2
              down vote













              The U.S. government will take copies of transcripts with an application, and will require official copies if a job is offered. Many educational institutions are the same way, but some require official transcripts even with an application.



              In the small software company where I work a photocopy of transcript from a recent graduate is appreciated, but not usually required. I've never heard of pure private sector company wanting an official transcript with a job application.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                2
                down vote













                The U.S. government will take copies of transcripts with an application, and will require official copies if a job is offered. Many educational institutions are the same way, but some require official transcripts even with an application.



                In the small software company where I work a photocopy of transcript from a recent graduate is appreciated, but not usually required. I've never heard of pure private sector company wanting an official transcript with a job application.






                share|improve this answer






















                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote









                  The U.S. government will take copies of transcripts with an application, and will require official copies if a job is offered. Many educational institutions are the same way, but some require official transcripts even with an application.



                  In the small software company where I work a photocopy of transcript from a recent graduate is appreciated, but not usually required. I've never heard of pure private sector company wanting an official transcript with a job application.






                  share|improve this answer












                  The U.S. government will take copies of transcripts with an application, and will require official copies if a job is offered. Many educational institutions are the same way, but some require official transcripts even with an application.



                  In the small software company where I work a photocopy of transcript from a recent graduate is appreciated, but not usually required. I've never heard of pure private sector company wanting an official transcript with a job application.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Nov 7 '12 at 18:24









                  Jim In Texas

                  3,9851222




                  3,9851222






















                       

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