Federal Government Jobs and Official Transcript Forum

[Anonymous User]

So my school takes a week+ to process official transcripts and I've heard federal government jobs extend offers that last <1 week. I just want to know if I should be requesting multiple official transcripts in advance (so I can send original paper copies if needed) or if unofficial transcripts or a digital copy of one official transcript will do.

[Nicholas Nickleby]

It doesn't hurt to have some official copies of your transcripts at your disposal. A week+ is a long time for them to get you a copy of your transcript--do you know this is how long from experience? Also, if the Fed Gov is offering you a job it probably isn't contingent on you giving them a transcript within a week. You're going to be undergoing background checks that will last at least that long.

[vanwinkle]

Also, if the Fed Gov is offering you a job it probably isn't contingent on you giving them a transcript within a week. You're going to be undergoing background checks that will last at least that long.

I'll agree with this, to the extent that I doubt they'll offer you and then demand a transcript within a week. However, if you applied before spring grades came out and haven't yet updated them with a transcript, you should send them one now as an update. They may want a copy of a transcript before they make an offer. (Plus, this is a great way to follow up and remind them you're still interested.)

In my experience, unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

[Anonymous User]

It doesn't hurt to have some official copies of your transcripts at your disposal. A week+ is a long time for them to get you a copy of your transcript--do you know this is how long from experience? Also, if the Fed Gov is offering you a job it probably isn't contingent on you giving them a transcript within a week. You're going to be undergoing background checks that will last at least that long.

Will it even be necessary to send an official transcript then if they just do background checks? I assume they'll request authorization to get my grades on my behalf, among other things.

And yes, they require 5 business days to process transcripts. Ridiculous. And charge $10 for each one. Hence why I'd like to minimize ordering unnecessary copies.

[Nicholas Nickleby]

It doesn't hurt to have some official copies of your transcripts at your disposal. A week+ is a long time for them to get you a copy of your transcript--do you know this is how long from experience? Also, if the Fed Gov is offering you a job it probably isn't contingent on you giving them a transcript within a week. You're going to be undergoing background checks that will last at least that long.

Will it even be necessary to send an official transcript then if they just do background checks? I assume they'll request authorization to get my grades on my behalf, among other things.

And yes, they require 5 business days to process transcripts. Ridiculous. And charge $10 for each one. Hence why I'd like to minimize ordering unnecessary copies.

I'm not sure which job you're talking about, so I can't be sure. I don't think a background check will reveal your grades though, if that's what you're asking. I do know that the gov jobs I'm looking at are most interested in your transcripts for summer positions. Honors programs allow unofficial transcripts. Run of the mill attorney adviser positions don't seem to want transcripts at all.

[Anonymous User]

It doesn't hurt to have some official copies of your transcripts at your disposal. A week+ is a long time for them to get you a copy of your transcript--do you know this is how long from experience? Also, if the Fed Gov is offering you a job it probably isn't contingent on you giving them a transcript within a week. You're going to be undergoing background checks that will last at least that long.

Will it even be necessary to send an official transcript then if they just do background checks? I assume they'll request authorization to get my grades on my behalf, among other things.

And yes, they require 5 business days to process transcripts. Ridiculous. And charge $10 for each one. Hence why I'd like to minimize ordering unnecessary copies.

I'm not sure which job you're talking about, so I can't be sure. I don't think a background check will reveal your grades though, if that's what you're asking. I do know that the gov jobs I'm looking at are most interested in your transcripts for summer positions. Honors programs allow unofficial transcripts. Run of the mill attorney adviser positions don't seem to want transcripts at all.

All right, thanks. I guess I'll hold off on ordering any copies and just wait.

[Renzo]

I've never had anyone ask for official transcripts.