I am applying to jobs like crazy and keep running into the same costly request: the official transcript.

Now, I have no problem providing such information for jobs, but I have an issue with the cost involved. Furthermore, since I am licensed to teach in the states where I am seeking employment, I have already provided the official transcript to the state itself. Transcripts cost about 5 bucks each. I need an official transcript from each school I attended (four in my case). So, to apply for a job it's costing 20 bucks per application. Oftentimes, I hear nothing once I provide said info. Where is there a benefit to me?

I think perhaps it's time to write to Congress (because they have nothing else to do but bicker with each other), and give a piece of my mind. I have applied to some districts more than one time. Each time they request an official transcript. WHAT DID THEY DO WITH THE FIRST SET I PROVIDED? See, it's not cost effective. I think it should be perfectly okay to provide copies of the transcript. If you get far enough along, provide the official.

And, on that note, I have an issue with the letter of recommendation. If you want to know, pick up the phone and ask. One place I provided the letters to asked me to send more because the dates weren't current enough. Really, what am I to do if I haven't gotten a job? Furthermore, should I have to carry around a current letter all the time if I provide an email address and phone number for the contact? More importantly, I have NOT gotten a job based on the quality of the recommendation I received so why all the fuss?? Teaching is a job that requires the applicant to provide fingerprints to determine their innocence. (again, at cost to the applicant)

I have two degrees and still rely on the first degree to make or break me. I do know some people who have done very well throughout school. I was not one of those people. However, I am still being judged by that. I have a virtual 4.0 in grad school but that amounts to nothing because I need the official transcript from every school I took classes from meaning they see the dunce I was in undergraduate school and decide I don't know anything.

Ugh. I hate looking for jobs. It's so demeaning when none materializes.