Employment Applications

jgryder · February 2011

I would like to get feedback regarding retention of Employment Applications. How long does your company keep them on file?
Thank you...Julie

kdigangi · February 2011

I keep applications and resumes for one year as, I beieve, the law requires.

Still Need Coffee · February 2011

We also do one year.

jgryder · February 2011

I would like to thank you for the responses given regarding the Retention of Employment applications. You reference the law being 1 year. Can you direct me to this law. Prior to posting the question I tried to find this and was not successful.
Thank you.

NaeNae55 · February 2011

I don't believe there is a specific federal law that outlines how long you keep them. It is generally accepted that an employer should keep them one year. The time frame comes from protecting yourself from employment discrimination charges.

You should keep applications for hired employees during the entire time they work for you, and at LEAST one year after they leave your company. You should keep applications for those you do not hire for at least one year. It is more a case of best practices based on court cases rather than a specific law.

Sharon McKnight SPHR · February 2011

If I'm not mistaken it's one year from the date the position is filled. If you're a federal contractor it's two years. If you're an HRLaws.com subscriber you can get more detailed information here: [URL="http://www.hrlaws.com/node/1207"]http://www.hrlaws.com/node/1207
[/URL]
Sharon

NaeNae55 · February 2011

I stand corrected. Thanks, Sharon!

kdigangi · February 2011

There are several federal regulations which require the 1 year retention period for compliance, including ADA, Rehabilitation Act, Title VII and the ADEA.

ACU Frank · February 2011

This is a great reason to have an automated/online application system.

Employment Applications

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