- Federal Law: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires employers to keep certain records for a period of 1 year. This includes applications, resumes, and other employment-related documents.
- State Law: California has its own Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which also requires employers to keep certain records for a period of 1 year. This includes applications, resumes, and other employment-related documents.
- Best Practices: While there is no legal requirement to keep applications on file for longer than 1 year, it is generally a good idea to do so. This can help you if you need to defend yourself against a discrimination lawsuit.
What Should You Keep on File?
The EEOC and FEHA require employers to keep the following records for 1 year:
- Applications: This includes any written or electronic applications for employment.
- Resumes: This includes any resumes submitted by applicants.
- References: This includes any references checked by the employer.
- Tests: This includes any tests administered to applicants.
- Interviews: This includes any interview notes or recordings.
- Hiring Decisions: This includes any documentation of the hiring decision.
| How Long Do You Have To Keep Applications On File In California |
How Long Should You Keep Records?
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
The EEOC and FEHA require employers to keep records for 1 year. However, it is generally a good idea to keep records for a longer period of time. This can help you if you need to defend yourself against a discrimination lawsuit.
What Happens if You Don't Keep Records?
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
If you don't keep records, you could face a discrimination lawsuit. The EEOC and FEHA can also investigate your company if you don't keep records.
FAQs
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
- How to keep applications on file electronically?
- You can keep applications on file electronically by scanning them and saving them to a secure location.
- How to keep applications on file in a paper filing system?
- You can keep applications on file in a paper filing system by organizing them by date and storing them in a secure location.
- How to dispose of old applications?
- You can dispose of old applications by shredding them.
- How to know if you need to keep an application on file?
- If you are ever involved in a discrimination lawsuit, you may need to produce the application of the person who is suing you.
- How to protect yourself from a discrimination lawsuit?
- The best way to protect yourself from a discrimination lawsuit is to keep all of your employment records for at least 1 year.
Conclusion
There is no specific law in California that requires employers to keep job applications on file for a certain period of time. However, the EEOC and FEHA require employers to keep certain records for 1 year. It is generally a good idea to keep records for a longer period of time, as this can help you if you need to defend yourself against a discrimination lawsuit.
I hope this post was helpful and informative. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Additional Tips
- Keep records in a secure location. This will help protect your records from unauthorized access.
- Organize your records by date. This will make it easier to find the records you need when you need them.
- Review your records regularly. This will help you ensure that they are accurate and up-to-date.
I hope you found this post to be interesting, informative, and perhaps even a little humorous. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
I would also like to add that it is important to consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your specific obligations under the EEOC or FEHA.
π‘ This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.