How difficult is it to get a copy of one's employment file from a corporate HR department?

How difficult is it to get a copy of one's employment file from a corporate HR department? Especially if one no longer works for said corporation?

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice β€” you can even post anonymously.

4 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    I would make the request in writing to see if they are open to making that available voluntarily. If not, you can hire an attorney to make the request via a strongly written letter.

    The company can fight this since you are no longer employee by them.

    Is there a reason for the request?

  2. Anonymous

    Just mostly curious at this point. Thought about reapplying and the current store manager - who'd love to have me back - said neither she nor the current (new) district manager could find out if I can be rehired. Just wondering if the former district manager had something put in my file.

  3. Anonymous

    It's probably access to the internal tracking system. I would apply anyway and see what happens. If you left in good standing and with a good history there shouldn't be any reason not to be allowed back.

  4. Rosemaryac

    In the state where I work, current and former employees are entitled to a copy of your employment file. I say 'state' because I don't know if it is a federal or state rule or regulation. I asked, and received, a copy of my file when I left my last job, and also learned that former employees have up to a year to request a copy (if I remember correctly). An HR professional in an organization should know the rules regarding such a request. One caveat in my state is that the employer is only required to provide copies of documents that are part of your file, not those that may be included in another employee's files, even if they relate to situations that involved both individuals.

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support β€” for free.
Fairygodboss members