How Long to Keep Those Paper Mountains? A Californian Conundrum
So, you've been drowning in applications. Resumes, cover letters, and those weird portfolio things that look like they belong in an art gallery. You're probably wondering, "How long do I have to keep this paper mountain before I can unleash the shredder?" Well, buckle up, my friend, because we're about to dive into the wonderful world of California employment law.
The Four-Year Rule: It's Not a Sprint, It's a Marathon
Let's cut to the chase: you generally have to keep job applications for at least four years. This means those hopeful souls who didn't make the cut? Their dreams, or rather, their paper, get to stick around for a while. It's like a ghost haunting your filing cabinet. But hey, it's California, right? We're all about being environmentally friendly, so maybe those old applications can be recycled into something useful, like paper airplanes.
What About the People I Actually Hired?
Ah, the golden employees. The ones who didn't disappoint in the interview but might be plotting world domination in the break room. For them, the rule is a bit different: keep their application for the duration of their employment PLUS four years. So, if they stick around for 20 years, you'll be holding onto that application until you're ready to retire and move to a tropical island.
The Fine Print: Exceptions to the Rule
Okay, so there are a few wrinkles in this whole thing. If you're facing a lawsuit or some other legal drama related to hiring, you might need to keep those applications even longer. It's like being a contestant on a reality TV show – you never know when the cameras will start rolling.
And let's not forget about the Fair Chance Act, which has its own rules about keeping application records. So, if you're dealing with criminal history information, there are specific guidelines to follow. It's like a whole other layer of paperwork fun!
So, What Do I Do With All This Paper?
Great question. The short answer is: scan it. We live in the digital age, people! There's no reason to be buried in piles of paper. Scan those applications, store them securely, and free up some desk space. Your future self will thank you.
How To...
- How to determine when to start the four-year clock: The clock starts ticking from the date the application is received.
- How to handle applications for seasonal or temporary positions: The same four-year rule applies.
- How to store electronic applications: Keep them in a secure, encrypted system.
- How to dispose of old applications: Shred paper applications securely and delete electronic ones.
- How to stay updated on employment law changes: Check with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing regularly.
Remember, keeping accurate and up-to-date records is crucial for any business. So, while it might seem like a pain, it's important to follow the rules. And hey, at least you've got a good excuse to buy a bigger filing cabinet.
