How to ask for my full employment file... any tips?

I’m planning to formally request a complete copy of my employment file from my previous job. I want to make sure I get everything, like handwritten notes and any verbal or electronic communications. Anyone got advice on how to word this or set a deadline?

Honestly, just be direct and specific about what you’re asking for. Make sure you’re clear that you want all types of records, even informal stuff.

Ali said:
Honestly, just be direct and specific about what you’re asking for. Make sure you’re clear that you want all types of records, even informal stuff.

Good call. I was thinking about mentioning any ‘unofficial’ notes too. Better safe than sorry, right?

Ali said:
Honestly, just be direct and specific about what you’re asking for. Make sure you’re clear that you want all types of records, even informal stuff.

Yeah, totally. Sometimes informal notes end up being the most telling info!

Have you thought about including a deadline in the letter? That might push them to act faster.

Kiran said:
Have you thought about including a deadline in the letter? That might push them to act faster.

Yep, planning to give them around 10-14 days. Do you think that’s reasonable?

Kiran said:
Have you thought about including a deadline in the letter? That might push them to act faster.

That sounds solid. Just be sure to politely mention the deadline in the letter.

Make sure to ask for things like meeting notes or summaries if they document verbal stuff. Sometimes those details can be useful!

Riley said:
Make sure to ask for things like meeting notes or summaries if they document verbal stuff. Sometimes those details can be useful!

Good point. I wouldn’t have thought to ask for that specifically, but I’ll add it in.

Riley said:
Make sure to ask for things like meeting notes or summaries if they document verbal stuff. Sometimes those details can be useful!

Verbal notes can actually be super valuable, especially if there’s any HR-related stuff.

Do you know if they’ll charge any fees for this? Sometimes companies try to pass along copying costs or whatever.

abiud said:
Do you know if they’ll charge any fees for this? Sometimes companies try to pass along copying costs or whatever.

Not sure yet, but I’ll ask if there are any fees involved. Better to know upfront.

abiud said:
Do you know if they’ll charge any fees for this? Sometimes companies try to pass along copying costs or whatever.

Yep, definitely good to check so there are no surprises when they hand it over.

If you’re in Washington state, you might wanna look up RCW 49.12.240. It covers your rights for accessing your file.

Paxton said:
If you’re in Washington state, you might wanna look up RCW 49.12.240. It covers your rights for accessing your file.

Nice, thanks for the tip! I’ll look into that to make sure I’m asking for everything I’m entitled to.

Paxton said:
If you’re in Washington state, you might wanna look up RCW 49.12.240. It covers your rights for accessing your file.

Good luck with that! Having a law reference can sometimes make them take your request more seriously.