Skip to content Skip to footer

Table of contents

Personnel files — Tennessee

Most of the information collected about employees should be kept in a confidential manner. Employers should designate only a few individuals to have access to company personnel files, and the files should be kept in a locked cabinet.

There are no federal or Tennessee laws that dictate what must be in a personnel file. The contents of personnel files are likely to vary widely by industry or business. At a minimum, regardless of the policies and/or forms that an employer chooses to use or not use, employers should maintain the following materials:

  • the job titles and qualification/experience for all interviewers
  • relevant information regarding all vacant positions, including job title, position description, former workers in that position, and job location
  • job application forms and resumes
  • background check materials
  • interviewers’ notes
  • candidate selection criteria
  • employment contracts
  • performance appraisals
  • materials related to salary decisions
  • wage payment notice forms
  • signed handbook acknowledgment forms
  • work history...


    Please call us at (312) 960-9400 if this is an error or if you have any questions.