One of the greatest mysteries that seem to have people confused on a regular base is the personnel file.   Now, don't get me wrong.  I'm not saying that it is some mystical spell that is meant to cause you doom and destruction. However, the simple fact is that most employers maintain a personnel file on their employees.  The file can contain things such as new employee orientation, sick leave information, request for leave, educational information, resumes, and, of course, your disciplinary actions. The mysterious thing about the file is that it is information that is maintained for the benefit of the employer.  So many times, employees have this misguided thought that their personnel file belongs to THEM! And how does this usually come up?  You find yourself in a position where you leave your job and you want your personnel file and for some ODD reason, your employer is not being cooperative in returning the file to you.   Or even better, you leave your job under difficult conditions and you now feel that the secrets to all of your issues can be found RIGHT in the heart of what??? That's right.  YOUR Personnel File!! But the simple fact of the matter is this:  You don't know WHAT's in your personnel file.  It's tough but I have to remind people on a regular basis.  Just like your computer at work is NOT your computer.  It's the computer that belongs to the employer that the employer assigns to you.   Well, the same thing applies to your personnel file. Now, before you run off and say "I can't see my personnel file", make sure you check the laws of your state or (if you're in a union shop) the collective bargaining agreement to see what the provisions are regarding access to your personnel records.  I just want you to be aware that the information that is maintained in your personnel file is for the benefit of the employer and NOT you!