Ask my employer Write my request

Asking for your data after a job application

If you applied for a job, the employer holds data about you whether or not you got it. You can ask to see it.

What you can get

  • Your application, CV and covering letter as they hold them
  • Interview notes and any scoring or ranking of you
  • Results of tests or assessments you took
  • Emails and messages discussing your application
  • Whether a decision about you was made automatically, and meaningful information about how it worked

What you won't get

  • Other candidates' details or scores, which are their personal data.
  • References about you given in confidence can be held back, whether your employer wrote them or received them.

You're entitled to the information they recorded, not to a new explanation. If the notes say why you weren't picked, you'll see that.

Ask soon

Many employers delete unsuccessful applications after a few months. Ask while the records still exist.

What to put in your request

  • Your application and CV
  • Interview notes and scoring
  • Test or assessment results
  • Emails about your application
  • Details of any automated screening
Write my request

Related guides

Why parts of your reply are blacked outAsking a former employer for your data

Sources: UK GDPR Article 15; Data Protection Act 2018, Schedule 2; Data (Use and Access) Act 2025; Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures; ICO guidance on the right of access. Last reviewed 7 October 2026. General information about UK data protection law, not legal advice. If you're in a dispute with your employer, speak to a solicitor, your union or Acas.