Payroll Service

What Is an Applicant Flow Log?

An applicant flow log is a record of job applicant information, which is then used for statistical analysis by the U.S. federal government. It can be kept as a spreadsheet or in an applicant tracking system. The purpose of this recordkeeping is to determine whether or not the federal government is recruiting in a way that’s inclusive and fair. It also helps the federal government determine potential barriers to equitable and inclusive recruiting.

Who Needs to Keep an Applicant Flow Log?

Government agencies and federal contractors need to keep an applicant flow log. For more information, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website and the Office of Federal Contracts Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website.

What Information Should You Include in an Applicant Flow Log?

The most important information that federal agencies and contractors need to track on an applicant flow log is demographic information, including:

• Race

• National origin

• Sex

• Disability status (only contractors with 50 or more workers and contracts of $50,000 or more are required to collect this information voluntarily from applicants)

• Veteran status (only contractors with 50 or more workers and contracts of $150,000 or more are required to collect this information voluntarily from applicants)

To be clear, all of this demographic information is requested on a voluntary basis, and it cannot be used to make a hiring decision.

Federal agencies and contractors should also record the result of each application (whether the applicant accepted the position, retracted their interest, etc.). For more detailed guidance, contact the EEOC.