Questions & Answers

Can I FOIL resumes and employment applications?

question and answers vector art - q&a

QUESTION

The Village of (omitted) has been without an administrator for nearly one year. The newspaper has been told that nearly 20 people have applied but nobody is the right fit.

Is it possible to FOIL for the resumes/letters of interest/applications?

Answer

Yes you can submit a FOIL request to obtain the resumes and employment applications of the individuals who have applied for the Village Administrator position. See the opinion by the NY Committee on Open Government below.

They can redact some information for privacy reasons such as SSN, address, hobbies, etc. items that are not directly related to the employment position.

https://docsopengovernment.dos.ny.gov/coog/ftext/f12918.htm

“The first area of inquiry involves any requirement that the District publicize or disclose the
names of those who have applied to fill the vacant position. In this regard, there is nothing in the
Freedom of Information Law or any other law of which I am aware that would require that the
District, on its own initiative, to disclose the names of applicants. However, in response to a request
made under the Freedom of Information Law, I believe that the District would be required to disclose
a record or records identifying the applicants.”

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