Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account or use our services, you may provide us with:

• Profile Information: Name, email address, phone number, location, resume, work experience, education, skills, and career preferences
• Application Information: Job applications, cover letters, and related documents
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our platform, feedback, and support inquiries
• Payment Information: For recruiters only—billing address and payment details (processed securely through Stripe)

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, and interaction patterns
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: See our Cookie Policy for details

1.3 Information From Third Parties

We may receive information from authentication providers (like Clerk), analytics services, and other business partners in accordance with their privacy policies.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide Services: Enable job search, applications, recruiter matching, and communication
• Improve Platform: Analyze usage patterns, fix bugs, and develop new features
• Personalization: Recommend relevant jobs and customize your experience
• Communication: Send important updates, notifications, and marketing (with your consent)
• Safety & Security: Prevent fraud, protect accounts, and enforce our terms
• Legal Compliance: Meet legal obligations and respond to lawful requests

3. How We Share Your Information

3.1 With Recruiters

When you apply to a job, we share your profile and application materials with the recruiter managing that position. Your information remains private until you choose to apply.

3.2 With Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who help us operate our platform:

• Authentication services (Clerk)
• Cloud infrastructure and hosting
• Email delivery services (Resend)
• Payment processing (Stripe)
• Analytics and performance monitoring

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, such as in response to court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes.

3.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

4. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@applicant.network or through your account settings.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Secure data centers and infrastructure
• Employee training on data protection

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where we must retain information for legal or business purposes.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or shared
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

Note: We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

10. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe your data has been mishandled.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us: