Privacy Policy
Last updated: 5 April 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how HookStep ("we", "us", or "our") handles personal information when you visit hookstep.in or related services (the "Service"). By using the Service, you agree to this policy alongside our Terms of Service.
Information we collect
- Account and profile data: name, email address, role (recruiter or candidate), company name where relevant, and profile fields you choose to provide (phone, location, social links, skills, compensation expectations, notice period).
- Application materials: resumes, cover letters, portfolio links, and other files or text you submit when applying to jobs.
- Authentication data: when you sign in with a third-party provider (such as Google, GitHub, or LinkedIn), we receive identifiers and basic profile information according to that provider's consent screen.
- Sign in with LinkedIn: if you choose LinkedIn, we use LinkedIn's OpenID Connect sign-in to authenticate you. We may receive your LinkedIn member identifier (sub), name, email address (when you grant it), and profile image URL, solely to create your session and populate your HookStep account. We do not post to LinkedIn on your behalf through sign-in. Use of LinkedIn data is subject to this policy and LinkedIn's Privacy Policy.
- Usage and technical data: IP address, device and browser type, pages viewed, and timestamps—used to secure the Service, debug issues, and understand aggregate usage.
- Communications: messages you send us through forms, email, or support channels.
How we use information
- To create and maintain accounts, authenticate users, and deliver core product features.
- To show job listings, process applications, and help recruiters evaluate candidates.
- To send transactional notices (e.g. application status, security alerts) and, where permitted, product updates you can opt out of.
- To detect abuse, fraud, and security incidents; to comply with legal obligations.
- To improve reliability, performance, and user experience of the Service.
Legal bases (where applicable)
Depending on your region, we rely on appropriate legal bases such as performance of a contract, legitimate interests (for example securing our systems and improving the product), consent where required, and legal obligation.
Sharing of information
We may share information with:
- Employers and recruiters when you apply to their jobs or interact with their listings—your application content is shared with the relevant company account.
- Service providers who host infrastructure, store files, send email, or provide analytics—under contracts that limit use to providing services to us.
- Authorities when required by law or to protect rights, safety, and integrity of users and the Service.
We do not sell your personal information as a commodity.
Retention
We keep information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service, comply with law, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. You may request deletion where applicable law applies, subject to legitimate retention needs.
Security
We use administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure; we encourage strong passwords and safe use of linked accounts.
International transfers
We may process data in countries other than where you live. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers.
Your choices and rights
Depending on jurisdiction, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export personal data; to object to or restrict certain processing; and to withdraw consent where processing is consent-based. Contact us to exercise these rights. You may also lodge a complaint with a data protection authority.
Children
The Service is not directed at children under the age where they cannot lawfully use the platform in their region. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Changes
We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the revised version on this page and update the "Last updated" date.
Contact
For privacy-related requests, email support@mail.hookstep.in or reach us through the recruiter contact flow on this site.