Data Handling Policy

1. Introduction

At Minimal Edge Talent, we recognize that the recruitment process involves handling sensitive personal and professional information. This Data Handling Policy outlines our specific practices for processing, storing, and protecting the data we collect from candidates, clients, and website visitors.

This policy supplements our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. It demonstrates our commitment to responsible data management and compliance with applicable data protection regulations.

2. Data Categories

We handle the following categories of data:

2.1 Candidate Data

• Identification data: Name, contact details, location
• Professional data: Work history, skills, certifications
• Educational data: Degrees, institutions, academic achievements
• Evaluation data: Reference checks, interview assessments
• Preference data: Salary expectations, desired roles, location preferences

2.2 Client Data

• Business contact data: Names and contact details of representatives
• Company profile data: Industry, size, location, company culture
• Hiring data: Job requirements, hiring processes, decision criteria
• Account data: Service agreements, payment information

2.3 Website Visitor Data

• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information
• Usage data: Pages visited, time spent, interactions
• Inquiry data: Information submitted through contact forms

3. Data Collection Methods

We collect data through:

• Direct collection: Information you provide when registering, submitting forms, or communicating with us
• Website interactions: Information automatically collected when you visit our website
• Third-party sources: With your consent, we may collect information from references, previous employers, or professional databases
• Public sources: Publicly available professional information, such as professional networking sites

4. Data Processing Principles

We adhere to the following principles in all our data handling activities:

• Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency: We process data legally, fairly, and with transparency about our practices
• Purpose limitation: We collect data for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes
• Data minimization: We collect only what is necessary for our stated purposes
• Accuracy: We take reasonable steps to ensure data is accurate and up-to-date
• Storage limitation: We retain data only as long as necessary
• Integrity and confidentiality: We implement appropriate security measures
• Accountability: We take responsibility for compliance with these principles

5. Data Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your data, including:

• Technical measures:
  • Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
  • Secure cloud infrastructure with regular security updates
  • Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
  • Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
  • Multi-factor authentication for system access
• Organizational measures:
  • Access controls based on need-to-know principle
  • Regular staff training on data protection
  • Formal data protection policies and procedures
  • Data breach response plan
  • Regular compliance audits

6. Data Retention

6.1 Retention Periods

• Candidate data: 2 years after last meaningful interaction
• Successful placement data: 5 years from placement date (for reference and legal purposes)
• Client data: Duration of business relationship plus 3 years
• Website visitor data: Up to 2 years
• Financial records: 7 years (as required by tax regulations)

6.2 Retention Exceptions

We may retain data for longer periods if:

• Required by applicable law
• Necessary for establishing, exercising, or defending legal claims
• You request we maintain your information for future opportunities

7. Data Sharing Practices

7.1 Candidate Data Sharing

We share candidate information with potential employers only:

• With your explicit consent
• For positions matching your profile and preferences
• On a need-to-know basis (limited to information relevant for the position)

7.2 Service Providers

We may share data with carefully selected service providers who help us operate our business:

• CRM and database providers
• Email and communication platforms
• Cloud storage providers
• Analytics providers

All service providers are bound by contractual obligations to implement appropriate security measures and process data only as instructed by us.

8. International Data Transfers

As a recruitment service connecting candidates with international opportunities, we may transfer data across borders. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure:

• Transfers comply with applicable data protection laws
• Appropriate safeguards are in place (such as standard contractual clauses)
• Recipients maintain adequate data protection measures
• You are informed about international transfers when relevant

9. Data Subject Rights

We respect and facilitate your rights regarding your personal data. These include:

• Right to access: You can request information about the personal data we hold about you
• Right to rectification: You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to erasure: You can request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
• Right to restriction: You can request limiting how we use your data in certain circumstances
• Right to data portability: You can request transfer of your data in a structured format
• Right to object: You can object to certain types of processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us at talent@minimaledgetech.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

10. Data Protection Officer

While we may not be legally required to have a Data Protection Officer, we have designated a Data Protection Team responsible for overseeing our data protection practices.

You can contact our Data Protection Team at talent@minimaledgetech.com with any questions or concerns about our data handling practices.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Data Handling Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify affected individuals of significant changes through our website or direct communication. The date of the latest revision will be indicated at the top of the policy.

12. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Data Handling Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: talent@minimaledgetech.com

Address: Hyderabad, India