Privacy Policy.

Astera Search is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal data. By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

Data We Collect:

·        Personal identification details (name, email, phone number, hobbies, interests, pastimes, etc.)

·        Job & education history

·        Visa, passport and other right to work or identity information

·        Bank details

·        LLC information

·        Emergency contacts

·        Relationships with third parties including referees

·        Information contained in references and pre-employment checks from third parties

·        Resume/CV information provided through applications and shared directly

·        Your marketing preferences

·        Cookies and website usage data

 

How We Use Your Data:

·        Collecting and storing your personal data, whether in manual or electronic files

·        Using the data to communicate with you

·        Sending information to third parties with whom we have or intend to enter into arrangements which are related to our Recruitment Services

·        Actions necessary to further any obligation on us pursuant to a contract between ourselves and a third party you work for

·        Collating market or sector specific information and providing the same to our clients

·        Providing information to regulatory authorities or statutory bodies and our legal or other professional advisers including insurers

·        Retaining records of our dealings with you and any person or organization whom you represent

·        Establishing quality, training and compliance with our obligations and best practice

·        Communicating with third parties in the event of an emergency, accident or any issue relating to workplace safety

·        Recording how you engage with our Recruitment Services including through our website and IT and communication systems

·        To improve website functionality and user experience

·        To comply with legal obligations

 

Why We Process Your Personal Data

At Astera Search, we process your personal data for a variety of lawful reasons to ensure we deliver the highest quality recruitment services while remaining compliant with applicable laws. Below is an overview of the key purposes for processing your data:

1. Compliance with Legal Obligations

We are required to comply with a range of legal, regulatory, and statutory obligations that necessitate the processing of personal data. These include:

·        Meeting obligations under applicable labor, tax, fraud prevention, and anti-bribery laws.

·        Responding to inquiries or requests from regulatory bodies such as the IRS or similar agencies outside the US.

·        Ensuring compliance with health and safety laws to protect the wellbeing of employees, candidates, and others.

2. Legitimate Interests in Recruitment Services

In providing our recruitment services, we process your personal data as necessary to pursue our legitimate business interests, which include:

·        Contacting You: Communicating about opportunities, updates, and relevant recruitment services.

·        Assessing Suitability: Evaluating candidate qualifications and fit for specific roles, including reference checks or feedback.

·        Market Analysis: Aggregating and analyzing industry trends to improve our services.

·        Customizing Your Experience: Personalizing interactions, whether via our website or other communication channels.

·        Workplace Safety: Fulfilling obligations related to workplace security and the safety of others.

·        Retaining Records: Maintaining records to:

      • Establish compliance with contracts.

      • Address disputes or legal claims.

      • Safeguard our reputation.

      • Create system backups for security and operational continuity.

      • Evaluate and improve quality standards and compliance.

      • To support our operational efficiency, we may retain personal data for as long as it is relevant for these purposes.

3. Consent

We may process your personal data when you have explicitly consented to specific uses. Examples include:

·        Providing your contact details to receive job alerts or updates on our services.

·        Sharing information with employers or references as part of a recruitment process.

You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. However, please note that we may continue to process your data if we have a legitimate or legal basis to do so. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of data processed before your withdrawal.

4. Sensitive Personal Data (SPD)

Sensitive personal data (e.g., race, ethnicity, health information) is rarely required for our recruitment services. If you provide such data, it will only be processed in the following circumstances:

·        You have explicitly consented to its use.

·        It is necessary to fulfill legal obligations under employment or workplace safety laws.

·        To maintain records for legal claims or disputes.

We request that you avoid sharing sensitive data unless absolutely necessary.

5. Sharing Your Data

We will only share your personal data when necessary and permitted under applicable laws. Categories of third parties with whom we may share data include:

·        Employers, candidates, and other stakeholders in the recruitment process.

·        Regulatory bodies or authorities upon request or to comply with legal obligations.

·        Service providers, including:

      • Payroll and background check providers.

      • IT and cloud storage providers.

      • Professional advisers and insurers.

·        Emergency services or health professionals in the case of health or safety risks.

6. International Data Transfers

Astera Search operates in the United States but may process and transfer personal data outside of the US, including to the UK and other jurisdictions. Transfers will comply with applicable laws, including GDPR where relevant. For transfers to jurisdictions without adequacy decisions, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

7. Retaining Your Data

Personal data will generally be retained for no longer than six (6) years after our last interaction with you. Longer retention may apply where:

·        Required by legal or contractual obligations.

·        Necessary to maintain records of unique qualifications or specialist skillsets.

If you wish to request early deletion of your data, please contact us at contact@asterasearch.com.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights concerning your personal data:

·        Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.

·        Correction: Request that we rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.

·        Deletion: Request that we delete your data under certain conditions.

·        Restriction: Request limitations on our processing of your data.

·        Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another provider where applicable.

·        Object: Challenge the use of your data for legitimate interests or direct marketing.

·        Consent Withdrawal: Revoke your consent at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@asterasearch.com.

9. Complaints

If you have concerns about how your data is being handled, please contact contact@asterasearch.com. We are committed to resolving issues promptly. For UK-based contacts, you may also contact the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for additional support.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Notice will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect changes in laws or business practices.

 

 

We never sell your data and ensure it is stored securely. For more details, or to request access to your data, please contact us at contact@asterasearch.com.

Customer Service Policy

At Astera Search, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We aim to provide prompt, reliable, and professional service to all our clients and candidates. Our commitments include:

·        Responding to inquiries within 5 business days

·        Offering transparent communication throughout the recruitment process

·        Actively seeking feedback to continually improve our services

 

If you have any concerns or require assistance, please reach out to us at contact@asterasearch.com.

Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies to enhance your experience and analyze website traffic. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies.

Types of Cookies We Use:

·        Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality

·        Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site

·        Marketing Cookies: Used to display relevant job opportunities and services

 

You can adjust your cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more information, please refer to our full Cookie Policy or contact us.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Astera Search is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all. We celebrate diversity and ensure equal opportunities in recruitment and hiring processes.

Our Commitments:

·        Eliminate discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic

·        Promote diversity within our own workforce and the candidates we place

·        Continuously improve our practices through training and feedback

 

We believe in connecting capability with culture, ensuring every placement aligns with our clients’ values and goals.

Complaints Policy

We value your feedback and take all complaints seriously. If you have a concern, please follow these steps:

·        Contact Us: Email contact@asterasearch.com with a detailed description of your issue.

·        Acknowledgment: We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days.

·        Resolution: Our team will investigate and aim to resolve your complaint within 10 business days.

 

If you are not satisfied with our resolution, further steps can be taken through relevant regulatory bodies.