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Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

Our Privacy Commitment

At Smarter Search, we recognize the critical importance of privacy in building trust with our clients and candidates. Our operations are guided by strict privacy principles, ensuring that all personal data is handled with the utmost care and respect. We are committed to maintaining transparency in our data practices and continuously improving our privacy measures to align with industry standards. By prioritizing privacy, we not only protect our clients' and candidates' information but also enhance the integrity and reliability of our recruitment and advisory processes.

Last updated: February 19, 2026

1. Who We Are

Smarter Search B.V. is a talent advisory firm based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, specializing in executive search, talent strategy, and advisory services across Europe. We are committed to protecting your personal data and ensuring transparency in how we collect, use, and share information. 

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Candidate Information: Name, contact details, CV, employment history, professional skills, references, interview notes, and any other information you provide during the recruitment process.

  • Client Information: Name, contact details, company details, and role requirements.

  • Website and Communication Data: Information collected via cookies, website interactions, emails, or other electronic communications. 

3. How We Collect Personal Data

We collect personal data in the following ways:

  • Directly from candidates and clients through applications, inquiries, and communications.

  • From publicly available sources such as LinkedIn, other professional networking sites, and company websites.

  • Through our licensed use of LinkedIn Recruiter Professional Services (RPS), which provides access to candidate information.

  • Where we obtain personal data from sources other than directly from you, we will inform you of our processing activities at the latest when we first contact you. 

4. Purpose of Data Processing

We process personal data for the following purposes:

  • Identifying, assessing, and contacting candidates for executive search and talent advisory assignments.

  • Proactively identifying potential candidates using publicly available professional sources.

  • Providing talent strategy and advisory services.

  • Managing client relationships and fulfilling recruitment mandates.

  • Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

  • Securing and enhancing our website and communication channels. 

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Legitimate Interest: Conducting executive search and talent advisory activities, including proactively identifying candidates via publicly available sources.

  • Contractual Necessity: Where processing is necessary to perform agreements with clients or candidates.

  • Consent: Where required by law, for example for processing data beyond standard purposes.

  • Legal Obligations: Compliance with Dutch and EU data protection laws. 

6. Data Storage and Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Candidate data obtained via LinkedIn RPS is processed in accordance with LinkedIn’s privacy policies and security standards, in addition to this Privacy Policy. 

7. Data Sharing and Transfers

We do not sell or trade personal data.

We may share personal data with:

  • Clients in the context of recruitment and advisory assignments.

  • Third-party service providers supporting our operations (e.g., IT services, cloud storage).

  • Regulatory authorities when legally required.

International data transfers are conducted in compliance with GDPR safeguards. 

8. Retention Period

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. Candidate data is typically retained for up to two years after the last meaningful contact, unless a longer retention period is required by law or justified by ongoing professional relevance. After this period, data is deleted or anonymized unless renewed consent is obtained. 

9. Your Rights

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the following rights:

  • Access your personal data and request corrections.

  • Withdraw consent for processing (where applicable).

  • Request deletion or restriction of processing.

  • Object to processing for specific purposes.

  • Request data portability where applicable.

To exercise your rights, please contact us at privacy@smartersearch.nl.  

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on our website with the updated date. 

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

Smarter Search B.V.

Simon Vestdijklaan 21
1187 WH Amstelveen
Email: privacy@smartersearch.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20 737 0703