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Last updated: September 2025
Working Together to Find You Great Opportunities
These terms explain how we work with candidates looking for new opportunities. We’ve written them in plain English because job hunting is stressful enough without confusing legal documents.
The basics: We’ll work hard to find you opportunities that match your goals, and you’ll be honest with us about what you’re looking for. Together, we’ll find you a role where you can build something awesome.
By working with us, you’re agreeing to these terms. If you have questions or concerns, just ask—we’re here to help.
Who We Are and What We Do for You
HFBAC (Hiring For and Building Awesome Companies) specialises in placing people with startups and scale-ups. We’re not like traditional recruiters—we understand startup culture and focus on long-term success, not quick placements.
What we do for candidates:
- Find opportunities that match your skills and goals
- Present your profile to relevant companies
- Provide honest feedback and market insights
- Support you through the interview process
- Help negotiate offers and terms
- Provide ongoing career advice and support
Our commitment: We’ll always be honest about opportunities, market conditions, and your prospects. No false promises or unrealistic expectations.
How Our Service Works
Getting Started
Initial conversation: We’ll discuss your background, goals, and what you’re looking for
Profile creation: We’ll help optimise your CV and create a compelling profile
Market briefing: We’ll explain the current market and realistic expectations
Opportunity matching: We’ll identify suitable roles and companies
The Process
We present you to companies when there’s a good match between your profile and their needs
You control the process: We won’t submit you anywhere without your explicit permission
We provide feedback from companies after interviews and assessments
We support negotiations if you receive offers
Timeline Expectations
Finding opportunities: Can take anywhere from days to months, depending on your requirements and market conditions
Interview process: Usually 2-4 weeks from first interview to offer
Placement support: We stay involved until you’re settled in your new role
Your Information and How We Use It
What Information We Need
Professional information:
- Your CV, work history, and achievements
- Skills, qualifications, and certifications
- Salary expectations and availability
- Career goals and preferences
- References and contact details
Personal information:
- Contact details and location
- Right to work status
- Notice period and availability
- Preferences about company size, culture, etc.
How We Use Your Information
Finding opportunities: Matching your profile with suitable roles
Presenting you: Sharing your information with potential employers (with your permission)
Market analysis: Understanding trends to provide better advice
Relationship building: Maintaining long-term career relationships
Full details: See our Privacy Policy for complete information about data handling
Your Control Over Your Information
You decide: Which opportunities we can present you for
You approve: Every submission before we make it
You update: Your preferences and availability at any time
You withdraw: Your consent to use your information whenever you want
Representation and Exclusivity
How We Represent You
We present you professionally to companies, highlighting your strengths and suitability for their needs
We provide context about your background, motivations, and career goals
We advocate for you during negotiations and discussions
We give honest feedback about your interview performance and market position
Exclusivity Arrangements
Non-exclusive by default: You can work with other recruiters and apply directly to companies
Exclusive arrangements: Sometimes we’ll ask for exclusivity on specific opportunities to invest more time and effort
Your choice: You can always say no to exclusivity requests
Clear terms: Any exclusivity will be clearly explained and time-limited
What We Ask From You
Be honest about your situation, other applications, and timeline
Communicate changes in your availability or preferences
Attend interviews you’ve committed to (or give reasonable notice if you can’t)
Provide feedback about opportunities and the process
Respect confidentiality about companies and opportunities we discuss
Fees and Costs
No Cost to Candidates
Our services are completely free to candidates. Companies pay our fees when they hire someone we’ve introduced.
You never pay us anything for finding you opportunities, providing advice, or supporting your job search.
No hidden costs: We don’t charge for CV reviews, interview preparation, or any other candidate services.
How We Get Paid
Companies pay us when they hire someone we’ve introduced, typically a fixed fee between £7,500 up to £12,000 + VAT
Payment timing: Usually within 14 days of your start date
Success-based: We only get paid when you get hired and start work
Our payment structure: We get paid in three separate invoices:
- Non-refundable engagement fee of £1,200 + VAT when companies start working with us
- Second payment when an offer is accepted or in your first week
- Final payment once you start your new role
This alignment matters: We succeed when you succeed, so we’re motivated to find you the right opportunity, not just any opportunity.
Interview Process and Feedback
Our Role in Interviews
Preparation: We’ll brief you on the company, role, and interview process
Coordination: We’ll schedule interviews and manage logistics
Support: We’re available for questions and concerns throughout
Feedback: We’ll gather and share feedback from both sides
Your Responsibilities
Preparation: Research the company and prepare thoughtful questions
Punctuality: Arrive on time and properly prepared
Professionalism: Represent yourself and us well
Honesty: Be truthful about your experience and interests
Feedback: Share your thoughts about the opportunity and process
After Interviews
We’ll follow up with both you and the company within 24-48 hours
We’ll share feedback honestly, even if it’s not what you want to hear
We’ll discuss next steps and timeline for decisions
We’ll support you through any additional rounds or assessments
Offers and Negotiations
When You Receive an Offer
We’ll review it with you and explain all the terms
We’ll advise on market rates and whether it’s competitive
We’ll help negotiate if you want to discuss terms
We’ll support your decision whether you accept or decline
Negotiation Support
Salary and benefits: We’ll advise on reasonable expectations and negotiation strategies
Start dates: We’ll help coordinate timing that works for everyone
Contract terms: We’ll explain anything you’re unsure about
Equity and options: We’ll help you understand startup compensation packages
Your Decision
The choice is always yours: We’ll provide advice, but you make the final decision
No pressure: We won’t push you to accept offers that aren’t right for you
Long-term thinking: We care more about your career success than individual placements
Confidentiality and Discretion
Protecting Your Privacy
Discretion is essential: We understand job searching can be sensitive
Confidential searches: We can work with you confidentially if needed
Reference timing: We’ll only contact references when you’re ready
Current employer: We’ll never contact your current employer without permission
Information Sharing
With companies: We only share information relevant to the opportunity
With colleagues: Our team may discuss your profile to find better matches
With third parties: We never share your information with unrelated companies
Ongoing protection: Your information remains confidential even after placement
Placement Guarantees and Support
Our Commitment After Placement
Integration support: We’ll check in regularly during your first few months
Problem resolution: We’ll help address any issues that arise
Ongoing relationship: We’re here for future career moves and advice
Reference support: We can provide references for future opportunities
If Things Don’t Work Out
Early issues: We’ll work with you and the company to resolve problems
Replacement guarantee: If you leave within the guarantee period, we’ll find a replacement at no extra cost to the company
Your protection: This doesn’t affect your right to leave if the role isn’t right
Continued support: We’ll help you find something better if needed
Success Metrics
We measure success by your long-term satisfaction and career progression, not just initial placement
Regular check-ins: We’ll stay in touch to ensure you’re happy and progressing
Career development: We’ll continue to provide advice and opportunities as your career evolves
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights
Control over your job search: You decide which opportunities to pursue
Honest information: You deserve accurate information about roles and companies
Professional representation: We’ll present you in the best possible light
Confidentiality: Your job search and personal information will be protected
No-cost service: You’ll never pay fees for our candidate services
Your Responsibilities
Honest communication: Provide accurate information about your background and goals
Professional conduct: Represent yourself well in all interactions
Timely responses: Reply to communications and attend scheduled meetings
Feedback: Share your thoughts about opportunities and our service
Respect: Treat everyone in the process with professionalism and courtesy
Ending Our Relationship
When You Find a Role
Celebration: We’ll be genuinely happy about your success
Transition support: We’ll help ensure a smooth start in your new role
Ongoing relationship: We’ll stay in touch for future opportunities
Reference: We’re happy to provide references for your new role
If You Want to Stop Working With Us
No problem: You can end our relationship at any time
Data handling: We’ll respect your wishes about keeping or deleting your information
Future opportunities: You can always come back if your situation changes
Professional courtesy: Just let us know so we can update our records
Complaints and Dispute Resolution
If You Have Concerns
Talk to us first: Most issues can be resolved with a simple conversation
Email us: hello@hfbac.co.uk with “Candidate Concern” in the subject line
We’ll listen: We take all feedback seriously and will investigate thoroughly
Quick response: We’ll acknowledge your concern within 24 hours
Formal Complaints Process
If informal resolution doesn’t work:
- Written complaint: Detail your concerns and desired resolution
- Investigation: We’ll review the situation thoroughly
- Response: We’ll provide a written response within 10 business days
- Appeal: You can appeal our decision if you’re not satisfied
External Resolution
Industry bodies: You can complain to relevant recruitment industry associations
Legal advice: You’re free to seek independent legal advice
Regulatory bodies: Contact appropriate authorities if you believe we’ve broken laws or regulations
Changes to These Terms
Updates and Modifications
We may update these terms to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or industry practices.
How we’ll notify you:
- Email notification for significant changes
- Updated version on our website
- Discussion during our regular check-ins
Your options: You can continue working with us under new terms or end our relationship if you don’t agree
Contact Information
Questions and Support
General enquiries: hello@hfbac.co.uk
Candidate support: Include “Candidate Query” in the subject line
Urgent matters: We’ll respond within 24 hours
Career advice: We’re always happy to chat about your career goals
Our Details
Company: HFBAC (Hiring For and Building Awesome Companies)
Address: Henleaze House 13 Harbury Rd Henleaze Bristol BS9 4PN
Phone: +44 (0) 117 290 0200
Website: www.hfbac.co.uk
Our Promise to You
We’re not just here to fill positions—we’re here to help you build an awesome career with companies that value what you bring.
Your success is our success. We measure our performance by your long-term satisfaction and career progression, not just quick placements.
We’ll always be honest about opportunities, market conditions, and your prospects. No false promises or unrealistic expectations.
Questions are always welcome. If anything in these terms is unclear or concerning, please ask. We’re here to help, not hide behind legal language.
These terms are designed to create a partnership based on trust, honesty, and mutual success. Your career matters to us, and these terms help us work together effectively.
