Fair Use Policy

Last updated: November 15, 2024

1. Purpose

This Fair Use Policy ("Policy") outlines acceptable and prohibited uses of the HintCraft job landing system ("Service"). Our goal is to provide high-quality AI-powered career tools to all users while ensuring the sustainability and security of our platform.

By using the Service, you agree to follow this Policy in addition to our Terms of Service.

2. Our Commitment

We built HintCraft to help professionals:

  • Land fulfilling remote work that matches their authentic selves
  • Prepare effectively for job interviews
  • Create compelling application materials
  • Systematically approach job searching

We want you to get maximum value from the Service while respecting the resources that make it available to everyone.

3. Acceptable Use

You may use the Service for:

3.1 Job Search Activities

Interview Preparation

  • Practicing answers to common and behavioral interview questions
  • Getting feedback on your communication style
  • Preparing for specific roles or companies
  • Rehearsing technical or case interview scenarios

Application Materials

  • Writing and improving resumes and CVs
  • Crafting tailored cover letters
  • Optimizing LinkedIn profiles and professional bios
  • Creating portfolio descriptions and project summaries

Job Search Strategy

  • Analyzing job descriptions and requirements
  • Researching companies and roles
  • Planning your job search approach
  • Tracking applications and follow-ups

Professional Development

  • Identifying skills gaps and development areas
  • Understanding your professional strengths and values
  • Clarifying career goals and direction
  • Learning industry-specific terminology

Legitimate Use Cases

  • Reasonable amounts of practice and iteration
  • Using AI to refine your authentic responses
  • Exploring different ways to present your experience
  • Getting multiple perspectives on your materials

4. Prohibited Use

You may NOT use the Service for:

4.1 Resource Abuse

Excessive or Automated Usage

  • Sending abnormally large numbers of AI requests in short periods
  • Using scripts, bots, or automation to generate requests
  • Deliberately consuming excessive computing resources
  • Attempting to bypass rate limits or usage quotas

System Abuse

  • Reverse engineering or decompiling the Service
  • Attempting to access other users' accounts or data
  • Probing for security vulnerabilities
  • Interfering with the Service's operation or other users' access

4.2 Off-Purpose Usage

Non-Career Activities

  • Writing novels, books, or creative fiction
  • Generating marketing content for businesses
  • Creating educational materials unrelated to job searching
  • Startup ideation or business planning (unless directly related to your job search)
  • Academic assignments or homework
  • General-purpose writing or content creation

Commercial Misuse

  • Reselling AI-generated content or outputs
  • Using the Service to provide services to third parties
  • Bulk generation of content for commercial purposes
  • Building competing products or services

4.3 Unethical or Illegal Activities

Harmful Content

  • Generating false or misleading information for applications
  • Creating discriminatory or offensive content
  • Impersonating others or falsifying credentials
  • Plagiarizing others' work or intellectual property

Account Misuse

  • Sharing your account access with others
  • Creating multiple accounts to abuse free tiers or trials
  • Using stolen payment methods
  • Violating our Terms of Service or applicable laws

5. Reasonable Use Guidelines

5.1 What "Reasonable" Means

We understand that job searching is intensive and may require significant use of our tools. Reasonable use varies by subscription tier but generally means:

For Interview Practice:

  • Practicing multiple variations of answers is encouraged
  • Iterating on responses to improve them is normal usage
  • Spending hours preparing for important interviews is expected

For Application Materials:

  • Creating multiple versions tailored to different roles is fine
  • Refining materials through several iterations is normal
  • Preparing comprehensive application packages is acceptable

What's NOT Reasonable:

  • Generating hundreds of variations of the same content in one session
  • Running automated scripts that make continuous requests
  • Using the Service primarily for purposes unrelated to job searching
  • Deliberately trying to strain our infrastructure

5.2 The "Job Coach Test"

Simple guideline: If you wouldn't ask it during a job coaching session, don't run it here.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this directly helping me with my job search?
  • Would a career coach address this question?
  • Am I using this for its intended purpose?

If the answer is "no" to these questions, it's likely outside our fair use policy.

6. Subscription Tiers and Limits

Different subscription levels include different usage allowances:

6.1 Free Tier

  • Limited AI requests per month
  • Access to basic features
  • Intended for light exploration and evaluation

6.2 Paid Subscriptions

  • Higher or unlimited AI usage within reasonable bounds
  • Full feature access
  • Priority support

Note: Even paid subscriptions are subject to this Fair Use Policy. "Unlimited" means unlimited reasonable use for job searching, not unlimited use for any purpose.

Specific limits and allowances are detailed in your account dashboard and may be updated from time to time.

7. Enforcement

7.1 Monitoring

We monitor usage patterns to:

  • Ensure fair resource allocation among all users
  • Detect abuse, fraud, or security threats
  • Improve our Service and user experience
  • Comply with our legal obligations

Our monitoring is automated and privacy-focused. We do not read the content of your prompts or responses unless required for:

  • Investigating reported violations
  • Responding to your support requests
  • Complying with legal obligations

7.2 Actions We May Take

If we detect violations of this Policy, we may:

First Occurrence (Minor Violations):

  1. Send a warning email explaining the issue
  2. Temporarily reduce your usage limits
  3. Provide guidance on acceptable use

Repeated or Serious Violations:

  1. Suspend your account temporarily or permanently
  2. Terminate your access to the Service
  3. Withhold refunds for prepaid periods
  4. Take legal action if necessary

Immediate Suspension (Severe Cases): We may immediately suspend accounts involved in:

  • Security attacks or hacking attempts
  • Fraud or payment abuse
  • Illegal activities
  • Severe resource abuse affecting other users

7.3 Appeals

If you believe your account was restricted in error:

  1. Email us at contact@hintcraft.com with "Fair Use Appeal" in the subject
  2. Explain your usage pattern and why you believe it's acceptable
  3. We will review your case within 5 business days
  4. If we agree, we'll restore your access and adjust limits if needed

8. Our Discretion

We reserve the right to:

  • Determine what constitutes violation of this Policy in our sole discretion
  • Adjust usage limits based on resource availability
  • Modify this Policy to address new patterns of abuse
  • Make exceptions for specific use cases on a case-by-case basis

We aim to be fair and transparent, but we must balance individual user needs with the sustainability of the platform for all users.

9. Reporting Violations

If you notice someone violating this Policy or our Terms of Service:

Email: contact@hintcraft.com
Subject: "Policy Violation Report"
Include:

  • Description of the violation
  • Any relevant evidence (screenshots, links, etc.)
  • Your contact information for follow-up

We take all reports seriously and will investigate promptly. Reporter identities are kept confidential.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy to:

  • Address new types of abuse or misuse
  • Clarify acceptable use guidelines
  • Adjust limits based on resource availability
  • Comply with legal requirements

Notification:

  • Significant changes will be announced via email and on our website
  • The "Last updated" date will reflect the latest revision
  • Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance

If you disagree with changes, you may cancel your subscription according to our Terms of Service.

11. Questions and Guidance

11.1 Still Not Sure?

If you're uncertain whether a specific use case is acceptable:

Contact us first: contact@hintcraft.com with "Fair Use Question" in the subject

We're happy to provide guidance! It's always better to ask than to risk account restrictions.

11.2 Common Questions

Q: Can I use HintCraft for multiple job searches over time?
A: Absolutely! That's exactly what it's built for. Your subscription covers all your job searches during the subscription period.

Q: Can I help a friend with their resume using my account?
A: No. Each user needs their own account. Account sharing violates this Policy.

Q: Can I use AI outputs in my actual applications?
A: Yes, that's the point! The AI helps you articulate your authentic experience. Always review and personalize outputs to ensure they accurately represent you.

Q: What if I'm applying to many jobs and need lots of tailored materials?
A: That's normal and expected! Reasonable high-volume use for legitimate job searching is fine.

Q: Can I use this for career transition research?
A: Yes, researching new industries or roles as part of your job search is appropriate use.

Q: What about using it for freelance/consulting client work?
A: If you're searching for freelance opportunities for yourself, that's fine. If you're creating materials for clients, that's commercial misuse.

12. Related Policies

This Fair Use Policy works together with:

In case of conflicts, the Terms of Service take precedence.

13. Contact Information

HintCraft Spółka z o.o.
ul. Kazimierza Morawskiego 5/127
30-102 Kraków, Poland
VAT EU: PL6762694168

Email: contact@hintcraft.com
Website: hintcraft.com


Summary: Use HintCraft for job searching, interview prep, and application materials. Don't abuse resources, share accounts, or use it for unrelated purposes. When in doubt, ask us first. We're here to help you land great work.