Executive Summary
Bulk downloading resumes is a critical need for recruiters and HR teams who want to efficiently process, analyze, or migrate candidate data from PyjamaHR. This guide explains exactly how to export all candidate resumes and data for a specific job, clarifies current limitations for folders and the Talent Pool, and provides actionable solutions for common scenarios—ensuring you never lose access to your valuable applicant information.
Detailed Overview
What Is Bulk Resume Download in PyjamaHR?
Bulk resume download refers to exporting all candidate resumes and associated data for a particular job posting in one go, rather than downloading each resume individually. This is most commonly used for:
Reporting and analytics: Analyzing applicant quality, diversity, or pipeline health.
Data migration: Moving to another ATS or HRMS.
Backup and compliance: Retaining records for audit or legal purposes.
Internal processing: Sharing candidate data with hiring managers or other teams.
Key PyjamaHR Workflow:
Bulk downloads are supported at the job level using the Compare Candidates feature. Direct bulk export from folders or the Talent Pool is not currently available for regular users, but there are workarounds and special cases (see below).
Business Impact:
Efficient bulk export saves hours of manual work, reduces errors, and ensures you have all candidate data—including resumes, contact details, and custom form fields—for downstream processes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Bulk Downloading Resumes for a Job
Prerequisites
You must have access to the PyjamaHR platform and the relevant job posting.
Ensure your account is active (contact support if your access has expired).
For large jobs (1000+ candidates), ensure your email inbox can receive large files or links.
Steps
1. Navigate to the Job
Go to the Jobs section in PyjamaHR.
Click on the specific job for which you want to download resumes.
2. Access Compare Candidates View
In the job dashboard, locate and click the Compare Candidates button (often represented by a comparison icon beside the mailbox or candidate list).
[Screenshot: Job dashboard highlighting "Compare Candidates" button]
3. Select All Candidates
In the Compare Candidates view, select All Candidates.
You can filter or select specific candidates if needed, but for a full export, choose all.
[Screenshot: Compare Candidates view with "All Candidates" selected]
4. Customize Data Fields (Optional)
Use the Data Fields option to add or remove columns (e.g., Name, Email, Phone, Notice Period, CTC, custom questions).
This ensures your export includes all required information.
[Screenshot: Data Fields selection panel]
5. Download the Data
Click the Download button (usually in the top right corner).
Choose your preferred format (CSV or Excel).
For jobs with fewer than 1000 candidates, the file downloads instantly.
For jobs with 1000+ candidates, you’ll receive a download link via email.
[Screenshot: Download button location]
6. Access Resumes
The exported file includes a column with resume download links for each candidate.
Click the link to download individual resumes as needed.
Note: PyjamaHR does not currently provide a single ZIP file of all resumes via the UI for regular users.
Advanced Usage & Best Practices
Power User Tips
Bulk Move for Analysis: If you want to analyze candidates across multiple jobs or folders, move them into a single job (e.g., create a "Data Export" job) and then use Compare Candidates to export.
Custom Data Fields: Always check Data Fields before downloading to ensure all custom form responses are included.
Large Exports: For jobs with thousands of candidates, monitor your email (including spam/junk) for the download link. Downloads may take time for very large datasets.
Integration & Automation
No API Access: As of now, PyjamaHR does not provide public APIs for bulk export.
Data Migration: If you are leaving PyjamaHR, request a data dump from support (see below).
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Use Compare Candidates for each job you need to export.
Do: Contact support for a full data dump if you are migrating away from PyjamaHR.
Don’t: Expect to bulk download resumes directly from the Talent Pool or folders unless arranged with support.
Don’t: Wait until your account is deactivated—request access or a data dump before your subscription ends.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
1. Can’t Find the Download Option
Solution: Ensure you are in the Compare Candidates view within a specific job. The download button is only available here.
2. Didn’t Receive the Download Email
Solution: Check your spam/junk folder for emails from [email protected]. For very large jobs, allow extra processing time.
3. Download Link Expired
Solution: Download links are valid for 5–7 days. If expired, re-initiate the download or contact support for a new link.
4. Can’t Open ZIP/CSV Files
Solution: Use recommended extraction tools:
Windows: 7-Zip, WinRAR
Mac: The Unarchiver (App Store link)
If the file is corrupted or empty, contact support for a new export.
5. Exported File Only Has Links, Not Actual Resumes
Explanation: The CSV/Excel export includes links to each resume. You must click each link to download the PDF/DOCX file. Bulk ZIP download is only available via special request to support (typically for account closure or migration).
6. Need All Data Across Jobs or Talent Pool
Solution: There is no self-serve option to export all candidates across all jobs or folders. You must export job by job, or request a full data dump from support (see FAQ).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bulk download all resumes for a job?
Yes, use the Compare Candidates feature in the job and download the Excel/CSV file, which includes resume links.
2. Can I bulk download resumes from a folder or the Talent Pool?
No, direct bulk export from folders or the Talent Pool is not available for regular users. You can move candidates to a job and export from there, or request a data dump from support if you are leaving PyjamaHR.
3. Does the export include rejected or disqualified candidates?
Yes, all candidates in the job (including rejected) are included if you select "All Candidates" in Compare Candidates.
4. Can I get a ZIP file of all resumes?
Not via the UI. For account closure or migration, contact support to request a data dump (ZIP file of all resumes and/or CSV of candidate data).
5. How long are download links valid?
Typically 5–7 days. Download promptly to avoid expiration.
6. Can I schedule or automate exports?
No, scheduled or automated exports are not currently supported.
7. What if I have thousands of candidates?
For jobs with 1000+ candidates, the export is processed in the background and sent to your email. For very large datasets, contact support for assistance.
8. Can I export custom form fields and screening questions?
Yes, use the Data Fields option in Compare Candidates to include all relevant columns.
9. Can I export all data for all jobs at once?
No, you must export job by job. For a complete company-wide export, request a data dump from support.
10. What if I need both resumes and candidate data in one package?
A custom data dump (ZIP + CSV) can be provided by support, usually when leaving PyjamaHR.
11. What if my account is suspended or expired?
Contact support to request temporary access or a data dump.
12. Can I export resumes for candidates not assigned to any job?
Not directly. Move them to a job first, then export.
Related Features & Next Steps
Compare Candidates View: Central to all bulk export workflows.
Talent Pool Management: Organize candidates into jobs for easier export.
Custom Data Dump: For full exports, especially during account closure or migration—contact support.
Mass Emailing: Use exported data for outreach or internal sharing.
Related Help Articles:
Managing the Talent Pool (update with actual link)
Real-World Scenarios & Examples
Migrating to a New ATS: Request a data dump from support for a ZIP of all resumes and a CSV of all candidate data.
Weekly Reporting: Use Compare Candidates to export new applicants for each job and update your internal tracker.
Data Backup: Regularly export job-wise data for compliance or audit purposes.
Bulk Analysis: Move filtered candidates from the Talent Pool to a job, then export for analysis.
Summary Table: What’s Possible and How
Scenario | Self-Serve (UI) | Support Request Needed |
Export all resumes for a specific job | ✅ Yes | |
Export all resumes from a folder/Talent Pool | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (data dump) |
Export candidate data + resumes (ZIP+CSV) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (data dump) |
Export custom fields/form responses | ✅ Yes (via Data Fields) | |
Export resumes for unassigned candidates | ❌ No | ✅ Move to job first |
When to Contact Support
You need a full company data dump (all jobs, all resumes, all candidate data).
You are leaving PyjamaHR and require a packaged export.
You have large datasets (10,000+ candidates) or technical issues with downloads.
Your account is suspended or expired and you need temporary access to export data.
You encounter corrupted or empty ZIP files or persistent download failures.
Final Tips
Plan ahead: Export your data before your subscription ends.
Check your email: For large exports, always monitor your inbox and spam folders.
Use recommended extraction tools: Especially for large ZIP files.
Contact support early: For any scenario not covered by the standard UI export.
Still have questions?
Contact PyjamaHR Support or use the in-app chat for personalized assistance.
This article is based on real customer experiences and current PyjamaHR capabilities as of June 2024. We continuously update our platform and help center—please check back for the latest features and workflows.