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How to Handle File-Upload Errors for JDs, Resumes, and Tests in PyjamaHR

Updated this week

Executive Summary

Uploading files—whether job descriptions (JDs), candidate resumes, or test documents—is a core workflow in PyjamaHR. However, users sometimes encounter upload failures, parsing issues, or unexplained delays. This guide provides a comprehensive, actionable approach to diagnosing and resolving file-upload errors in PyjamaHR, ensuring your hiring process stays smooth and efficient.


Detailed Overview

What Is File Upload in PyjamaHR?

PyjamaHR allows you to upload:
- Job Descriptions (JDs): Attachments or pasted text when creating or editing a job.
- Resumes: PDF, DOC, DOCX files (and sometimes CSV/Excel for bulk uploads) for adding candidates manually, via bulk import, or through integrations.
- Tests: Custom test files or assessments for candidate evaluation.

Why It Matters:
Uploading these files powers candidate parsing, job board publishing, and automated workflows. Errors can block hiring, delay candidate review, or cause data loss.

Where It Integrates:
- Talent Pool
- Job Creation/Edit
- Bulk Import
- Chrome Extension Imports
- Test Assignment


Step-by-Step Guide: Uploading Files and Avoiding Errors

1. Check File Format and Size

  • Supported Resume Formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX (CSV/XLSX for bulk import)

  • JD/Test Formats: DOC, DOCX, PDF

  • File Size Limit: Typically up to 5MB per file (check UI for current limits)

  • Bulk Upload: Up to 50 resumes at once (as per customer feedback)

Screenshot Callout:
Show the upload dialog with supported formats and size limits.

2. Uploading a Resume or JD

  1. Go to the relevant section (e.g., "Add Candidate", "Create Job", "Assign Test").

  2. Click Upload or Import.

  3. Select your file(s).

  4. Wait for the parsing/progress indicator to complete.

  5. Confirm the candidate/job/test appears in the list.

Screenshot Callout:
Highlight the progress indicator and success message location.

3. Bulk Upload (CSV/XLSX)

  1. Download the sample template from the upload dialog.

  2. Ensure all required columns are present (especially email for candidates).

  3. Paste data in the correct format.

  4. Upload the file and wait for the confirmation message.

Screenshot Callout:
Show the template and a correctly filled sample row.

4. If Upload Fails or Stalls

  • Check for error messages (e.g., “We are facing some issues. Please try again later.”)

  • No error, but file not uploaded? Try a hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R), clear browser cache, or use an incognito window.

  • Parsing stuck? Wait a few minutes, especially for bulk uploads. Try re-uploading if still stuck.


Advanced Usage & Best Practices

Power User Tips

  • Always include a valid email in resumes: PyjamaHR uses email as a unique identifier.

  • Convert files to DOCX if DOC fails: Some parsing issues are resolved by saving as DOCX.

  • For bulk uploads: Limit to 50 resumes at a time for optimal speed.

  • Check formatting: Ensure no special characters or formatting errors in resumes/JDs.

  • Use the latest browser version: Chrome is recommended for best compatibility.

Optimization Strategies

  • For slow uploads: Upload during off-peak hours or in smaller batches.

  • If importing from job boards (e.g., Naukri): Be aware of ongoing integration updates—check the Help Center for extension status.

Do’s and Don’ts

  • Do: Share a screenshot or screen recording with support if you encounter persistent issues.

  • Don’t: Upload files without checking for required fields (especially email for resumes).

  • Do: Use the provided templates for bulk uploads.

  • Don’t: Use unsupported file types or oversized files.


Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Common Error Messages & Solutions

Error Message / Symptom

Likely Cause

Solution

“We are facing some issues. Please try again later.”

Temporary backend issue or file format error

Retry after a few minutes; check file format; try hard refresh

No error, but file not uploaded

Missing required fields (e.g., email), unsupported format, or parsing failure

Check file for required fields; convert to DOCX; ensure email is present

Parsing stuck or very slow

Large file size or bulk upload

Wait 5–10 minutes; try smaller batches; check internet connection

“Resume parsing” completes but resume not uploaded

Parsing failed due to formatting or missing data

Check resume for formatting issues; ensure email is present and properly formatted

Add to Job button not clickable after upload

Upload not completed or failed silently

Check for failed uploads; refresh page; re-upload

Bulk upload (CSV/XLSX) not working

Incorrect template or missing columns

Use the provided template; ensure all required columns are present

JD/Test file not uploading

Unsupported format or size

Convert to PDF/DOCX; reduce file size

What If Scenarios

  • What if I see no progress indicator?
    Refresh the page and try again. If the issue persists, try a different browser or incognito mode.

  • What if resumes are missing after upload?
    Search by candidate email in the Talent Pool. If still missing, re-upload and check for errors.

  • What if upload works for some files but not others?
    Compare working and non-working files for formatting differences. Convert problematic files to DOCX or PDF.

  • What if I get no error but candidates don’t appear?
    Ensure the email field is present and correctly formatted in the resume or CSV.

When to Contact Support

  • Persistent upload failures after following all troubleshooting steps

  • Platform-wide issues (e.g., all uploads failing for all users)

  • Suspected bugs (dialog boxes disappearing, UI not responding)

  • Integration-specific issues (e.g., Naukri/Chrome Extension not importing)

Tip:
Always attach a screenshot or screen recording, and the problematic file, when contacting support.


Comprehensive FAQ

1. What file formats are supported for resumes, JDs, and tests?
PDF, DOC, DOCX for resumes and JDs; CSV/XLSX for bulk uploads; check the upload dialog for current supported formats.

2. What is the maximum file size for uploads?
Up to 5MB per file (subject to change—check UI for current limits).

3. Why does my resume upload but not appear in the candidate list?
Most likely, the resume is missing a valid email address or has formatting issues. Ensure the email is present and correctly formatted.

4. Why is the “Add to Job” button not clickable after uploading resumes?
The upload may not have completed successfully. Check for failed uploads, refresh the page, and try again.

5. How many resumes can I upload at once?
Up to 50 resumes in a single bulk upload.

6. What should I do if parsing is stuck or very slow?
Wait a few minutes, then try a hard refresh or upload in smaller batches.

7. Can I upload resumes without an email address?
No. PyjamaHR requires an email as a unique identifier for each candidate.

8. My JD or test file won’t upload—what’s wrong?
Check file format and size. Convert to PDF or DOCX and try again.

9. Why do some resumes work and others don’t?
Check for formatting issues, missing required fields, or unsupported file types.

10. What if I get “We are facing some issues. Please try again later.”?
This is usually a temporary issue. Retry after a few minutes, and check your file format.

11. Can I upload Excel/CSV files for bulk candidate import?
Yes, but you must use the provided template and include all required columns.

12. What if I need to upload a large number of resumes quickly?
Split into batches of 50 or fewer, and upload during off-peak hours for best performance.

13. How do I know if my upload was successful?
Look for a success message or check that the candidates/jobs/tests appear in the relevant list.

14. What if I see “parsing in progress” for a long time?
Wait a few minutes, then refresh. If still stuck, re-upload or contact support.

15. What if I’m importing from a job board and it fails?
Check for ongoing integration updates (e.g., Naukri extension revamp). Use manual upload as a fallback.


Related Features & Next Steps

  • Talent Pool Management: Organize and search uploaded candidates.

  • Bulk Actions: Move, assign, or update candidates in batches.

  • Chrome Extension: Import candidates from job boards (check for current compatibility).

  • Job Board Integrations: Ensure your JDs are formatted for external posting.

  • Career Page Integration: Ensure uploaded JDs/tests appear on your company’s careers page.

Recommended Next Steps:
- Review Bulk Upload Guide
- Check Chrome Extension Usage
- For integration-specific issues, see Career Page Integration


Summary Table: Quick Reference

Issue

Likely Cause

Solution

Resume/JD/Test not uploading

Wrong format, missing email, file too large

Convert to PDF/DOCX, add email, reduce size

Parsing stuck

Large file, bulk upload

Wait, refresh, split into smaller batches

No error but file missing

Silent failure, missing required fields

Check file, re-upload, contact support

Bulk upload fails

Wrong template, missing columns

Use provided template, add all columns


Still stuck?
Attach a screenshot, screen recording, and the problematic file, then contact PyjamaHR Support for priority assistance.



By following this guide, you can resolve nearly all file-upload issues in PyjamaHR without waiting for support—keeping your hiring process on track and your team productive.

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