Executive Summary
PyjamaHR ensures your recruitment data is secure, regularly backed up, and recoverable in case of disasters or when you need to export your data. This article explains how PyjamaHR handles disaster recovery, the frequency and process of data backups, and provides actionable steps for accessing, downloading, and troubleshooting your data backups.
Detailed Overview
What Is Disaster Recovery and Backup in PyjamaHR?
Disaster recovery in PyjamaHR refers to the platform’s ability to restore your data in the event of accidental deletion, technical failure, or other catastrophic events. Data backup is the process of regularly saving copies of your data to secure, redundant storage, ensuring it can be restored or exported when needed.
Why It Matters
Business Continuity: Ensures your recruitment operations can resume quickly after an incident.
Data Ownership: Allows you to export your data when leaving the platform or for compliance.
Peace of Mind: Protects against accidental loss, corruption, or technical issues.
Integration with PyjamaHR Features
Data Export: Backups are the basis for data dumps provided when you request your data.
Compare View Export: Allows ongoing, job-level data exports for active users.
Subscription Management: Data dumps are typically provided when a company is leaving PyjamaHR.
Step-by-Step Guide: How PyjamaHR Handles Backups and Disaster Recovery
1. Regular Data Backups
PyjamaHR performs regular, automated backups of all customer data stored on the platform.
Backups are stored securely in the cloud with redundancy.
Backup frequency: While the exact frequency is not public, backups are performed often enough to ensure minimal data loss in case of disaster (based on support responses, expect at least daily or more frequent backups).
2. Requesting a Data Backup (Data Dump)
Scenario A: Leaving PyjamaHR
1. Contact Support: Email or message PyjamaHR support stating you wish to export all your data (e.g., “We are moving to another platform and need a data dump”).
2. Verification: Support may confirm your request and ask for your user ID or company details.
3. Processing: The tech team prepares a data dump, which may take several days for large accounts (especially if >100GB).
4. Delivery: You receive a download link (usually a ZIP or TAR.GZ file, sometimes with a CSV of links to individual files).
5. Download Window: The link is typically valid for 24-72 hours (sometimes up to 7 days). For large data sets, you can request an extension.
Scenario B: Ongoing Access (Active Subscription)
- Use the Compare View to export candidate data job-wise in Excel/CSV format.
- Full data dumps are not routinely provided unless you are leaving the platform.
3. Downloading Your Backup
Click the provided link to download your data.
For large files, use a stable, high-speed internet connection.
Use recommended extraction tools (e.g., 7zip, WinRAR, The Unarchiver for Mac) to open compressed files.
4. Restoring Data After a Disaster
In the event of a platform-wide issue, PyjamaHR will restore data from the most recent backup.
If you experience missing data, contact support with details; restoration is handled internally.
Advanced Usage & Best Practices
Power User Tips
Plan Ahead: If you anticipate needing a data dump (e.g., for audits or migration), request it well in advance—large exports can take days.
Download Promptly: Backup links expire quickly (24-72 hours standard, up to 7 days on request). Download as soon as you receive the link.
Verify Data: After downloading, immediately check the contents and extract files to ensure integrity.
Use Supported Tools: For large or multi-part archives, use recommended extraction software (7zip, WinRAR, The Unarchiver).
Optimization Strategies
Job-Level Exports: For ongoing needs, use the Compare View to export data per job, reducing the need for full data dumps.
Data Retention: Maintain your own periodic exports if your compliance policy requires more frequent backups than PyjamaHR provides.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Request an extension if your download link is about to expire and you need more time.
- Contact support immediately if you encounter corrupted or empty files.
- Use the correct extraction tool for your OS.
Don’t:
- Wait until the last minute to download large backups.
- Attempt to download massive files over unstable connections.
- Assume backups are available indefinitely—links expire!
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Common Problems and Solutions
1. Download Link Expired
- Issue: “The link shared for the backup download is no more working.”
- Solution: Contact support to request a new link or an extension. Specify the amount of data and the time you need.
2. File Corruption or Extraction Errors
- Issue: “File appears to be corrupted” or “The zip file is empty.”
- Solution: Try extracting with 7zip (Windows) or The Unarchiver (Mac). If the issue persists, contact support for a new file.
3. Incomplete Data
- Issue: “The zip file only contains resumes, but I need candidate details as well.”
- Solution: Default dumps include resumes; request a custom data dump for additional fields (Name, Email, CTC, etc.). This takes extra processing time.
4. Large Data Volumes
- Issue: “We have over 100GB/600GB of data and can’t download it in one day.”
- Solution: Request a longer download window (48-72 hours or more). Download in batches if possible.
5. Delays in Receiving Backups
- Issue: “Still waiting for the backup links” or “It’s been over 20 days.”
- Solution: Large data exports can take time. Follow up with support, provide your user ID, and request an estimated timeline.
Recovery Procedures
Platform Issue: PyjamaHR will restore from the latest backup internally.
User Data Loss: Contact support with details; restoration is handled on a case-by-case basis.
When to Contact Support
Download link expired or not working
File corruption or extraction issues
Missing or incomplete data
Need for a custom data dump (additional fields)
Large data volume or special requirements
Comprehensive FAQ
1. How often does PyjamaHR back up my data?
Backups are performed regularly (at least daily), ensuring your data can be restored in case of disaster.
2. Can I get a backup of all my data at any time?
Full data dumps are typically provided when leaving PyjamaHR. Ongoing users can export data job-wise using the Compare View.
3. How long are backup download links valid?
Links are usually valid for 24-72 hours. For large data sets, you can request up to 7 days.
4. What if my download link expires before I finish downloading?
Contact support to request a new link or an extension.
5. What data is included in the backup?
Default dumps include all candidate resumes. Custom dumps with additional fields (Name, Email, CTC, etc.) are available on request.
6. My backup file is corrupted or empty. What should I do?
Try extracting with 7zip (Windows) or The Unarchiver (Mac). If issues persist, contact support for a new file.
7. How long does it take to receive a backup?
Processing time depends on data volume. For large accounts, it may take several days.
8. Can I request backups periodically (e.g., every 6 months)?
Routine full data dumps are not standard for ongoing users. Use job-level exports for periodic needs.
9. What if I need more time to download a large backup?
Request an extension from support, specifying your data size and required window.
10. How do I export candidate data in Excel/CSV format?
Use the Compare View for job-level exports. See this article.
11. What happens to my data after I leave PyjamaHR?
You will receive a data dump before your account is closed. Download promptly, as links expire.
12. Can I restore deleted data myself?
Restoration is handled by PyjamaHR support. Contact them with details if you need data restored.
Related Features & Next Steps
Compare View Export: For ongoing, job-level data exports (How-to Guide)
Subscription Management: Contact support for exit procedures and data export when leaving PyjamaHR.
Data Security: Learn more about PyjamaHR’s security and compliance policies in the Security Overview.
Recommended Next Steps:
- Review your organization’s data retention and backup needs.
- Schedule periodic job-level exports if ongoing backups are required.
- Contact support well in advance of major transitions or migrations.
Still have questions?
Contact PyjamaHR Support for personalized assistance with backups, disaster recovery, or data exports.
This article is based on real customer experiences and PyjamaHR’s current backup and disaster recovery practices as reflected in recent support conversations. For the latest updates, always refer to the Help Center or contact support directly.