Upload Errors

Upload Errors

Resolve file upload issues when adding candidates or documents.

Understanding Upload Errors

Upload errors occur when:

• File format isn't supported
• File is too large or corrupted
• Network issues interrupt transfer
• Browser doesn't have proper permissions

Most issues can be fixed quickly.

Common Upload Errors

"File Too Large"

Error: "Resume file exceeds 10MB limit"

Cause: File size over maximum allowed.

Solutions:

Option 1: Compress PDF

1. Open PDF in Adobe Acrobat or Preview
2. File → Save As → "Reduce File Size"
3. Save compressed version
4. Upload compressed file

Option 2: Remove images/attachments

1. If resume has photos, remove them
2. Delete portfolio samples included in PDF
3. Link to portfolio instead

Option 3: Convert to Word

1. Convert PDF to DOC/DOCX
2. Word files typically smaller
3. Upload Word version

Option 4: Use paste method

1. Copy resume text
2. Use "Paste Resume Text" option
3. No file upload needed

"Unsupported File Format"

Error: "File type not supported. Please use PDF, DOC, or DOCX"

Supported formats:

• ✅ PDF (.pdf)
• ✅ Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
• ✅ Plain text (.txt)
• ❌ Images (.jpg, .png)
• ❌ Apple Pages (.pages)
• ❌ Rich Text (.rtf)
• ❌ OpenOffice (.odt)

Solutions:

Convert to PDF:

1. Open file in original application
2. File → Export → PDF or Print → Save as PDF
3. Upload converted PDF

Convert to Word:

1. Open in word processor
2. Save As → .docx format
3. Upload Word file

For image files:

• Don't upload scanned resume as image
• Convert image to PDF first
• Or use OCR to extract text and paste

"Corrupted File"

Error: "Could not read file. File may be corrupted"

Causes:

• File didn't download completely
• File damaged during transfer
• Password-protected PDF
• Unusual encoding

Solutions:

Verify file works:

1. Try opening file on your computer
2. If it doesn't open, file is corrupted
3. Get fresh copy of resume

Re-download:

1. If downloaded from email, download again
2. Check file size matches original
3. Upload fresh download

Remove password protection:

1. Open PDF in Adobe or Preview
2. File → Properties → Security
3. Remove password
4. Save unprotected version

Re-create file:

1. Copy text from corrupted file (if readable)
2. Paste into new Word/PDF document
3. Upload new version

"Upload Failed - Network Error"

Error: "Upload interrupted. Please try again"

Causes:

• Spotty internet connection
• Browser timeout
• Network firewall blocking
• Server temporarily unavailable

Solutions:

Check connection:

1. Test internet speed
2. Ensure stable connection
3. Avoid uploading on public WiFi if unreliable

Retry upload:

1. Refresh browser page
2. Try upload again
3. Wait for green success message

Try different network:

1. Switch from WiFi to cellular (or vice versa)
2. Disable VPN if active
3. Try from different location

Use alternate method:

1. If upload keeps failing, use paste method
2. Or email file to support to upload for you

"Invalid Characters in Filename"

Error: "Filename contains invalid characters"

Cause: Filename has special characters that cause issues.

Problematic characters:

• / \ : * ? " < > |
• Leading/trailing spaces
• Very long filenames (over 200 characters)

Solution:

1. Rename file before uploading
2. Use only: letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens
3. Example: John_Doe_Resume_2025.pdf
4. Keep filename under 100 characters

Good filenames:

• ✅ jane-smith-resume.pdf
• ✅ Backend_Engineer_Resume.docx
• ✅ Resume_Dec2025.pdf

Bad filenames:

• ❌ Resume:Final(version 2).pdf
• ❌ <John's Resume>.doc
• ❌ Resume\2025.pdf

Bulk Upload Errors

CSV/Excel Upload Issues

Error: "Could not parse file" or "Invalid format"

Common causes:

1. Wrong columns: Missing required fields
2. Encoding issues: Non-UTF-8 characters
3. Format problems: Excel instead of CSV or vice versa
4. Extra rows: Headers in wrong place

Solutions:

Download template:

1. Click "Download Template" on bulk upload page
2. Fill in template exactly as formatted
3. Don't change column headers
4. Upload completed template

Check required columns:

• Name or Full_Name (required)
• Email (required)
• All others optional

Fix encoding:

1. Open in Excel or Numbers
2. Save As → CSV UTF-8
3. Upload UTF-8 version

Remove extra rows:

1. Ensure column headers are in row 1
2. No blank rows at top
3. No summary rows at bottom

"Row X Failed to Import"

Error: "Error on row 15: invalid email format"

Cause: Specific row has data issue.

Solution:

1. Download error report (CSV)
2. Shows which rows failed and why
3. Fix the specific issues
4. Re-upload just the corrected rows

Common row errors:

• Invalid email: Fix email format (must include @)
• Missing required field: Add name or email
• Duplicate email: Remove duplicate or use different email
• Too many columns: Ensure columns match template

Multiple Resume Files Upload

Error: "Bulk resume upload failed for some files"

Causes:

• Mixed formats (some good, some bad)
• Some files corrupted
• Network interruption mid-upload

Solution:

1. Check progress report: See which files succeeded/failed
2. Note failed filenames
3. Fix individual files: Address specific issues (format, corruption, etc.)
4. Re-upload failed files only

Tip: Upload in batches of 10-20 rather than 100+ at once.

Google Drive Integration Errors

"Could Not Access Drive Folder"

Error: "Permission denied accessing Google Drive folder"

Causes:

1. Permissions revoked: You removed access in Google settings
2. Folder deleted: Drive folder no longer exists
3. Account changed: Password changed or logged out

Solutions:

1. Reconnect Google Drive:
   • Campaign Settings → Integrations
   • Disconnect Google Drive
   • Reconnect and re-authorize
2. Verify folder exists: Check Drive folder still exists
3. Re-authenticate: Campaign Settings → Google Drive → "Reauthorize"

"Files Not Syncing from Drive"

Error: New files added to Drive folder but not appearing as candidates

Causes:

1. Auto-sync disabled: Manual sync only
2. File format not supported: Not PDF/DOC/DOCX
3. Sync frequency: Runs every hour, not instant
4. Folder configuration: Wrong folder selected

Solutions:

1. Check auto-sync setting: Campaign Settings → Integrations → Auto-Sync enabled?
2. Manual sync: Click "Sync Now" to force sync
3. Wait for schedule: Next auto-sync may pick it up
4. Verify folder: Ensure files are in correct Drive folder, not subfolder

Prevention Tips

Before Uploading

File checklist:

• ✅ File size under 10MB
• ✅ Format is PDF, DOC, or DOCX
• ✅ File opens correctly on your computer
• ✅ Filename has no special characters
• ✅ Not password-protected
• ✅ Internet connection stable

Best Practices

Single uploads:

• Save file locally first (don't upload directly from email attachment)
• Use descriptive filenames: CandidateName_Resume.pdf
• Test opening file before uploading

Bulk uploads:

• Start with template
• Test with 5 rows first
• Use UTF-8 encoding
• Keep to under 100 rows per file
• Verify email formats

Drive integration:

• Use dedicated folder for resumes
• Maintain consistent file naming
• Remove old resumes when done
• Check sync status regularly

Alternative Methods

If Upload Continues to Fail

Option 1: Paste Resume Text

1. Open resume file
2. Select all text (Cmd+A / Ctrl+A)
3. Copy (Cmd+C / Ctrl+C)
4. In Candidate Audit, use "Paste Resume Text"
5. Paste and save

Option 2: Manual Entry

1. Skip file upload
2. Manually enter candidate details:
   • Name
   • Email
   • Current position
   • Key experience
   • Skills
3. Save candidate
4. Request assessment

Option 3: Email to Support

1. Email resume to support@candidateaudit.com
2. Include: Campaign name, candidate name
3. Support team will upload for you
4. Usually processed within 1 business day

Browser-Specific Issues

Chrome

Issue: Upload button doesn't work Fix: Check that JavaScript is enabled

Issue: Large files time out Fix: Use incognito mode (disables extensions)

Safari

Issue: Preview breaks upload Fix: Disable auto-preview in Safari settings

Issue: Can't select file Fix: Check Safari → Preferences → Security → Allow websites to access camera and files

Firefox

Issue: Upload stalls at 99% Fix: Clear Firefox cache, try again

Edge

Issue: File selection dialog doesn't open Fix: Reset Edge browser settings

All browsers:

• Keep browser updated to latest version
• Try different browser if persistent issues
• Chrome is best-supported

Getting Help

When to Contact Support

Contact support if:

• Same file fails across multiple attempts and methods
• Error message doesn't match any in this guide
• All files fail to upload (suggests system issue)
• Upload succeeds but file doesn't appear

What to Include

When reporting upload issues:

1. File format and size: "PDF, 2.3MB"
2. Exact error message: Screenshot helpful
3. Browser and OS: "Chrome on Mac"
4. Upload method: Single, bulk, Drive
5. What you've tried: List troubleshooting steps

Optional but helpful:

• Send example file (if comfortable sharing)
• Screenshot of upload page when error occurs

Next Steps

• Assessment troubleshooting if upload succeeds but assessment fails
• Common issues for general problems
• Getting support for additional help

Quick Reference

File too large → Compress or use paste method

Wrong format → Convert to PDF or DOCX

Corrupted → Re-download or re-create file

Network error → Check connection, retry

Bulk errors → Download error report, fix specific rows

Still failing → Try paste method or contact support