Question 1

What is CareerBrains?

Accepted Answer

CareerBrains is an AI-powered career platform that helps job seekers land roles faster. It analyses your resume, scores you against job descriptions, writes cover letters, tailors your resume to specific roles, simulates interviews, and builds personalised career roadmaps all in one place.

Question 2

How do I create an account?

Accepted Answer

Click Sign Up on the top-right corner. Choose Candidate if you're job hunting, or Recruiter if you're hiring. You can register with your email or sign in instantly with Google or LinkedIn. After registering, verify your email with the 6-digit OTP we send.

Question 3

What's the difference between Candidate and Recruiter accounts?

Accepted Answer

Candidate accounts get full access to all AI tools - resume scoring, cover letter generation, interview prep, career roadmaps, and job applications. Recruiter accounts can post jobs, review applicants, update application statuses, and search the talent pool. You cannot switch between roles after registration.

Question 4

How do I upload my resume?

Accepted Answer

Go to Dashboard → Profile and click Upload Resume. We accept PDF, DOCX, and DOC files up to 5 MB. Once uploaded, our AI automatically parses your resume in the background, extracting your skills, experience, and education so every AI feature is ready immediately.

Question 5

Is CareerBrains free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the free plan gives candidates access to resume scoring, cover letter generation, interview prep, and job matching. Premium plans unlock unlimited AI usage, priority processing, and advanced features. See the Pricing page for full details.

Question 6

Do I need to upload a resume right away?

Accepted Answer

No, you can explore the platform and browse jobs without one. However, most AI features (match scoring, cover letters, interview prep, tailoring) require a parsed resume, so upload yours from Dashboard → Profile as soon as you're ready to use them.

Question 7

What happens after I verify my email with the OTP?

Accepted Answer

You're taken straight to your dashboard - the candidate dashboard if you signed up to job hunt, or the recruiter dashboard if you signed up to hire. From there you can upload a resume (candidates) or post your first job (recruiters).

Question 8

How does AI resume scoring work?

Accepted Answer

After you upload a resume and select a job, our AI scores your fit from 0–100. The score is weighted: technical skills match (70%), experience depth (20%), and leadership signals (10%). You also receive a list of missing skills, tailored improvement suggestions, and specific application tips.

Question 9

What is resume tailoring?

Accepted Answer

Resume tailoring rewrites key sections of your resume to match the exact language and priorities of a specific job description. Go to a job listing, click Tailor Resume, and within seconds you'll get keyword-optimised suggestions. You can also download a fully tailored DOCX file ready to send.

Question 10

How do I generate a tailored resume PDF / DOCX?

Accepted Answer

Navigate to any job listing and open the AI Tools panel. Click Generate Tailored Resume. The AI will customise your resume for that role and offer a one-click download as a DOCX file.

Question 11

What resume file formats are supported?

Accepted Answer

Upload your existing resume as PDF, DOCX, or DOC (max 5 MB). Our parser handles all three formats equally well. Downloads (tailored resumes, templates) are provided as DOCX for maximum ATS compatibility.

Question 12

How long does resume analysis take?

Accepted Answer

Resume parsing runs in the background after upload and typically completes within 10–15 seconds. AI scoring, cover letter generation, and other per-job features run on demand and take 3–8 seconds. If a feature seems slow, check your internet connection and try again.

Question 13

What is the AI career roadmap?

Accepted Answer

The career roadmap builds a personalised, month-by-month 3-month plan to close the gap between your current resume and a target role, covering skills to learn, projects to build, and milestones to hit. Find it under the AI Tools panel on any job, or from Dashboard → Career Roadmap.

Question 14

Does CareerBrains write my cover letter for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, open any job listing, go to the AI Tools panel, and click Generate Cover Letter. It's written using your resume and the job description, and you can regenerate or tweak it with follow-up instructions before copying or downloading it.

Question 15

How do I apply to a job?

Accepted Answer

Open any job listing and click Apply Now. If the job has screening questions, answer them in the form. Your current resume is automatically included in the application. You can track every application from Dashboard → My Applications.

Question 16

How do I track my applications?

Accepted Answer

Your My Applications dashboard shows every job you've applied to, the current status (Applied, Interview, Offer, Rejected), and the date applied. Recruiters update the status thus, you'll see the change reflected here in real time.

Question 17

What are screening questions?

Accepted Answer

Some recruiters add custom screening questions to their job listings (e.g., 'Do you have a valid work permit?'). These are shown during the application form and your answers are stored alongside your resume for the recruiter to review.

Question 18

Can I apply to multiple jobs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there's no limit on the number of applications. Each application uses your most recent resume at the time of applying. We recommend tailoring your resume for each role using our AI tools before applying.

Question 19

How do I save jobs to review later?

Accepted Answer

Click the bookmark icon on any job card or listing to save it. Access all saved jobs from Dashboard → Saved Jobs. Saved jobs don't expire, but the listing may be closed by the recruiter.

Question 20

What do the different application statuses mean?

Accepted Answer

Applied - the recruiter has your application. Interview - you've been shortlisted and are moving to interviews. Offer - you've been offered the role. Rejected - the recruiter has moved on with other candidates. Recruiters update this status directly, and you'll see the change reflected in your tracker.

Question 21

Can I withdraw an application after submitting it?

Accepted Answer

There's currently no self-serve withdraw button. If you need to withdraw an application, contact support using the form below with the job title and company and we'll look into it for you.

Question 22

What is the AI interview simulator?

Accepted Answer

The interview simulator generates 5–7 role-specific questions based on the job description and your resume. You type your answers directly in the platform, and the AI scores each response on relevance, clarity, and depth. It's like a practice round with instant feedback.

Question 23

How does interview guidance work?

Accepted Answer

Interview guidance analyses the job description and identifies the 3–5 key areas the interviewer is most likely to probe. It then gives you a strategic focus guide: what to emphasise, what gaps to address, and how to frame your experience for maximum impact.

Question 24

How is my interview answer scored?

Accepted Answer

Each answer is scored 0–10 on three dimensions: Relevance (did you address the question?), Clarity (was it well-structured?), and Depth (did you provide specific examples?). The AI also gives written feedback with concrete suggestions to improve.

Question 25

Can I practice for jobs I find outside CareerBrains?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Go to Dashboard → Analyse External Job (or Custom Job), paste the full job description, and all AI tools, including the interview simulator become available for that role. Nothing needs to be posted on our platform.

Question 26

How many practice questions can I generate per job?

Accepted Answer

Each request generates 5–7 role-specific questions. There's no limit on how many times you can regenerate a fresh set for the same job, so keep practicing until you feel ready.

Question 27

Can I retake or redo interview practice questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, revisit the job's AI Tools panel and generate a new set of questions anytime. Each answer is scored independently, so retaking practice is a great way to track your improvement.

Question 28

How do I change my password?

Accepted Answer

Go to Dashboard → Profile and scroll to the Security section. Click Change Password, enter your current password, then your new password twice. If you've forgotten your password, use the Forgot Password flow on the login page.

Question 29

How do I update my profile?

Accepted Answer

Everything is editable from Dashboard → Profile: name, contact details, bio, LinkedIn, GitHub, and your resume. Changes save immediately. Your resume vector (used for AI matching) updates automatically when you upload a new file.

Question 30

What subscription plans are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer a Free plan and paid plans for both Candidates and Recruiters. Paid plans unlock unlimited AI calls, advanced analytics, and priority support. Visit the Pricing page to compare plans and billing intervals.

Question 31

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Go to Dashboard → Billing and click Cancel Plan. Your subscription remains active until the end of the current billing period, then automatically downgrades to Free. You won't be charged again.

Question 32

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Account deletion is permanent and removes all your data including your resume, applications, and AI history. To request deletion, contact us via the support form below. We process deletion requests within 7 business days.

Question 33

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

All payments are processed securely through Stripe - we never see or store your card details ourselves. Stripe accepts all major credit and debit cards.

Question 34

Do you offer refunds on paid plans?

Accepted Answer

Cancelling a plan stops future billing but doesn't automatically refund the current period as your subscription stays active until it ends, then downgrades to Free. If you believe you were charged in error, contact support via the form below and we'll review it.

Question 35

How do I post a job?

Accepted Answer

From your Recruiter Dashboard, click Post a Job. Fill in the title, description, location, work type, and experience level. You can optionally add screening questions that candidates must answer when applying. Published jobs appear on the public job board immediately.

Question 36

How do I view applicants for my job?

Accepted Answer

Go to Dashboard → My Jobs and click View Applicants on any listing. You'll see each applicant's name, applied date, current status, and a link to download their resume. Click any applicant to see their full profile and screening answers.

Question 37

What is the Talent Pool?

Accepted Answer

The Talent Pool (Dashboard → Talent Pool) shows all candidates who have applied to any of your jobs in one unified list. Use it to search, filter by status, or identify candidates you'd like to move forward across multiple openings.

Question 38

How do I update an applicant's status?

Accepted Answer

In the applicants view, use the status dropdown next to each applicant to change their stage: Applied → Interview → Offer → Rejected. The candidate sees the updated status in their own application tracker.

Question 39

Can I edit a job after it's published?

Accepted Answer

Yes, go to Dashboard → My Jobs, click Edit on the listing, and update any field including the title, description, location, or screening questions. Changes are reflected on the public job board immediately.

Question 40

Is there a limit to how many jobs I can post?

Accepted Answer

Free recruiter accounts can post a limited number of active jobs at a time. Paid plans raise or remove this cap - check Dashboard → Billing to see your plan's limit or upgrade.

Question 41

How is my data stored?

Accepted Answer

Your data is stored in a secure PostgreSQL database hosted in the EU. Passwords are hashed with bcrypt and never stored in plain text. Resume files are stored with random UUID filenames and not your real name so they can't be guessed or enumerated.

Question 42

Is my resume visible to recruiters?

Accepted Answer

Your resume is only shared with a recruiter when you actively apply to their job. It is never listed publicly or shared without your action. A snapshot of your resume at the time of application is stored so the recruiter always sees what you submitted.

Question 43

Are my AI conversations stored?

Accepted Answer

AI-generated results (cover letters, match scores, interview feedback) are cached temporarily (1–24 hours) to speed up repeated requests. They are not permanently stored to a profile or visible to anyone other than you.

Question 44

Can I export my data?

Accepted Answer

You can download your tailored resume as a DOCX at any time. Full data export (profile, applications, AI history) is available on request. Contact support and we'll prepare your export within 7 business days.

Question 45

Do you sell or share my data with third parties?

Accepted Answer

No, we never sell your personal data. Your resume is only shared with a recruiter when you apply to their job, and AI providers only ever see the specific text needed to generate a result (e.g., a match score), never your full account.

Question 46

How do I report a security vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

We take security seriously and welcome responsible disclosure. Use the contact form below with as much detail as possible (steps to reproduce, affected page/endpoint) and our team will follow up promptly.

Question 47

I can't log in. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

First, check that Caps Lock is off and you're using the correct email. If you signed up with Google or LinkedIn, use the same button as you don't have a password. If you've forgotten your password, click Forgot Password on the login page. If the problem persists, contact support below.

Question 48

My resume upload failed

Accepted Answer

Make sure the file is PDF, DOCX, or DOC and under 5 MB. Scanned image-only PDFs won't parse correctly, instead use a text-based PDF or DOCX instead. If the upload bar completes but AI features show 'Resume not uploaded', wait 30 seconds and refresh the page.

Question 49

AI features aren't loading or returning errors

Accepted Answer

AI features require an uploaded resume with parseable text. If you see a 'Resume not found' error, go to Dashboard → Profile and re-upload your resume. If the error says 'Service unavailable', our AI provider may be experiencing issues hence, try again in a few minutes.

Question 50

I didn't receive my verification email

Accepted Answer

Check your spam/junk folder first as filter rules sometimes catch our emails. Add noreply@careerbrains.com to your contacts to prevent this in future. You can request a new OTP from the verification screen. If you still don't receive it after 5 minutes, contact support.

Question 51

The page isn't loading correctly

Accepted Answer

Try a hard refresh: Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + R (Mac). Clear your browser cache if the problem persists. We support the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Older browsers may have limited functionality.

Question 52

Why does my match score change slightly between runs?

Accepted Answer

Small variation between runs is expected and by design the AI re-reads the same resume and job description each time, so wording in the written feedback can vary even though the underlying score stays stable. If a score changes dramatically, make sure you haven't uploaded a different resume in between.

Question 53

An AI feature says 'Service unavailable' what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

This means our AI provider is temporarily experiencing issues or the platform has hit a temporary usage limit. Wait a few minutes and try again. If it persists for more than 15–20 minutes, contact support below so we can investigate.

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