Estimated read time: 4–5 minutes

Whether you're getting started without an ATS or adding a one-off role, manually uploading a job in CLARA is quick and straightforward. This guide walks you through each step — from uploading your job description to configuring settings so CLARA can start screening candidates right away.

Use this guide while working directly in CLARA, or bookmark it for reference whenever you need it.

What you'll need before getting started

Before you begin, make sure you have the following ready:

Access to CLARA with Admin or Recruiter permissions
A job description file ready to upload (PDF or DOCX format)
Candidate resume files if you'd like to upload them at the same time (PDF or Word format)

⚠️ Note: If any of the above are missing, reach out to your admin or our Partner Success team before proceeding.

How to manually upload a job in CLARA

Navigate to the Jobs section using the left navigation menu and select Upload New Job from the More menu.
Enter your job title and upload your job description file. We recommend PDF format for the most accurate extraction, though DOCX is also accepted. Make sure your job description is clear and detailed — the better the description, the more accurately CLARA can screen candidates against it. For tips, visit our Best Practices for Writing a Job Description guide.
Review the experience and skills that CLARA has automatically extracted from your job description.
- 3a — Editing extracted skills: You can add, remove, or adjust any skills and experience requirements that don't look right. CLARA uses these to score candidates, so it's worth taking a moment to make sure they accurately reflect what you're looking for.
- 3b — Confirming and moving on: Once you're happy with the extracted details, click Next to proceed to Application Materials.
Select the application materials you'd like to request from candidates and mark each one as required or optional using the toggles. Common options include a resume, cover letter, and portfolio link.
Configure your Follow-Up Questions. Use the toggles to choose which types of questions CLARA will ask candidates as part of the screening process. You can turn each category on or off depending on what matters most for this role:
- Skills and Experience — questions that assess how a candidate's background aligns with the specific requirements of the role
- Assessments — questions that evaluate traits like Learning Agility, Critical Thinking, and Distance Traveled
- Custom Questions — any role-specific questions you've created yourself
For guidance on getting the most out of your follow-up questions, visit our Best Practices for Writing Follow-Up Questions guide.
Review your AI Settings for this job. These settings control how CLARA scores and prioritizes candidates. You can adjust them at the job level here, or leave them as your company defaults. For a full walkthrough of what each setting does, visit our Modify AI Settings for a Job in CLARA guide.
Upload candidate resume or CV files if you have them ready. CLARA accepts PDF and Word formats. A few things to keep in mind:
- All resumes must include an email address to process correctly
- CLARA supports one file per candidate — if you have multiple files for a single candidate, please merge them into one before uploading
- You can upload up to 200 candidates at one time
You can also skip this step and upload candidates later by returning to the job details page at any time.
Review and confirm the candidate files you'd like to include. A green pop-up in the upper right corner will confirm that your candidates are processing. CLARA processes approximately 3 candidates per minute — you'll also receive a notification on your home dashboard when processing is complete.

⚠️ Note: Job settings — including AI settings and follow-up questions — can also be updated after upload at any time. Simply select the three-dot menu in the upper right-hand corner of the job details screen.

🚫 Common mistakes to avoid

Uploading a vague or incomplete job description — this limits CLARA's ability to accurately score candidates
Skipping the review of extracted skills — always check that the extracted requirements match your actual hiring criteria
Uploading candidate files before the job has finished processing — wait for the processing notification before uploading candidates
Uploading multiple files for a single candidate without merging them first

Next steps

Once your job is live, head to our How to Screen Candidates Using CLARA guide to start reviewing your pipeline
Review the Best Practices for Writing a Job Description guide to make sure your next upload is set up for success

Frequently Asked Questions

What file formats are accepted for job descriptions?

PDF is preferred for the most accurate text extraction. DOCX is also accepted.

Can I upload candidates after the job has been created?

Yes — you can return to the job details page at any time and upload candidates from there. We recommend waiting until the job has finished processing before uploading candidates to ensure accurate scoring.

How long does processing take?

CLARA processes approximately 3 candidates per minute. You'll receive a notification on your home dashboard when processing is complete and your candidates are ready for review.

Can I change my follow-up question settings after the job is live?

Yes — you can update which follow-up question categories are enabled at any time using the three-dot menu on the job details screen. Changes will apply to candidates who haven't yet received their follow-up questions.

Can I edit the job description after uploading?

You can edit the extracted skills and experience requirements during the upload flow. For changes after the job is live, use the three-dot menu on the job details screen to access job settings.

What if I uploaded the wrong job description?

Reach out to our Partner Success team at success@getclara.io and we'll help you sort it out quickly.