Skip to guide content
Complete customer guide

Use ApplyWise with confidence

Follow the full workflow from your first CV upload to a tailored CV, cover letter, and organised application pipeline.

16 step-by-step sections.

Browse guide sections

Section 1

Getting started and signing in

Create an account, sign in securely, and open your personal ApplyWise workspace.

Create an account

Where to find it

Register and Login from the public website

Step by step

  1. 1

    Open Register and enter your name, email address, and a password.

  2. 2

    After registration, ApplyWise signs you in and opens the Dashboard.

  3. 3

    For later visits, use your email and password on Login, or choose Google Sign-In when that option is available.

  4. 4

    Use the main navigation after sign-in to reach your CVs, analyses, documents, applications, plan, and settings.

Expected result

You are signed in and ready to begin or continue a job-application workflow.

Plan and usage notes

  • The landing page and this guide are public. Personal CVs, saved analyses, documents, and account pages require sign-in.
  • Use the same sign-in method you used when creating the account.

Common issues and fixes

Email or password is rejected.
Check for typing errors and confirm that you are using the correct sign-in method.
Google Sign-In does not open.
Allow pop-ups for ApplyWise and retry the sign-in.

Section 2

Using your Dashboard

See recent progress, usage, score trends, and the most useful next action.

Open Dashboard

Where to find it

Dashboard in the main navigation

Step by step

  1. 1

    Review the totals for stored CVs, completed analyses, average match score, and tailored CVs.

  2. 2

    Use Continue where you left off to return to the next unfinished step.

  3. 3

    Choose a quick action such as Upload CV, Analyse Job, or Templates.

  4. 4

    Check recent analyses and open the result you want to continue.

  5. 5

    Review the plan-usage card to see how much of the current period remains.

Expected result

You can see what has been completed and move quickly to the next relevant task.

Plan and usage notes

  • Opening the Dashboard does not consume an AI allowance.
  • Score trends appear only after enough analyses have been completed.

Common issues and fixes

The Dashboard is empty.
Upload your first CV and run an analysis. Activity appears as you use the workflow.
Usage looks outdated.
Refresh after the AI task finishes so the completed action is included.

Section 3

Uploading, editing, and managing CVs

Upload a PDF or DOCX, check the parsed data, edit sections, and manage saved versions.

Open My CVs

Where to find it

My CVs in the main navigation

Step by step

  1. 1

    Drag a PDF or DOCX into the upload area, or choose a file from your device. The interface currently shows a 10 MB maximum.

  2. 2

    Keep the page open while ApplyWise extracts the document into editable sections.

  3. 3

    Choose the CV from your list and use the star when you want it selected as your primary CV.

  4. 4

    Review contact details, headline, summary, experience, education, skills, projects, certifications, languages, and additional parsed fields.

  5. 5

    Click editable fields, add or remove entries, and use drag handles where available to reorder content.

  6. 6

    Save changes before leaving. You can also rename or delete a CV.

  7. 7

    When version history is available, review changes, compare or duplicate versions, and restore an earlier version when needed.

Expected result

You have a structured, accurate CV ready for job analysis and document generation.

Plan and usage notes

  • Supported upload formats are PDF and DOCX, with the current screen showing a 10 MB limit.
  • The number of stored CVs depends on your current plan.
  • My CVs offers TXT and JSON downloads; designed document exports are available after tailored CV generation.

Common issues and fixes

The upload or parsing fails.
Use a readable, text-based PDF or DOCX under the size limit. Convert image-only scans before retrying.
A parsed value is wrong.
Correct it manually in the relevant section and save before running an analysis.
The CV limit is reached.
Delete an unneeded CV or review upgrade options in My Plan.

Section 4

Adding a job description

Select a CV and provide the complete target vacancy by pasting text or trying a public job URL.

Open Analyse Job

Where to find it

Analyse Job in the main navigation

Step by step

  1. 1

    Choose the CV that should be compared with the vacancy.

  2. 2

    Enter the job title, company, and location when they are available.

  3. 3

    Paste the full vacancy into the job-description field for the most reliable result.

  4. 4

    Alternatively, paste a public job URL and use the fetch option, then verify every fetched field.

  5. 5

    Leave Auto-detect selected for the role type, choose a category, or ask ApplyWise to detect one.

  6. 6

    Enable Save as application when you want this role added to the Applications Tracker.

Expected result

The selected CV and vacancy are ready for an ATS comparison.

Plan and usage notes

  • At least 100 characters are required; a complete description of roughly 200 words or more is recommended.
  • URL extraction may fail on protected, login-only, blocked, or heavily scripted pages.
  • A successfully completed analysis uses one analysis allowance from the current plan.

Common issues and fixes

The job URL cannot be fetched.
Copy the vacancy text and paste it manually, then add any missing title or company details.
Clipboard access is blocked.
Use your normal keyboard paste shortcut or allow clipboard access in the browser.
Analyse remains disabled.
Select a CV and make sure the job description contains at least 100 characters.

Section 5

Running an ATS analysis

Start the comparison and follow progress while ApplyWise parses, matches, scores, suggests, and checks.

Start an analysis

Where to find it

Analyse Job after the CV and vacancy are ready

Step by step

  1. 1

    Review the selected CV, target role, company, location, and job description.

  2. 2

    Choose Analyse to queue the task.

  3. 3

    Follow the progress stages for parsing, category matching, scoring, suggestion generation, and factuality checking.

  4. 4

    Keep the page open until ApplyWise opens the results. A typical run may take about 30–60 seconds, but can take longer.

Expected result

A saved analysis is created with a match score, category breakdown, keywords, gaps, and suggestions.

Plan and usage notes

  • Completed analyses count toward the current plan period.
  • Avoid starting the same task repeatedly while one is still processing.

Common issues and fixes

The analysis fails.
Retry with the same CV and a clean vacancy description containing only the real job content.
The plan limit is reached.
Open My Plan to check remaining usage, the reset date, or upgrade options.
Progress appears stuck.
Wait a little longer, refresh once, and check Analysis History before starting another run.

Section 6

Understanding scores, keywords, strengths, and gaps

Interpret the comparison and decide which truthful improvements deserve attention.

Open Analysis History

Where to find it

Analysis Results after completion, or from Analysis History

Step by step

  1. 1

    Read the overall percentage as an estimated match for this CV and this vacancy, not a guarantee of an interview.

  2. 2

    Review the available category breakdown to see which parts of the CV align most strongly.

  3. 3

    Read Strengths for existing advantages and Gaps for requirements that need clearer evidence or are genuinely missing.

  4. 4

    Compare matched, missing, and weak keywords. Add a keyword only when it truthfully reflects your experience.

  5. 5

    Use Share Results to copy the analysis URL. A recipient may need to sign in with an authorised account to open saved account data.

Expected result

You understand the current fit and the most useful areas to improve without inventing claims.

Plan and usage notes

  • Viewing a saved result does not use another analysis allowance.
  • The score is an estimate and can differ from an employer’s screening process.

Common issues and fixes

The score is unexpectedly low.
Confirm the correct CV and a complete, clean vacancy description were used.
A skill is marked missing even though it is implied.
Make the supported skill explicit in the relevant CV section without adding experience you do not have.

Section 7

Reviewing, accepting, rejecting, and editing suggestions

Keep final control of every proposed CV change before generating a tailored document.

Choose an analysis

Where to find it

Suggestions Review after opening a completed analysis

Step by step

  1. 1

    Filter suggestions by section to focus on the headline, summary, experience, skills, projects, or other available areas.

  2. 2

    Compare current text with suggested text, the reason, covered keywords, and the safety label.

  3. 3

    Treat Safe as supported by the CV, Needs confirmation as requiring verification, and Risky as unsuitable unless fully accurate and supported.

  4. 4

    Accept useful changes and reject unsuitable ones. Review the items before using Accept All Safe.

  5. 5

    Choose Edit when the idea is useful but the wording needs adjustment.

  6. 6

    For a confirmation-required item, select the accuracy checkbox only when you can verify the claim.

Expected result

You have an approved set of accurate changes ready for tailored CV generation.

Plan and usage notes

  • At least one suggestion must be accepted before generating a tailored CV.
  • The final generation uses a tailored-CV allowance from the current plan.
  • Keyboard shortcuts are available for faster review but are ignored while typing in a field.

Common issues and fixes

No suggestions appear.
Reload once. If recovery still fails, rerun the analysis with a complete vacancy description.
A suggestion cannot be accepted.
Check whether it requires the accuracy confirmation first.
Generate CV is disabled.
Accept at least one suggestion and complete any required confirmations.

Section 8

Using the AI Suggestion Assistant

Request different wording and preview revisions without automatically changing your saved CV.

Open an analysis

Where to find it

Ask AI to revise on Suggestions Review

Step by step

  1. 1

    Open Ask AI to revise from the suggestions page.

  2. 2

    Choose whether to revise the current suggestion, the current filtered group, or all available suggestions.

  3. 3

    Write a specific instruction, such as making wording shorter, more technical, or easier to scan.

  4. 4

    Review the returned revision and any change summary or warning.

  5. 5

    Apply one or all usable revisions, then verify and accept them through the normal controls.

Expected result

Selected suggestion wording is revised for your review while final approval remains with you.

Plan and usage notes

  • The Suggestion Assistant is available on the Career Plus plan.
  • A multi-suggestion request may be limited to the first 20 items.
  • A revision is not automatically factual; verify every claim before accepting it.

Common issues and fixes

The feature is unavailable.
Open My Plan and confirm that the account includes the Suggestion Assistant.
No usable revision is returned.
Use a clearer instruction and reduce the scope to the current suggestion.

Section 9

Generating and reviewing a tailored CV

Turn accepted suggestions into a job-focused CV, then preview and proofread it in CV Builder.

Open a reviewed analysis

Where to find it

Generate CV on Suggestions Review, followed by CV Builder

Step by step

  1. 1

    Finish reviewing suggestions and keep only accurate changes.

  2. 2

    Choose Generate CV and keep the page open while the document is prepared.

  3. 3

    In CV Builder, review the preview, applied changes, and estimated before-and-after score.

  4. 4

    Use zoom controls on desktop. On mobile, use Open in browser for the full document view.

  5. 5

    Proofread every section before downloading or sending the document.

  6. 6

    When a source fact is wrong, choose Edit CV, correct it in My CVs, save, and regenerate the relevant tailored version.

Expected result

A saved tailored CV is ready for template selection and export.

Plan and usage notes

  • Each successful generation uses a tailored-CV allowance.
  • The improved score is an estimate, not a guarantee.
  • CV Builder is mainly for preview and export; structured source edits are made in My CVs.

Common issues and fixes

Generation fails.
Retry once, reduce unusually long manual edits, and confirm that the plan has remaining usage.
The preview is unavailable on mobile.
Use Open in browser or review the designed preview on desktop.
A fact needs correction.
Correct the source CV and create a new tailored version for the role.

Section 10

Choosing templates and exporting documents

Preview layouts, select the final PDF template in CV Builder, and choose the right file format.

Browse Templates

Where to find it

Templates for browsing; CV Builder for final selection and download

Step by step

  1. 1

    Open Templates and filter the catalogue by categories such as ATS, Technical, Executive, Support, Creative, or Compact.

  2. 2

    Select a template card and inspect its preview and description. On mobile, open the preview sheet.

  3. 3

    After generating a tailored CV, choose the final template from the Template menu in CV Builder.

  4. 4

    Download PDF for a designed document, DOCX for editable word-processing content, Plain Text for a simple ATS version, or JSON for structured data.

  5. 5

    Use Open in new tab when you want a larger preview before downloading.

Expected result

You have the tailored document in the layout and format needed for the application.

Plan and usage notes

  • Template and export availability can depend on the current plan.
  • The selected template affects the PDF layout; other formats use their own export structure.
  • The Templates page is for browsing and previewing. Choose the final export template in CV Builder.

Common issues and fixes

A template is not listed in CV Builder.
Refresh and confirm that the template is currently available for the account and plan.
A downloaded file does not open.
Download again and use a compatible reader. Try Plain Text when a job portal rejects a designed file.

Section 11

Managing and comparing Analysis History

Find previous roles, reopen each workflow stage, compare scores, and manage saved records.

Open Analysis History

Where to find it

Analysis History in the main navigation

Step by step

  1. 1

    Search by job title or company, filter by score range, and sort by date or score.

  2. 2

    Switch between grid and list views.

  3. 3

    Use Results, Suggestions, or Tailored CV to reopen the stage you need.

  4. 4

    Select two or three analyses and choose Compare Selected for a side-by-side score comparison.

  5. 5

    Delete a saved analysis only when you no longer need it or its linked workflow.

Expected result

You can revisit earlier work, compare opportunities, and continue saved analyses.

Plan and usage notes

  • Viewing and comparing saved records does not run a new analysis.
  • The comparison tool accepts up to three analyses.
  • Treat deletion as permanent and check linked work first.

Common issues and fixes

An expected analysis is missing.
Clear search and score filters, sort by Newest, and confirm the original task completed.
Compare Selected is unavailable.
Select at least two and no more than three analyses.

Section 12

Creating and managing cover letters

Generate a letter from a saved CV and analysis, then edit, preview, download, search, and organise it.

Open Cover Letters

Where to find it

Cover Letters in the main navigation

Step by step

  1. 1

    Open Generate and select a saved job analysis plus the CV that should support the letter.

  2. 2

    Choose the tone and language, and add optional instructions about what to emphasise.

  3. 3

    Generate the letter and wait for it to be added to the Library.

  4. 4

    In Library, verify the company, job title, tone, language, and full text.

  5. 5

    Edit and save personal corrections before switching to another letter.

  6. 6

    Preview or download PDF, DOCX, or TXT. Search, sort, and delete saved letters as needed.

Expected result

A reviewed cover letter is saved and ready to send with the application.

Plan and usage notes

  • A saved CV and completed analysis are required.
  • Availability and generation limits follow the plan shown in My Plan.
  • ApplyWise may warn when a letter already exists for the selected analysis.

Common issues and fixes

Generate is unavailable.
Select both a CV and a completed analysis. Create those first when the lists are empty.
Unsaved changes warning appears.
Save the current edits or deliberately discard them before changing letters or tabs.
Download fails.
Save the letter, refresh Library, and retry the format.

Section 13

Tracking job applications

Save roles, move them through your pipeline, add notes and follow-ups, and review their timeline.

Open Applications Tracker

Where to find it

Applications in the main navigation

Step by step

  1. 1

    Enable Save as application while setting up a job analysis.

  2. 2

    Find the saved role by searching its title, company, or description.

  3. 3

    Drag its card through stages such as Saved, CV Generated, Applied, Follow-up, Interview, Offer, Rejected, or Withdrawn.

  4. 4

    Open the card to review the vacancy, score, priority, and linked records.

  5. 5

    Add and save notes, then set a follow-up date and time when needed.

  6. 6

    Review the Timeline and archive the application when it should leave the active board.

Expected result

Applications are organised by stage with notes, follow-ups, linked work, and event history.

Plan and usage notes

  • Moving a card or updating notes does not rerun AI.
  • Linked CV and cover-letter generation still follows the relevant plan allowances.
  • Archiving removes the item from the active workflow view.

Common issues and fixes

A card returns to its previous column.
The change did not save. Check the connection, refresh, and move it again.
The board is empty.
Run an analysis with Save as application enabled.
A follow-up is not saved.
Choose both a date and time before selecting Set Follow-up.

Section 14

Understanding plans, usage limits, and billing

Review the current subscription, remaining usage, included features, and available billing actions.

Open My Plan

Where to find it

My Plan in the main navigation and usage on Dashboard

Step by step

  1. 1

    Open My Plan to see the subscription attached to your account.

  2. 2

    Review allowances for stored CVs, analyses, tailored CVs, AI features, and export access.

  3. 3

    Check current-period usage on My Plan or Dashboard.

  4. 4

    Compare the live plan options when you need more capacity or a plan-specific feature.

  5. 5

    After a checkout or account-management action, return to ApplyWise and refresh My Plan.

Expected result

You understand the live features and allowances available to your account.

Plan and usage notes

  • Use the live My Plan page as the source of truth for prices, renewal dates, allowances, and included features.
  • A limit message normally provides a route back to My Plan.
  • Usage may require a refresh immediately after a completed task or plan change.

Common issues and fixes

A feature reports a reached limit.
Check remaining usage and the reset date, or choose an available upgrade.
A plan change is not visible.
Refresh My Plan, then sign out and back in if the old status remains.
You are unsure which plan includes a feature.
Use the current comparison in ApplyWise rather than an older screenshot.

Section 15

Managing account settings and privacy

Update profile information, password security, notifications, data export, and privacy choices.

Open Settings

Where to find it

Settings in the main navigation

Step by step

  1. 1

    In Profile, update your name and save. The account email is displayed as read-only.

  2. 2

    For password-based accounts, open Security, enter the current password, and choose a new password of at least eight characters.

  3. 3

    Google-based accounts manage their password through Google.

  4. 4

    In Notifications, choose analysis-complete messages, weekly summaries, and marketing preferences, then save.

  5. 5

    In Data & Privacy, choose Export My Data when you need a copy of account information.

  6. 6

    To permanently delete the account, type the displayed email exactly and confirm only when you are certain.

Expected result

Profile, security, notifications, and privacy settings match your preferences.

Plan and usage notes

  • The current Profile screen does not change the account email.
  • Password changes apply to password-based accounts.
  • Account deletion is permanent and removes associated account data.

Common issues and fixes

The new password is rejected.
Use at least eight characters, match both new-password fields, and verify the current password.
Delete Account remains disabled.
Type the exact email shown beside the confirmation field.
Notifications do not persist.
Select Save Preferences and wait for the success message.

Section 16

Troubleshooting and frequently asked questions

Use these checks when a page, upload, AI task, preview, or download does not behave as expected.

Open troubleshooting

Where to find it

Use this section whenever a normal customer workflow is interrupted

Step by step

  1. 1

    Refresh once when usage, a saved record, or a completed background task looks delayed.

  2. 2

    Check required inputs: selected CV, complete vacancy, saved edits, and required confirmations.

  3. 3

    Open My Plan when a feature is disabled or a limit message appears.

  4. 4

    Use a text-based PDF or DOCX under 10 MB, allow sign-in pop-ups, and use keyboard paste when clipboard permission is denied.

  5. 5

    Wait for an AI task to finish before starting the same action again.

  6. 6

    Use Analysis History to reopen Results, Suggestions, or a saved Tailored CV after interrupted navigation.

Expected result

Common input, browser, usage, and delayed-processing problems are ruled out before retrying.

Plan and usage notes

  • Do not upload confidential information that is unnecessary for a job application.
  • Proofread all AI-assisted content and verify every claim before sending it to an employer.

Common issues and fixes

A page keeps loading for several minutes.
Refresh, check History for a completed record, and retry only when no task is still processing.
A button does nothing.
Look for a missing selection, browser permission, unsaved edit, confirmation, or plan-limit message.
The final document contains an error.
Correct the source CV, regenerate the document, and proofread the new export.
Ready to begin?

Start with a truthful, well-structured CV.

Create an account, upload your CV, and follow the guide one step at a time.