Why was my resume rejected?
Uploads are refused when the file is the wrong type, over 5 MB, locked, unreadable, or missing a phone number or email. Each message below says exactly what to change.
What a resume has to be
- File type
- PDF, DOC or DOCX
- Size
- Under 5 MB
- Must be readable
- Real text, not a scan or a photo of a printout
- Must contain
- A phone number and an email address
- Must not be
- Password protected, or empty
Every rejection message
"Unsupported format"
WhyThe file is not one GoodSpace can read.
FixSave it as a PDF or a DOCX and upload again. Pages, ODT, ZIP and spreadsheets are not accepted.
"File too big"
WhyThe file is 5 MB or larger.
FixCompress the PDF or remove large images, then upload again. The message reads That file is over 5MB. Please upload a smaller resume.
"Password protected"
WhyThe PDF is locked.
FixRemove the password, save an unlocked copy and upload that.
"File is empty"
WhyThe file has no content, usually a broken download or a failed export.
FixOpen the file yourself to check it, then export it again.
"Resume looks empty"
WhyNo text could be read. This is almost always a scan or a photo saved as a PDF.
FixExport a text based PDF from Word, Google Docs or the resume builder instead of scanning a printout.
"Missing phone number"
WhyNo phone number was found in the file.
FixPut your mobile number at the top of the resume and upload it again. Hirers need it to reach you.
"Missing email"
WhyNo email address was found in the file.
FixAdd your email near your name at the top of the resume.
"Doesn't look like a resume"
WhyThe file does not read like a CV, for example a cover letter, a certificate or a portfolio deck.
FixUpload the actual resume, with experience, education and skills in it.
"Resume needs more detail"
WhyThe file could be read but there was not enough in it to be confident.
FixAdd your contact details, work history and skills, then upload again.
"Couldn't open this file"
WhyThe file could not be opened at all.
FixOpen it, save it as a fresh PDF, and upload the new copy.
"No file attached"
FixPick the file again. On a phone, choose it from Files rather than from a cloud shortcut.
Related questions
It says missing phone number but my number is right there.
It can be inside an image, a header, or a text box the reader cannot reach. Type it as plain text in the body of the document.
It worked on another site but not here.
GoodSpace checks that a phone number and an email can actually be read out, because those are what a hirer needs. A file can pass elsewhere and still fail that check.
Can I skip the upload and type everything in?
You can fill the profile in by hand, but a resume file is still needed before you can apply to a job.
