Frequently Asked Questions

What is ZAPZAP?

ZAPZAP is an AI-powered platform that automatically tailors your CV for each job application. Instead of sending the same generic CV to every employer, ZAPZAP analyzes the job description and company information to create a customized CV that highlights your most relevant experience and uses the right keywords to pass ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters.

How does ZAPZAP work?

It's a simple three-step process:

1. Build your profile once - Add your full work history, education, skills, and achievements. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
2. Paste a job URL - For each application, simply paste the job posting URL (or description).
3. Get your tailored CV instantly - Our AI analyzes the job requirements and generates a customized, ATS-optimized CV in under 30 seconds.

Do I get free credits to try it?

Yes! Every new user receives 5 free credits to test the service. No credit card required. Each credit generates one tailored CV, so you can try it on 5 different job applications before deciding if you want to purchase more credits.

How long does it take to set up my profile?

Initial profile setup takes 15-20 minutes. You'll enter your work experience, education, skills, and key achievements once. After that, generating a tailored CV for any job takes less than 30 seconds - just paste the job URL and download your customized CV.

What makes a CV "tailored"?

A tailored CV is customized for a specific job and company. ZAPZAP analyzes the job description to identify key requirements, preferred skills, and important keywords. It then reorganizes your experience to emphasize the most relevant qualifications, uses matching terminology from the job posting, and formats everything to pass ATS filters. The content is still 100% truthful - we just present your real experience in the most relevant way for each role.

Does ZAPZAP research the company too?

Yes. When you provide a job URL, ZAPZAP analyzes not just the job description but also researches the company's industry, culture, and values. This helps tailor your CV to align with what that specific employer is looking for, using language and examples that resonate with their business context.

Can I edit the CV after it's generated?

Absolutely. While ZAPZAP generates a polished, ready-to-use CV, you can make any adjustments you want before downloading. Minor tweaks and edits don't cost additional credits - only generating a completely new CV for a different job uses a credit.

What if I don't have a job URL?

No problem. You can paste the full job description text directly instead of a URL. ZAPZAP will analyze the text the same way and generate your tailored CV. This works great for jobs shared via email, PDF, or internal job boards.

What is an ATS and why does it matter?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that 75% of large companies use to automatically screen job applications. It scans CVs for keywords, qualifications, and formatting, then ranks candidates before any human sees them. If your CV isn't ATS-compatible, it might be rejected automatically even if you're perfectly qualified. ZAPZAP ensures every CV it generates is ATS-optimized with proper formatting, relevant keywords, and clear structure that these systems can read.

How does ZAPZAP make CVs ATS-friendly?

ZAPZAP follows ATS best practices: single-column layouts, standard fonts, no images or graphics, standard section headings, consistent date formats, and text-based content. We also strategically place keywords from the job description throughout your CV in natural, contextual ways that both ATS systems and human recruiters find compelling.

What format are the CVs in?

CVs are generated as both DOCX (Microsoft Word) and PDF formats. Both are fully ATS-compatible. DOCX is slightly more reliable with older ATS systems, while PDF preserves formatting perfectly. We recommend submitting whichever format the job posting requests, or DOCX if not specified.

Can I use my own CV template?

ZAPZAP uses proven ATS-friendly templates designed to maximize your chances of passing automated screening. While you can't upload custom templates, you can fully customize the content, and our clean, professional formatting works for all industries. Remember: the goal is to get past ATS first - you can show creative portfolio work in later interview stages.

How do credits work?

One credit generates one tailored CV. When you paste a job URL and click "Generate CV," one credit is used. You can then edit that CV, download it multiple times, and make tweaks without using additional credits. Only generating a new CV for a different job costs another credit.

Do credits expire?

No. Credits never expire. Buy them once and use them whenever you need them - whether that's over one intensive week of job searching or spread across months. This makes ZAPZAP perfect for both active job seekers and those keeping their options open.

Is there a subscription or monthly fee?

No subscriptions. ZAPZAP uses a simple pay-per-use credit system. You only pay for the CVs you actually create. No recurring charges, no commitment, no pressure to use credits quickly.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment processor Stripe. Your payment information is never stored on our servers - it's handled entirely by Stripe's PCI-compliant infrastructure.

Can I get a refund?

We want you to be completely satisfied. If you're unhappy with your first generated CV, contact us within 7 days and we'll issue a full refund. For subsequent purchases, we evaluate refund requests on a case-by-case basis. Try the 5 free credits first to ensure ZAPZAP works for your needs before purchasing more.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes. We take data security seriously. Your profile information is encrypted at rest and in transit. We use industry-standard security practices and never sell or share your personal information with third parties. Your data is only used to generate your tailored CVs.

Who can see my CV and profile?

Only you. Your profile and generated CVs are completely private. We don't create a searchable database of candidates, we don't share profiles with recruiters, and we don't make your information visible to anyone. ZAPZAP is a tool you control - you decide where to send each CV.

Can I delete my data?

Absolutely. You can delete your account and all associated data at any time from your account settings. This permanently removes your profile, generated CVs, and all personal information from our systems. Deletion is immediate and irreversible.

Do you use my data to train AI models?

No. Your personal profile data is never used to train AI models or shared with AI providers. We only use your information to generate your specific CVs. Any AI processing happens in real-time for your requests only and is not retained for training purposes.

Does tailoring actually increase interview rates?

Yes. Studies show that tailored CVs get 3-4x more responses than generic applications. This makes sense: ATS systems rank applications based on keyword matches and relevance to the job description. A tailored CV that speaks the employer's language and emphasizes relevant experience will naturally rank higher than a generic CV that forces recruiters to figure out if you're a fit.

How quickly will I see results?

Results vary by industry, experience level, and job market conditions. However, most users notice an increase in interview requests within 1-2 weeks of switching to tailored CVs. The key is consistent application with tailored CVs rather than mass-applying with generic ones - quality over quantity.

What if I don't get interviews?

ZAPZAP significantly improves your CV's chances of passing ATS and catching recruiter attention, but it's one part of a successful job search. Other factors include your actual qualifications for the roles, the competitiveness of your industry, how many jobs you're applying to, and the quality of the job postings themselves. We recommend applying to roles where you meet 70%+ of the requirements and combining great CVs with networking and follow-ups.

Can ZAPZAP help with cover letters?

Currently, ZAPZAP focuses exclusively on CV generation and optimization. However, the same tailoring principles apply to cover letters - emphasize relevant experience, use keywords from the job description, and address the specific company's needs. We may add cover letter generation in the future based on user demand.

What browsers does ZAPZAP support?

ZAPZAP works on all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend using the latest version of your preferred browser for the best experience.

Can I use ZAPZAP on mobile?

Yes. ZAPZAP is fully responsive and works on mobile devices. However, building your initial profile is easier on a desktop or laptop where you can type comfortably. Once your profile is set up, generating and downloading CVs works perfectly on mobile.

How long does CV generation take?

Generation typically takes 20-30 seconds. The AI needs to fetch the job posting, analyze the requirements, research the company, and tailor your CV accordingly. Most of this happens automatically - you just paste the URL and wait briefly while everything processes.

What if the job URL doesn't work?

Some job boards use authentication or other technical barriers that prevent automatic fetching. If a URL doesn't work, simply copy the full job description text and paste it directly into ZAPZAP instead. The tailoring works exactly the same way - we just need the job description content, whether it comes from a URL or direct text.

How do I get help if I have a problem?

Contact us anytime at support@zapzap.ie. We typically respond within 24 hours on weekdays. For urgent issues, include "URGENT" in your subject line.

Do you offer CV review or career advice?

ZAPZAP is a self-service tool focused on automated CV generation. We don't currently offer manual CV review or one-on-one career coaching. However, our blog has extensive guides on job searching, CV writing, and beating ATS systems that you might find helpful.

Can I suggest new features?

Absolutely! We're constantly improving ZAPZAP based on user feedback. Email your suggestions to feedback@zapzap.ie. While we can't implement every request, we carefully consider all feedback when planning new features.

Still Have Questions?

The best way to understand ZAPZAP is to try it. Get 5 free credits and see the difference tailored CVs make.