Bulk CSV Upload to live Campaigns

Last updated: July 28, 2025

Feature Overview

The bulk CSV upload feature allows you to add multiple candidates to existing campaigns when your ATS is not integrated with Popp, streamlining the process of importing candidate information from external sources. The system automatically maps CSV data to required Popp fields and can handle any number of candidates in a single upload operation, making it ideal for large-scale campaign launches or adding candidates from multiple sources.

Available Actions

This feature enables you to perform the following actions:

  1. Upload CSV files - Import candidate data from comma-separated value files

  2. Automatic data mapping - System maps CSV headers to Popp fields automatically

  3. Bulk candidate addition - Add multiple candidates simultaneously to campaigns

  4. Preview upload counts - See candidate numbers before confirming upload

  5. Generate campaign messages - Automatically create opening messages for all uploaded candidates

  6. Launch campaigns immediately - Activate campaigns with uploaded candidates instantly

  • Step-by-Step Instructions

    Preparing for CSV Upload

    CSV File Requirements

    The CSV file must contain the following essential fields with appropriate headers:

    • Phone Number: Contact number for SMS/WhatsApp campaigns

    • Email: Email address for email campaigns or notifications

    • First Name: Candidate's first name for personalisation

    • Last Name: Candidate's surname for identification

  • File Format Considerations

    1. Header Row: Ensure first row contains clear field headers

    2. Data Consistency: Maintain consistent data format throughout the file

    3. Field Completeness: Include all required fields for every candidate

    4. Clean Data: Remove duplicate entries and validate contact information

  • Accessing Upload Feature

    Navigating to Target Campaign

    1. Find Target Campaign: Locate the campaign you want to add candidates to

    2. Campaign Selection: Choose the appropriate campaign (e.g., "Graduate Back-End Engineer" position)

    3. Access Upload Option: Look for upload functionality within the campaign interface

  • Initiating Upload Process

    1. Click Add Button: Find and click the "Add" button on the right-hand side of the campaign

    2. Select Upload: Choose "Upload" from the available options

    3. File Browser: System opens file browser to locate your CSV file

    4. File Selection: Navigate to and select your prepared CSV file

  • Executing the Upload

    File Upload Process

    1. Browse Files: Use the file browser to locate your CSV file

    2. Select CSV: Choose the specific CSV file containing your candidate data

    3. Upload Confirmation: System begins processing the selected file

    4. Data Validation: Popp validates the file format and required fields

  • Automatic Data Mapping

    1. Header Recognition: System automatically identifies CSV headers

    2. Field Mapping: Popp maps your CSV headers to required Popp fields:

      • Phone number field → Popp phone number

      • Email field → Popp email address

      • First name field → Popp first name

      • Last name field → Popp last name

    3. Mapping Validation: System confirms successful field mapping

    4. Error Handling: System identifies any mapping issues or missing required fields

  • Upload Confirmation and Launch

    Preview Upload Results

    1. Candidate Count Display: System shows exact number of candidates in your upload

    2. Upload Summary: Review the candidate count and file details

    3. Data Verification: Confirm the numbers match your expectations

    4. Quality Check: Verify upload captured all intended candidates

  • Campaign Launch Process

    1. Click Next Steps: Proceed to campaign launch phase

    2. Message Generation: System automatically generates opening messages for all uploaded candidates

    3. Message Customisation: Review and customise opening messages if needed

    4. Launch Confirmation: Confirm you're ready to begin candidate communications

  • Immediate Campaign Activation

    1. Launch Now: Click "Launch Now" to immediately activate the campaign

    2. Message Delivery: System begins sending opening messages to all uploaded candidates

    3. Campaign Monitoring: Campaign becomes active and available for monitoring

    4. Candidate Engagement: Uploaded candidates begin receiving campaign communications

  • CSV Upload Best Practices

    File Preparation

    • Data Quality: Ensure all contact information is accurate and current

    • Format Consistency: Use consistent formatting for phone numbers and names

    • Duplicate Removal: Remove duplicate candidates before upload

    • Field Validation: Verify all required fields are present for every candidate

  • Header Optimisation

    • Clear Headers: Use descriptive, unambiguous header names

    • Standard Formatting: Use common field names that Popp can easily recognise

    • No Special Characters: Avoid special characters in header names

    • Consistent Naming: Use consistent naming conventions throughout the file

  • Upload Strategy

    • Batch Size Management: Consider optimal batch sizes for system performance

    • Timing Coordination: Plan uploads for appropriate campaign launch timing

    • Quality Control: Test with small batches before large uploads

    • Backup Retention: Keep backup copies of uploaded files

  • Campaign Management After Upload

    Monitoring Upload Results

    1. Candidate Verification: Confirm all candidates appear in the campaign

    2. Message Delivery: Monitor opening message delivery status

    3. Engagement Tracking: Track initial candidate responses and engagement

    4. Error Resolution: Address any delivery or engagement issues

  • Post-Upload Campaign Management

    1. Response Monitoring: Track candidate responses as they begin engaging

    2. Conversation Management: Handle needs review cases and manual interventions

    3. Stage Updates: Update candidate stages as conversations progress

    4. Performance Analysis: Monitor campaign performance metrics

  • Integration Considerations

    ATS Integration Alternative

    • Non-Integrated Systems: CSV upload provides solution when ATS integration isn't available

    • Manual Process: Requires manual file preparation and upload management

    • Data Synchronisation: Consider how to sync candidate progress back to external systems

    • Workflow Planning: Plan how CSV upload fits into broader recruitment workflow

  • Data Management

    • Source Tracking: Maintain records of which candidates came from which sources

    • Update Processes: Establish procedures for updating candidate information

    • Compliance Considerations: Ensure data handling meets privacy and compliance requirements

    • Audit Trails: Maintain audit trails for uploaded candidate data

  • Troubleshooting Common Issues

    Upload Problems

    • File Format Errors: Ensure CSV file is properly formatted with correct headers

    • Missing Required Fields: Verify all essential fields are present in CSV

    • Data Validation Failures: Check that contact information meets format requirements

    • Large File Issues: Consider breaking very large files into smaller batches

  • Mapping Issues

    • Header Recognition: Ensure CSV headers match expected field names

    • Field Mapping Failures: Verify headers are clear and unambiguous

    • Data Type Problems: Ensure phone numbers and emails are in correct formats

    • Encoding Issues: Save CSV files with appropriate encoding (UTF-8 recommended)

  • Post-Upload Issues

    • Message Delivery Problems: Verify contact information accuracy for delivery failures

    • Candidate Visibility: Refresh campaign view if uploaded candidates don't appear immediately

    • System Performance: Allow time for large uploads to process completely

    • Integration Sync: Check that uploaded data integrates properly with campaign systems

  • Quick Reference

    Upload Process: Campaign → Add → Upload → Select CSV → Confirm Candidate Count → Launch Now

    Required CSV Fields:

    • Phone Number: For SMS/WhatsApp communication

    • Email: For email communication and notifications

    • First Name: For message personalisation

    • Last Name: For candidate identification

  • Key Features:

    • Automatic Mapping: System maps CSV headers to Popp fields automatically

    • Bulk Processing: Handle any number of candidates in single upload

    • Immediate Launch: Activate campaigns instantly after upload

    • Message Generation: Automatically create opening messages for all candidates

  • Best Practices:

    • Prepare clean, complete CSV files with all required fields

    • Use clear, descriptive header names

    • Test with small batches before large uploads

    • Monitor upload results and message delivery

  • Integration Note: This feature is specifically designed for scenarios where ATS integration is not available, providing manual bulk upload capability for external candidate data sources.