# Getting started with AuraCV

This guide walks you through signing up, finding your way around, and finishing your first CV.

## Create an account

1. Go to **auracv.net** and click **Get Started** or **Sign In**.
2. Choose how to sign in:
   - **Google** — fastest; uses your Google account via OAuth.
   - **Email** — register with email and password, then verify your inbox.
   - **Demo** — try the app without a real account (**development/demo only**; not on production).

After login you land on **Home**.

On your first visit you may see a **legal consent** banner — accept **Terms** and **Privacy** (including cookies) for full use. You can read both in **Help** anytime.

### Common questions: account creation

**Do I need a credit card to sign up?**  
No. AuraPro is optional via **Pricing** or **Subscriptions**.

**Can I use the same email for Google and email/password?**  
Pick one sign-in method and stick with it. Contact **support@auracv.net** if you have duplicate accounts.

**Why must I verify my email?**  
It reduces spam and protects password reset. Check spam if the link does not arrive within 10 minutes.

## Main navigation (logged in)

| Menu item | Path (typical) | What it does |
|-----------|----------------|--------------|
| **Home** | `/home` | Overview and quick actions |
| **Jobs** | `/jobs` | Browse and search live listings |
| **CV** | `/cvs` | Template gallery and saved CVs |
| **Skills and courses** | `/skills` | Skill gaps and course ideas |
| **Cover letter** | `/cover-letter` | Write and tailor letters with AI |
| **News Feed** | `/news` | Career news |
| **My Applications** | `/applications` | Track roles you applied to or saved |
| **Analytics** | `/dashboard` | Career stats and progress |
| **AI hub** | `/ai-hub` | CV Checker, AI Improver, Job Matcher |
| **Auto apply** | `/auto-apply` | AuraPro: find and apply to strong matches |
| **Application Profile** | `/profile` | Details saved for quick applications |
| **Settings** | `/settings` | Theme, notifications, auto-apply preferences |

### Common questions: navigation

**I do not see Auto apply.**  
It requires **AuraPro** — see [AuraPro](./aura-pro.md).

**Where is Help?**  
**Help** (`/help`) from the site menu, or ask **Tokugawa** (bottom-right chat).

**Limited AI trial on the landing page?**  
When active, a modal unlocks Pro AI tools for a limited time without payment. It does not replace AuraPro for templates, Auto-Apply, or ads unless stated on the promotion.

## Your first CV (about 5–15 minutes)

1. Open **CV** (`/cvs`).
2. Pick a template for your industry (e.g. **Tech Engineer**, **South African Pro**, **Entry Level Fresh**).
3. Open the **CV builder** (`/cv-builder?id=...`).
4. Fill **Personal info**: name, title, email, phone, location, summary.
5. Add **Experience**, **Education**, **Skills**, and other sections.
6. Edits save automatically.
7. Use **Preview** or **Export PDF** when ready (limits depend on plan — see [CV builder](./cv-builder.md)).

**Tip:** Complete **Application Profile** (`/profile`) first. Those details autofill into new CVs and application flows.

### Common questions: first CV

**Which template?**  
**Executive Clean** for senior corporate, **Tech Engineer** for software, **South African Pro** for formal SA employers, **Entry Level Fresh** for graduates. Free: **5 templates**; AuraPro: all **22**.

**Can I change template later?**  
Create another CV with a different template. Each CV keeps its own content.

## Import an existing CV

1. Open the **CV builder**.
2. Use **Import** — **PDF** or **DOCX**.
3. Wait while generative AI reads your file and maps sections.
4. Review each section — fix dates, employers, and bullets the import missed.
5. Adjust template and polish.

Import works best with clear headings: **Experience**, **Education**, **Skills**. Scanned image-only PDFs often import poorly.

See [CV builder — Import](./cv-builder.md#import-from-file).

## Explore jobs

1. Go to **Jobs** (`/jobs`).
2. Filter by region (**South Africa** / **International**), role, or keywords.
3. Open a job for the full description.
4. Apply via the external link when required, then track on **My Applications**.
5. Optional: **Write cover letter** from a job card to open **Cover letter** with that role selected.

Keep **Application Profile** complete for faster applications and better match scores.

## Try AI (free limits apply)

1. Open **AI hub** (`/ai-hub`).
2. **CV Checker** — choose a CV, run **Quick keyword check** (free) or full score (AuraPro).
3. **Job Matcher** — choose a job from our board **or** paste a job description, then **Quick skill check** or **See how you match** (AuraPro).

See [AI features](./ai-features.md) for cover letters and AI Improver.

### Common questions: AI for beginners

**Will AI add fake jobs to my CV?**  
Review every suggestion. Never submit experience you do not have.

**Is the CV score a guarantee?**  
No. It is guidance. Employers make the final call.

## Upgrade when you need more

Consider **AuraPro** for:

- All **22 templates**
- **Unlimited** AI (Checker, Improver, Job Matcher)
- **Auto-Apply**
- **No ads** and **direct PDF export**

See [AuraPro](./aura-pro.md).

## Public pages (no login)

| Page | Path | Purpose |
|------|------|---------|
| Landing | `/` | Sign up; may show limited AI trial |
| About | `/about` | About AuraCV |
| Pricing | `/pricing` | Plans |
| Contact | `/contact` | Enquiries |
| Help | `/help` | This guide |

## Sign out

Use **Sign out** in the sidebar footer. Always sign out on shared computers.

## Next steps

- [CV builder](./cv-builder.md)
- [AI features](./ai-features.md)
- [Jobs & applications](./jobs-and-applications.md)
- [FAQ & troubleshooting](./faq-troubleshooting.md)