Below is a product design document for the described WordPress job application plugin. This plugin provides secure applicant registration, user authentication, custom user roles, and resume upload functionality via a block-enabled form.
This WordPress plugin enables authenticated job applicants to submit personal information and a resume (PDF) via an application form. It leverages a custom user type (“applicant”) and requires users to register or log in before accessing the application block.
-
User Authentication
- Only authenticated users of type “applicant” can access the job application form.
- Unauthenticated users are prompted to register and create an “applicant” account.
- Once account is created, users are redirected back to the job application form page.
-
Custom User Type
- Implements a custom user role called “applicant” with limited access compared to standard roles (Subscriber, Contributor, etc.).
-
Application Form Fields
- Personal Information: Name, email, phone, and address.
- Additional Info: Cover letter or comments.
- Resume Upload: PDF format only, with size restrictions.
-
Resume Handling
- Secure PDF upload (with validation for file type and size).
- Uploaded resumes are stored in a protected server location.
-
WordPress Block Integration
- Provides a Gutenberg block to embed the form on any page.
- Block displays only to authenticated “applicant” users.
-
Submission Management
- Submitted data is stored in the WordPress database.
- Site admins can view/review applications via the WP Admin dashboard.
- Optionally, notification emails can be sent on submission.
-
Security
- Data sanitization and validation for uploaded files and all fields.
- Only PDFs allowed for upload.
- CSRF and XSS protection on forms and uploads.
- User role access control; non-applicant users are redirected or denied access.
-
Performance
- Efficient database queries for form display and submission handling.
- Upload limits to avoid storage overload.
-
Usability
- Clear prompt for registration/login before form access.
- Responsive design for accessibility on all devices.
- As a new visitor, I want to register as an “applicant” to access the job application form.
- As an authenticated applicant, I want to fill out the job application form and securely upload my resume.
- As an admin, I want to view, manage, and export submitted applications and resumes.
- Custom User Role Module: Adds “applicant” user type during user registration.
- Form Module: Renders the application form and uploads using the WordPress block editor (Gutenberg).
- Upload Module: Validates PDFs and stores uploads securely.
- Submission Management Module: Handles data storage and admin interface.
- Gutenberg block for easy embedding on pages.
- Uses built-in WordPress authentication for login/register workflow.
- Hooks for form display and user access permissions.
- Settings page for admin to configure form fields and notification preferences.
- Strict validation on registration, form fields, and upload types.
- Access control so only “applicant” type users can submit or view the form.
- Sanitization of all user input.
- Secure storage and permission checks for uploaded files.
This design ensures a streamlined, secure job application process tailored for WordPress sites using best-practice form, upload, and user security patterns.
WordPress job application plugin: Requires authentication or registration as "applicant" user type. Authenticated users access a block-embedded form to submit personal info and upload a PDF resume. Admins review and manage submissions securely in the dashboard.