Troubleshooting Common Issues in Bullhorn

Overview

This guide helps agents quickly identify and resolve common errors in Bullhorn related to updating contractor details, syncing data, and system errors. Follow these steps to troubleshoot issues effectively and escalate when needed.

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Common Issues

1. Error Updating Contractor Details

Symptoms:

• Error messages such as:
  • “Update failed: Field locked or system error.”
  • “Duplicate ID found.”
  • “Permission denied: You do not have rights to edit this field.”

Steps to Troubleshoot:

• Verify the exact error message reported by the customer.
• Check the contractor record in Bullhorn for field restrictions or locks.
• Ensure the field being updated (e.g., phone number, email) is editable by your role.
• Confirm the contractor record is active and not archived or restricted.
• Ask the customer to try deleting the current field value, saving, then re-entering the new value.
• Attempt the same update yourself (if permissions allow) to replicate the error.

If the error persists:

• Raise a change request with the Bullhorn admin team to unlock fields or adjust permissions.
• Communicate clearly with the customer about the escalation and expected timelines.

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2. Data Sync Issues Between Bullhorn and Other Platforms

Symptoms:

• Updates in Bullhorn not reflected in onboarding portals or payroll systems.
• Payroll delays related to incorrect contractor data.

Steps to Troubleshoot:

• Confirm the last successful data sync timestamp between Bullhorn and the other system.
• Verify all required fields in Bullhorn are complete and correctly formatted.
• Check API tokens and integration settings if accessible.
• Trigger a manual sync if possible.
• Look for any error logs related to failed synced records.

If sync failures continue:

• Escalate the issue to IT or integration specialists.
• Inform the customer about ongoing investigations and workaround options.

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3. Duplicate Records or ID Conflicts

Symptoms:

• Receiving “Duplicate ID found” or similar errors when adding or updating contractors.

Steps to Troubleshoot:

• Search Bullhorn for existing records with the same email, phone number, or unique ID.
• Confirm if multiple email addresses or contacts are linked to one Bullhorn ID.
• Coordinate with data management teams to merge duplicates or update identifiers.
• Advise customers to avoid creating duplicate profiles.

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When to Escalate

• If the issue involves system-level errors or locked fields beyond your permissions.
• Persistent sync failures impacting critical processes like payroll.
• Complex duplicates requiring database intervention.
• Any errors unfamiliar to you or causing major disruption.

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Tips for Effective Troubleshooting

• Always ask for exact error messages and screenshots.
• Use Bullhorn IDs or unique identifiers to pull precise records.
• Keep customers informed during troubleshooting and escalation.
• Document recurring errors and resolutions to improve the knowledge base.