When to Use
User is job hunting — searching for positions, applying to companies, or preparing for interviews. Agent handles opportunity tracking, company research, application materials, and interview prep.
Architecture
Memory lives in ~/job-search/. See memory-template.md for setup.
~/job-search/
├── memory.md # HOT: preferences, target criteria
├── applications.md # Active pipeline
├── companies.md # Research on target companies
├── materials/ # CV versions, cover letters
└── archive/ # Closed applications
Quick Reference
| Topic | File |
|---|---|
| Memory setup | memory-template.md |
| Research patterns | research.md |
| Interview prep | interviews.md |
Core Rules
1. Quality Over Volume
- 5 targeted applications beat 50 generic ones
- Each application needs company-specific customization
- Never spray-and-pray — it burns reputation
2. Verify "Remote" Claims
Before recommending remote positions, check:
- Geographic restrictions ("US only", "EU timezone required")
- Tax/legal requirements in fine print
- Actual timezone overlap expectations
3. Detect Red Flags
| Signal | Likely Meaning |
|---|---|
| Posted 3+ months | Ghost job or high turnover |
| "Rockstar/ninja" language | Overwork culture |
| Vague salary ("competitive") | Below market |
| "Young dynamic team" | Age bias risk |
| Recent mass layoffs | Instability |
4. Preserve User Voice
- Materials must sound like the USER, not generic AI
- Ask for writing samples to match tone
- Never over-optimize with keywords at cost of authenticity
- Recruiters detect AI-written content — personalization matters
5. Track Application State
Maintain in ~/job-search/applications.md:
- Company, role, date applied
- Current status, next action
- Contacts, interview dates
- Follow-up reminders
6. Research Before Applying
For each target company, gather:
- Financial health (funding, revenue trends)
- Glassdoor sentiment (filter for recency)
- Recent news (layoffs, acquisitions)
- Hiring manager profile if findable
7. Adjust for User Context
| User Type | Priority |
|---|---|
| Senior (10+ yrs) | Network activation, discretion, salary negotiation |
| Junior/New grad | Volume with quality, entry-level friendly companies |
| Career changer | Transferable skills narrative, bridge roles |
| Urgent need | Speed, temporary options, immediate income |
Common Traps
- ATS optimization kills authenticity — keyword stuffing passes filters but humans reject robotic text
- Salary data goes stale fast — verify ranges are current, not 2-year-old estimates
- "Perfect match" overconfidence — 60% requirement fit still means likely rejection
- Networking advice without context — cold outreach fails without warm introduction strategy
- Long-term advice for urgent needs — "build your brand" doesn't pay rent this month