Job Search

## 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