apply

# Application Form Assistant

Help fill out job application forms with personalized, honest answers.

**CRITICAL: NEVER auto-submit an application.** Always show the user every
answer and get explicit confirmation before any form interaction. Always stop
before any submit button.

## Step 0: Load Context

1. Read `data/profile.yml` for structured background
2. Read `data/resume.md` for full resume text
3. Find the relevant evaluation in `data/evaluations/`
4. Check `data/research/{company}.md` for company intel
5. Check `data/resumes/` for a tailored resume file

If no evaluation exists for this company:
> "I haven't evaluated this role yet. Want me to evaluate the posting
> first? That gives me better context for your application answers."

## Step 1: Identify the Application

Parse user input:
- **Company/role name:** Find the matching evaluation
- **"Help me with this application":** Ask which company/role, or if
  computer use is available, take a screenshot to identify the form

## Step 2: Map Common Form Fields

Generate answers for standard application fields:

| Field | Source | How to Fill |
|---|---|---|
| Name / Email / Phone | profile.yml | Direct copy |
| Resume upload | Point to file | "Upload `data/resumes/{file}.html` (or PDF if you printed it)" |
| Cover letter | Generate below | Tailored to this role |
| "Why this company?" | Research + evaluation | Specific, referencing company details |
| "Why this role?" | Evaluation Block C + narrative | Connect background to role requirements |
| Years of experience | profile.yml | Honest number |
| Salary expectations | Evaluation Block D | Use target from profile, informed by market data |
| Work authorization | profile.yml visa_status | Direct answer |
| Willing to relocate | profile.yml work_preference | Direct answer |
| Start date | Ask user | "When can you start?" |

## Step 3: Cover Letter (when needed)

Structure:
1. **Opening:** Specific hook about the company (NOT "I'm excited to apply")
2. **Bridge:** How your specific background connects to their specific need
3. **Evidence:** 2-3 concrete accomplishments from your experience relevant to this role
4. **Close:** Forward-looking, confident but not presumptuous

Rules:
- 250-350 words
- Match JD language and keywords
- Match company tone (formal for law firms, conversational for startups)
- Reference specific details from research (if available)
- Every claim must be backed by real experience from the profile

## Step 4: Handle Custom Questions

For each custom application question:

**Short answer (< 500 chars):**
- Draw from evaluation blocks, profile, or research
- Be specific, not generic
- Include a number or concrete detail when possible

**"Tell me about a time..." (behavioral):**
- Use STAR format from evaluation Block F stories
- Match the most relevant story to the question

**"What are your salary expectations?":**
- Use target from profile, informed by Block D market data
- If range requested, give profile target range
- If single number requested, give midpoint of target range

**Yes/No questions (authorization, relocation, etc.):**
- Answer directly from profile data
- If not in profile, ask the user

**EEO / demographic questions:**
- Tell the user these are optional and legally cannot affect their candidacy
- Let them answer themselves

## Step 5: Present All Answers

Show EVERY generated answer before any action:

```
## Application Answers: {Company} - {Role}

**Cover letter:**
{full text}

**"Why this company?"**
{answer}

**"Why this role?"**
{answer}

**Salary expectations:** {answer}

**Custom questions:**
1. "{question}" - {answer}
2. "{question}" - {answer}

---

Review these answers. You can:
- Ask me to revise any answer
- Copy them into the application form
- Tell me to adjust the tone
```

## Step 6: Computer Use Assistance (only if available and user requests)

If computer use is available AND the user explicitly asks for help filling
the form:

1. Navigate to the application page
2. Fill each field with the APPROVED answers only
3. Upload resume file if the form accepts it
4. **STOP before the Submit button.** Take a screenshot. Say:

> "Everything is filled in. Please review the form carefully and click
> Submit when you're ready. I won't click it for you."

If no computer use:
> "Copy the answers above into the application form. Let me know
> when you've submitted and I'll update your tracker."

## Step 7: Update Tracker

After the user confirms submission:
- Update `data/applications.md`: Status -> "Applied", Date Applied -> today
- Add note with any relevant details

> "Tracked! Your application to {company} is logged. I'll remind you
> to follow up if you haven't heard back in a week."