Connect Claude Desktop to GiraffyReach's MCP Job Agent

You can connect Claude Desktop to GiraffyReach's MCP job agent by installing the MCP server configuration file and authorizing your API key. Once live, Claude Desktop will detect fresh job postings, apply to matching roles, and run recruiter outreach—all without leaving your machine.

What You Need Before Starting

Have these ready:

  • Claude Desktop (latest version, free or paid)
  • Your GiraffyReach API key (from your GiraffyReach account)
  • A text editor (VS Code, Notepad, or equivalent)
  • Basic comfort editing JSON config files

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Open your Claude Desktop config folder. On Mac: ~/.claude/config.json. On Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\config.json. On Linux: ~/.config/claude/config.json.
  2. Locate or create the "mcpServers" section. If the file doesn't exist, create it. Add this block if missing: "mcpServers": {}.
  3. Add the GiraffyReach MCP server entry. Inside "mcpServers", paste: "giraffyreach": { "command": "python3", "args": ["-m", "giraffyreach.mcp"], "env": { "GIRAFFYREACH_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE" } }
  4. Replace YOUR_API_KEY_HERE with your actual key. Get it from the API settings in your GiraffyReach dashboard.
  5. Save the file. Don't close Claude Desktop while editing—edit the config, save, then restart Claude.
  6. Restart Claude Desktop. Close and reopen the app. The MCP connection will initialize.
  7. Test the connection. In Claude, type: "Show me available job applications running via MCP." Claude should list active jobs and applications.
  8. Configure your job filters (optional). Tell Claude your target roles, locations, and salary ranges. It will use these to auto-apply to matching postings within hours of publication.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Claude shows "MCP server not found." Double-check the file path and JSON syntax. Even one missing bracket breaks the config. Use a JSON validator if unsure.

API key rejected. Verify the key hasn't expired. Copy it fresh from your GiraffyReach settings. Whitespace around the key will cause auth failures—remove it.

No jobs appearing in Claude. Check that your job filters (role, location, experience level) match active postings. If you've set filters too narrow, the agent won't find matches.

Python3 not found on Windows. Install Python 3.9+ from python.org and add it to your PATH. Or use the full path to your Python executable in the config.

How the Agent Works Once Connected

After setup, Claude Desktop runs the MCP job agent as a background process. The agent:

  • Scans job boards in real time for new postings matching your profile
  • Auto-applies before the first wave of manual applicants
  • Runs cold-outreach emails to recruiters on your behalf (if enabled)
  • Handles C2C vendor hotlist applications if you're open to contract work
  • Reports results back to Claude, so you see applications and recruiter replies in your chat

You don't interact with the agent directly after setup. Instead, you ask Claude about applications: "What jobs did we apply to today?" or "Show me recruiter replies from yesterday."

Security and API Usage

Your API key is stored only on your machine. GiraffyReach never sees your Claude Desktop logs or chat history. Each API call to GiraffyReach is metered—free accounts get a baseline rate, paid plans unlock faster refresh cycles and more concurrent applications.

Don't share your config file. The API key in it grants full access to your job search account.

What Makes This Different From Browser Extensions

Browser-based auto-apply tools (like those in Chrome) run only when your browser is open. Chrome extensions have trade-offs in speed and coverage. MCP agents in Claude Desktop run on your local machine 24/7. You don't need a web browser. Applications process even while you sleep—because Claude isn't a browser, it's a persistent local AI.

Next Steps

Once connected, refine your search filters in Claude to match your ideal role. Then let the agent work. Check in once a day to review new applications and recruiter replies.

Start with a GiraffyReach account if you haven't already. The MCP setup is instant, but your job search results depend on having a profile that matches active postings. Be first, or be forgotten.