AI Applyd shipped version 1.9.0 on October 14, 2026, expanding its Model Context Protocol (MCP) plugin from 17 to 23 tools. The update fundamentally changes the user experience by allowing the assistant to read recruiter replies and draft follow-ups without leaving the chat interface. Founder Ava Bagherzadeh positions this as the final piece needed to keep the entire job search lifecycle inside LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude.

From Application to Reply in One Conversation

Previously, applying for jobs via AI Applyd required users to leave the chat to check email for recruiter responses. The new release integrates email handling directly into the workflow. Users can simply ask, "did any recruiter reply?" and the plugin scans connected Gmail or Outlook accounts. If a response is found, the AI drafts an answer, which is only sent after explicit user approval. This human-in-the-loop design ensures that no automated emails go out without review, mitigating the risk of awkward or hallucinated responses to potential employers.

Automated Follow-Ups and Saved Searches

Beyond reading replies, version 1.9.0 introduces proactive follow-up capabilities. Users can query which applications have gone quiet, prompting the tool to draft follow-up emails for each stalled application. These drafts are sent from the user's connected email provider once approved. The update also adds saved searches with email alerts, allowing users to define criteria like "remote product design roles in Europe" and receive notifications when new matches appear. Auto Apply settings can now be toggled directly from the chat, giving users granular control over whether applications are submitted automatically or require manual review.

Infrastructure and Integration Details

The plugin connects via a single MCP address: https://mcp.aiapplyd.com/mcp. It supports 34 hiring systems, including major platforms like Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Workable, Workday, and iCIMS. For ChatGPT users, integration requires a paid plan and enabling Developer mode in Settings. Claude users can add it as a custom connector on any plan. The tool remains in review for official app directories, meaning users must currently add it manually by address. The release is available on npm and the official MCP Registry, signaling a move toward standardized, decentralized plugin adoption rather than platform-specific silos.

Key Takeaways

  • AI Applyd 1.9.0 adds 6 new tools, bringing the total to 23, focused on email interaction and search management.
  • The plugin now reads recruiter emails and drafts replies, but requires user approval before sending.
  • Integration is standardized via MCP, working across ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, and Codex.
  • Email follow-ups and Gmail/Outlook connections are currently in beta for specific plans.
  • The tool supports 34 major hiring systems, automating the technical aspect of job applications.

The Bottom Line

By closing the loop on recruiter communication, AI Applyd transforms the job search from a fragmented series of tasks into a continuous, automated workflow. This is a significant step toward true agentic utility in professional contexts, where the value lies not just in finding jobs, but in managing the entire interaction lifecycle without context switching.