Context
explore.work helps job seekers move faster from profile to tailored applications. LinkedIn import, AI-assisted resume tweaking, job-match scoring, and Gmail/Outlook inquiry tracking sat behind a simple consumer subscription.
The problem
Job hunters waste hours re-entering the same history into every application and still send generic resumes. The product needed profile import, per-job customization with human control, clean PDF output, and a price point that did not feel like another SaaS tax during unemployment.
How we approached it
We shipped a Next.js App Router product focused on speed-to-apply: one-click LinkedIn import, AI-assisted resume edits the user stays in control of, match scoring against open roles, ATS-friendly PDF export, and in-app inquiry tracking via Gmail or Outlook. Positioning stayed intentionally blunt: get hired fast enough that you cancel.
What shipped
- Marketing site and authenticated app on Next.js
- LinkedIn profile import into a structured resume model
- AI-assisted per-job resume customization with user approval
- ATS-friendly PDF export
- Gmail/Outlook-linked inquiry tracking and flat-fee subscription checkout
Outcomes
- End-to-end apply loop from import to tailored PDF in one consumer surface
- Clear $4.99/month positioning with full feature access and no premium tiers
- Product later taken offline; case study documents the shipped approach
Stack
- Next.js (App Router, Turbopack)
- TypeScript
- AI-assisted resume generation
- LinkedIn profile import
- PDF export
- Gmail / Outlook integrations
- Subscription billing