Simplify Leverages AI Technology to Enhance Job Search and Application Processes

Job searching can be tedious, especially when you find yourself repeatedly entering the same information into applications. Recognizing the need for an efficient solution, Simplify, an innovative early-stage startup, aims to streamline the process by integrating questionnaires, job scraping, job matching, auto-fill capabilities, and assistance with text-based questions—all within one platform. Today, the Y Combinator W21 graduates proudly announce a $3 million seed funding round as they continue to collaborate with job seekers and employers to develop a sustainable business model around this concept.

According to CEO and co-founder Michael Yan, it’s high time we elevate our job application process. “Many individuals spend countless hours sifting through job boards, identifying opportunities, and submitting numerous repetitive applications. At Simplify, we're creating what we call an ‘always-on AI career agent,’” Yan explained. He draws a comparison to a Hollywood agent who understands your career trajectory, skills, and salary needs, guiding you to the perfect job match. Users can complete a quiz that helps the algorithm better understand their skill set, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with technical expertise, including programming languages and development tools.

The platform also allows users to set preferences related to work-life balance, diversity, and innovative technology, among other factors. Additionally, applicants can indicate their salary expectations, and the software generates job recommendations tailored to their responses. Simplify also features a comprehensive resume-building tool on its site.

But Simplify doesn’t stop at job recommendations; it also automates the application process by auto-filling common information that applicants frequently input. Yan emphasizes that Simplify is designed as an independent tool separate from LinkedIn, which enhances privacy since only potential employers can view the submitted information.

For job listings, Simplify provides matches scraped from the web that align with users' skills and preferences. Users can also download the Simplify Copilot Chrome extension to automate job applications while browsing other job search platforms. The Copilot tool even assists with responding to application questions based on your background and experience.

The concept for Simplify was born a few years ago during the co-founders’ college days, as they faced the overwhelming task of applying for hundreds of jobs and repeatedly entering the same details. Believing there had to be a more efficient method, they launched Simplify in 2021 and joined the Winter 2021 cohort of Y Combinator.

Currently, the company employs about 10 remote team members, but Yan indicates that this could evolve in the near future. As he expands his team, he highlights the importance of diversity, particularly in a company like Simplify, where bias can easily infiltrate the job search process. “If your product is created by a homogenous group, it’s likely to only benefit individuals with similar backgrounds,” he noted.

With sufficient funding to explore their ideas, the company is still experimenting with monetization strategies. The recent $3 million seed funding round was led by Craft Ventures, with contributions from Y Combinator, Hyphen Capital, GFC, and several industry angel investors.