> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cutshort.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I connect Cutshort with Claude, Cursor or other AI agents?

> Connect Claude, Cursor, or another MCP client to Cutshort so you can search candidates and run hiring workflows from your AI agent.

Connect Cutshort to Claude, Cursor, or any other MCP-compatible AI agent with your workspace API key. From the agent you can search the talent database, review candidates, and — with a production key — post jobs and reach out.

[Watch how to set up Cutshort with your AI agent](https://app.storylane.io/share/pgnewri22kwe)

<iframe src="https://app.storylane.io/demo/pgnewri22kwe?embed=inline" title="How to set up Cutshort with your AI agent" width="100%" height="520" allow="fullscreen" allowFullScreen style={{ border: "1px solid #EAEAEA", borderRadius: "8px" }} />

## What you can do from the agent

* Search candidates and review a shortlist
* Open candidate details (this uses unlock credits)
* With a **Production** key: post jobs, invite people to apply, send follow-ups, and move applications in the pipeline

The same API key and quotas apply whether you use MCP or the REST API. Full setup, client config, and tool list: [MCP server](https://developers.cutshort.io/guides/mcp-server).

## 1. Generate an API key

1. Open **Settings** → **Integrations** ([cutshort.io/profile/hiring-settings/integrations](https://cutshort.io/profile/hiring-settings/integrations)).
2. Under **API Key and MCP Server**, choose **Eval access (read-only with low limits)** or **Production access (full access)**.
3. Click **Generate API Key**.

Eval keys are available to approved employers after you verify a work email. Production keys add job posting and messaging, and need production access on a paid plan.

Copy the key when it is shown. You can **Reveal** it again later from the same page.

## 2. Add Cutshort to Claude, Cursor, or another agent

Use the Cutshort MCP endpoint `https://mcp.cutshort.io/mcp` and send your key as `Authorization: Bearer cs_live_<your-api-key>`.

Exact config for Claude Desktop, Cursor, and `mcp-remote` is in the [MCP server guide](https://developers.cutshort.io/guides/mcp-server). After you add it, restart the client. You should see **cutshort** in the agent’s tool list.

## 3. Start hiring from the agent

Tell the agent who you want to hire. For example:

> I'm hiring a senior backend engineer in Bangalore, 4–8 years, strong on Go and Kubernetes, 25–45 LPA. Search Cutshort and show me the top matches with headline, experience, and a short fit reason from the resume text.

With a production key you can then post a job, invite shortlisted people, and follow up from the same chat.

## If something goes wrong

* **Generate API Key is disabled** — verify a work email and wait until the employer account is approved.
* **Production access is not enabled** — email [hello@cutshort.io](mailto:hello@cutshort.io?subject=Cutshort%20API%20production%20access%20request). Available on paid plans only.
* **cutshort does not appear in the agent** — check the MCP config, restart Claude or Cursor, and confirm the key still works on **Settings** → **Integrations**. Claude Desktop needs Node.js 18+.
* **Write tools (post job, invite, message) are missing** — those only register on a production key.

Something else? Chat with us on [cutshort.io](https://cutshort.io), or email [engineering@cutshort.io](mailto:engineering@cutshort.io) from the email on your Cutshort account.

## Related

* [How do I integrate Cutshort with hiring tools and workflows using the API?](/employers/integrate-api)
* [How do I use search filters to find more relevant candidates?](/employers/search-filters)
* [How do I search relevant candidates on Cutshort?](/employers/search-relevant-candidates)
* [How do I post jobs to build a top candidate pipeline quickly?](/employers/post-job-build-pipeline)