Get started

Start your search ledger in three steps.

Nextstep runs from source with Node.js and keeps your private career data in a separate folder outside the code repository.

1 · Clone & Install

Install the command engine

Clone the repository and install dependencies locally:

git clone https://github.com/smota/nextstep.git
cd nextstep
npm install

2 · Initialize Data Root

Create your private search ledger

Initialize a dedicated local folder for your opportunities, profile, and drafts:

npm run cli -- init-workspace --data-root ~/my-search
npm run cli -- doctor --data-root ~/my-search

3 · Work With Your Agent

Check what needs attention today

Open Claude Code, Codex, or Gemini CLI in the repo—or run the daily digest directly:

npm run cli -- today --data-root ~/my-search
npm run cli -- next-actions --data-root ~/my-search

Read the full guide & CLI reference on GitHub ↗ Explore the 8 search playbooks

Frequently asked questions

Common questions before you begin.

Do I need Holoself installed to use Nextstep?

No. Nextstep includes a built-in candidate profile card so it works completely standalone on day one. If you also use Holoself, you can link it later so Nextstep pulls your approved stories and voice directly from your Holoself lens.

Which AI agent should I use with Nextstep?

Any coding or workspace agent that can run local CLI commands—including Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI / Antigravity, Grok, or Cursor. Because your state lives in Nextstep's ledger rather than in chat memory, you can switch agents at any time.

Where are my CVs, notes, and target companies stored?

Everything lives in the local --data-root directory you choose on your own disk, separate from the Nextstep code repository, so you can back it up or version it privately.