How to Use the CATS ATS MCP in VS Code Copilot

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Connect CATS ATS MCP to VS Code Copilot

Create your Vinkius account to connect CATS ATS to VS Code Copilot and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup CATS ATS with VS Code Copilot

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Share ATS context across VS Code Copilot

Engineering teams building HR tech need a single source of truth for their data structures. Adding this MCP Server to your workspace configuration lets everyone use `list_candidates` right in their editor. One developer commits the setup file, and suddenly the whole squad can query applicant profiles without sharing API keys. Debugging frontend issues goes much faster when you have real data. If a job posting looks broken on your staging site, a developer can run `get_job_details` to check the raw ATS output. Copilot reads the response and points out exactly where the data mismatch is happening in your code.

Standardize recruitment queries

Writing complex search functions requires knowing exactly how the backend expects the parameters. Copilot uses `search_candidates` to test different filter combinations live against your actual database. The resulting code gets written based on proven, working queries rather than assumptions. Tracking down system errors often means looking at recent system events. Firing `list_recruitment_activities` pulls the latest notes and status changes into your chat panel. You can cross-reference those events with your application logs to figure out why a sync job failed.

Access company and contact schemas

Integrating your ATS with billing software requires perfect mapping of client entities. Executing `list_recruitment_companies` shows your developers exactly how company records are structured. They build the integration using live fields instead of outdated API documentation. The same applies to the individual people tied to those accounts. Running `list_recruitment_contacts` gives Copilot the exact JSON structure of a hiring manager profile. Your team writes safer, strongly-typed interfaces because the AI actually inspected the real payload.

Setup guide

Set up CATS ATS MCP in VS Code Copilot

Prerequisites

VS Code 1.99 or later with GitHub Copilot extension
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP configuration

Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P) and run "MCP: Add Server". Select HTTP (Streamable) as the server type. VS Code will create .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace.
2

Add the CATS ATS MCP

Paste the JSON snippet shown on the right into your .vscode/mcp.json. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Switch to Agent mode

Open Copilot Chat (Cmd+Shift+I / Ctrl+Shift+I) and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode — they do not appear in Edit or Ask modes.
4

Verify the connection

In the Copilot Chat input, type # to list available tools. You should see the CATS ATS tools listed. Try asking: "List my recent CATS ATS transactions" and Copilot will invoke them automatically.

.vscode/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cats-ats-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by CATS ATS. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about CATS ATS MCP in VS Code Copilot

Add the Vinkius endpoint details to a .vscode/mcp.json file in your repository. Commit that file to version control. Everyone who pulls the repo gets immediate access to the tools.

No. These tools are strictly read-only by design. Developers can use `list_job_orders` to view open roles, but they cannot accidentally drop a table or delete a candidate.

You need editor version 1.96 or higher for this to function. Check your application version and update if necessary. Also verify that you switched the chat interface into Agent mode.

Vinkius handles the authentication at the endpoint level. You paste one secure proxy URL into your shared MCP configuration file. Individual developers do not need their own ATS credentials.

Security is handled via an ephemeral V8 isolate. When a developer queries interview notes or salary expectations using `get_candidate_details`, the proxy connects, serves the data, and immediately terminates. Nothing is cached on the server.

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