AI & Workplace Skills
Write AI Instructions That Produce More Useful Drafts
Give the tool a clear task, audience, boundaries and output format.
Explain the job
A vague request such as “make this better” leaves too much for the tool to guess. Instead, explain the purpose and audience: “Draft a polite email asking a recruiter whether this position is still open. Keep it under 120 words.”
Supply only the information needed. Specify the tone, length and facts that must remain unchanged. If you have no confirmed salary, start date or qualification, tell the tool not to invent one.
Improve one thing at a time
Read the first result before asking for another. Identify the exact problem: too formal, missing a question, too long or inaccurate. A focused revision request is easier to evaluate than repeatedly asking for a “better” answer.
Practice with this instruction: “Use the facts below to draft a concise interview follow-up. Thank the interviewer, mention one topic we discussed and ask about next steps. Do not add qualifications I have not supplied.” Remove personal information before experimenting, and edit the final message so it sounds like you.
Original NJS guidance prepared with AI assistance and editorial review. This article provides general information; employers and program providers determine their own requirements. Check current official instructions before applying or making a commitment.