Prompting Cheat Sheet: Task, Context, Exemplars, Persona, Format, and Tone
This guide is designed to help you craft effective prompts that harness the full capabilities of GenAI.
Task
Description: Specify the action and desired outcome clearly.
Pro Tips: Be precise in what you request. Specify the kind of document or information needed. Start with an action verb (e.g., “generate”, “analyze”, “summarize”).
Example: “Draft a cover letter for a Project Manager position at Apple.”
Context
Description: Provides background information to shape the task.
Pro Tip: Provide essential details to guide the AI while avoiding excess.
Example: “I am a junior project manager with a background in software development, applying to Apple, which values innovation and detail.”
Questions to Consider: What is the job role? What are my key qualifications? What company-specific aspects should influence the output?
Exemplars
Description: Use concrete examples or reference materials that define the style, format, or content the AI should emulate.
Pro Tip: Use exemplars to set standards, particularly when formatting is crucial.
Example: “Here is a job description for the role I’m applying for; use it to highlight my relevant experiences in the cover letter.”
Persona
Description: Specifies the voice or expertise the AI should adopt to match the required output.
Pro Tip: Choose a persona that aligns with the required output.
Example: “Write this cover letter as if you are a confident, innovative project manager eager to learn from others. Also, as someone who prioritizes efficiency and creativity.”
Questions to Ask: Who is the ideal candidate for this role? What professional qualities are prized by this employer? What is the company culture?
Format
Description: Dictates how the information should be structured and presented.
Pro Tip: Visualizing the final output can help determine the best format. Consider industry norms, where applicable.
Example: “Format the cover letter using a modern, clean layout with distinct sections for introduction, body, and closing.”
Tone
Description: The emotional character or attitude of the output.
Pro Tip: Match the tone to the culture or nature of the document.
Example: “Ensure the cover letter has a professional yet approachable tone, reflecting enthusiasm for the role and respect for the company.”
Questions to Consider: Is the company more formal, or does it embrace a casual vibe? How does the desired tone reflect my personality in a professional context?
“Imagine you are a skilled career coach specializing in technology sector placements. I am a software developer with 2 years of experience in Java and Python, looking to apply for a mid-level developer position at a top tech company like SandTech.
Draft a tailored cover letter for me, highlighting my key projects and leadership experiences.
The cover letter should:
Start with a brief introduction of my background. Include bullet points for each major project, specifying the technologies used, the impact on the business, and any leadership roles I held.
Conclude with a short paragraph that communicates my enthusiasm for the role and my readiness to contribute to innovative projects.
Use a professional yet approachable tone to reflect my personality and the collaborative culture of the tech industry.”
Additional Tips:
- Simplicity vs. Detail: Adjust the complexity of your prompt based on the task at hand. More complex tasks may require more detailed prompts to guide the AI effectively.
- Feedback Loop: Refine your prompts based on the AI’s performance. If the output is not what you expected, tweak your prompt to clarify your needs.
- Use of Prompt Components: Not every prompt needs all six components. Use them based on what will most likely improve the quality of the AI’s response.
