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Brief an assistant to draft reference requests the right way

  • For Job seekers
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You want an AI assistant to draft reference requests to former managers. Write its brief: write only to people who said yes to being a reference, use their current email, mention the role (Junior Data Analyst at Brightmoor Health) and that the recruiter will call by Nov 13, keep each under 70 words, and never send. Output exactly 3 numbered plain-text lines: one draft per reference in note order, then DONE.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not showing the log format. Left alone, the AI writes a friendly report with headings instead of a checkable action log. Try: Show it literally: "Format every line like 1. ACTION: tool(args), then ASK_HUMAN: and DONE: lines. Plain text."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs long, especially when it explains each step. Try: Cap each line instead: "each line under 20 words, no explanations."
  • Writing to everyone. The AI asks Greg too, and may use Maria's dead work email. Try: Add: "Only people who said yes. Use their current email."
  • Leaving out the key details. The AI writes a vague request, so references don't know what's coming. Try: Add: "Name the role and company, and say the recruiter calls by Nov 13."
  • No length or send rule. The AI writes long notes and may send them. Try: Add: "Each under 60 words. Draft only."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Only willing references
  • Uses current emails
  • Gives role and timing
  • Sets a length
  • Says draft, never send

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