Summarize two reference calls and flag where they differ

About this exercise

Summarize the two reference calls for the hiring manager in plain text, under 130 words, as four labeled lines: Reference 1:, Reference 2:, Agree:, Differ:. Each reference line gives only facts and examples the referee stated. Do not include opinions about the candidate's personality, personal life or reasons for leaving unless stated as fact by the referee. Do not recommend hiring. The hiring team decides. HR reviews before it is shared.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Personal details. The AI includes 'single mom' or leaving at 5. Try: Say: "Leave out personal life and family remarks."
• Recruiter opinion. The AI adds 'a little defensive'. Try: Say: "Only facts stated by the referees."
• Missing conflict. The AI blends the two accounts. Try: Say: "Differ: list where the references disagree."
• Labels. The AI writes prose. Try: Say: "Four lines with these labels."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example: "each line under 15 words."
• Markdown. The AI bolds words or adds headings. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

• Four labels
• Stated facts only
• Banned topics
• No recommendation
• Word cap

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises

• Accept a job offer and confirm the exact terms (Writing AI · Job seekers)
• Accrue unbilled legal fees from a range using the midpoint policy (Finance AI · Accountants)
• Acknowledge an employee's concern without promising outcomes (People & HR AI · HR and recruiting)
• Allocate shared rent by headcount using the right roster (Finance AI · Accountants)
• Announce a colleague's departure neutrally to the team (People & HR AI · Managers and team leads)