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Work out paid parental leave for three employees from the policy
Practice: Keeping the AI to your sources. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
Three employees asked how many weeks of paid parental leave they'll get. You want one numbered line per employee, under 45 words total, in the form "Name: N weeks (Sec. X)", applying the 2027 policy update where it applies, and "Ask benefits team" when the policy doesn't cover the case. Use only the policy text, plain text, nothing else.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Missing the update. The original 6 weeks comes first, and the AI may not apply the 2027 change. Try: Say: "Apply the 2027 update for births on or after Jan 1, 2027."
- Stretching the policy. The AI treats foster placement like adoption and gives a number the policy doesn't support. Try: Add: "If the policy doesn't cover a case, write Ask benefits team."
- No line shape. The AI explains each case in a paragraph instead of a quick answer. Try: Show it: "Format: Name: N weeks (Sec. X)."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands 10-20% over. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 10 words."
- Getting markdown back. AI defaults to bold labels and headings, which show up as stray symbols in an HR inbox reply. Try: Ask for "plain text, no bold, no headings."
What a strong prompt includes
- Applies the update
- Says what to do when it's not covered
- Gives the line shape
- Sets a length limit
- Asks for plain text
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