Choose the three best things to read before an interview

About this exercise

Your interview at Harbor & Pine Foods is Tuesday, and you saved 7 links but only have time to read 3. You want exactly 3 numbered picks, each with the title and a reason under 15 words, in plain text and nothing else. Pick only items from the company itself or a named news outlet, published in the last 12 months (today is Nov 5, 2026), and skip anonymous posts.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Not giving your criteria. The AI picks what sounds most interesting, so the dramatic recall story or the forum thread can make the list. Try: Spell it out: "Company or named outlet only, last 12 months, no anonymous posts."
• Letting the AI fill in facts. The AI adds what it guesses each article says, which can turn a rumor into a talking point. Try: Add: "Base each reason only on details in my list."
• Getting interview coaching. The AI tacks on prep tips and questions to ask, which buries your 3 picks. Try: Say: "Output only the 3 picks."
• Not saying how many. The AI decides the length itself and usually returns more picks than you can use. Try: Be exact: "exactly 3 numbered picks."
• Getting markdown back. AI defaults to bold labels and headings, which show up as stray symbols in your phone notes. Try: Ask for "plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

• Says exactly how many
• Gives the criteria
• Gives today's date
• Limits each reason
• Asks for plain text

Practice this now ↑

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