If you’ve wondered how ChatGPT could help you, but haven’t known where to start, this article will help you get your footing by introducing the art of prompt engineering. Basically, your prompts are instructions, so the better you build (engineer) those, the better the responses you'll receive. You don’t have to be technical to take advantage of ChatGPT, so let's jump right in.
ChatGPT prompt engineering
An easy way to get started is to use this formula: [Take the role of] + [action] + [desired outcome] + [constraints]. Let's break it down using an example that can help anyone currently looking for their next role.
![A hand reaching up out of a vast expanse of water with the words "An easy way to get started is to use this formula: [Take the role of] [action] [desired outcome] [constraints]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/932c28_c2b01fdc4b7c41c2aa224706063fb406~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/932c28_c2b01fdc4b7c41c2aa224706063fb406~mv2.jpg)
1. Take the role of
Assign ChatGPT a persona to direct its responses by giving it a specific identity or function. This instructs it to use expertise relevant to that persona in answering your prompts. For example, “Take the role of interviewer hiring for a product manager.”
2. Action
Ensure your prompt clearly defines the task. Instead of vague inquiries, provide specific instructions. For example, “Take the role of interviewer hiring for a product manager. I will be the candidate and you will ask me the interview questions one at a time and wait for my answers.”
3. Desired outcome
The more context you offer, the better ChatGPT can understand and respond appropriately. For example, “Take the role of interviewer hiring for a product manager. I will be the candidate and you will ask me the interview questions one at a time and wait for my answers. After asking me six questions, review my responses and provide detailed, constructive feedback.”
4. Constraints
Use constraints like word/character count, tone/style, and response format to refine the AI's output. For example, “Take the role of interviewer hiring for a product manager. I will be the candidate and you will ask me six interview questions one at a time and wait for my answers. For each of the six main questions you ask during the interview phase, ask a follow up question based on my answer that will help me refine my response. After asking me the interview questions, review my responses and provide detailed, constructive feedback. ”
Try it!
Set up an account if you don't have one already. Use the [Take the role of] + [action] + [desired outcome] + [constraints] prompt engineering formula to experiment and iterate. The hardest part is getting started, so take a moment now and give it a try.
Now that you've improved your ChatGPT prompt engineering skills, sign up for a free coaching consultation today for help in honing your leadership skills, too!
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