Asking A.I. the right questions ensures you get the most of it quickly.  There are some proven strategies to use to get effective results that’ll improve your day-to-day operations (1).

• Clearly define your goal
  • what do you want to achieve with your prompt?
  • what format do you want the results in – a list? a summary?
  • what information does A.I. need to give you the results you want?
• Customize the prompt to your business
  • A.I. will remember the details you give it over time
  • Let A.I. know your industry/trade, your business’ location and the size of your business
• Watch for errors or biases
  • get training for you and your apprentices
  • fact-check
  • revise prompts as needed
  • compare results between different tools
  • get feedback from your team
• Use the right tools
  • the tools you should use will depend on what you want from your A.I.

Below are some examples to show you how to implement these strategies.

Example 1 – Use A.I. to sift through resumes submitted to your job posting.

“I want to reduce the time it takes to screen resumes for a plumbing apprenticeship position in Hamilton, Ontario.  I’ve copy-and-pasted the job description and 20 resumes (note – you can also upload these documents).  Screen the resumes and list the top 5 candidates based on the job description.  Provide a summary for each applicant and explain why they’re qualified.”

Example 2 – Find a trusted local supplier to get your materials from.

“I run a small carpentry business in Peterborough, Ontario.  I’m looking for local or regional suppliers of sustainable hardwoods.  Provide a list of at least 5 reputable suppliers, including contact information, product range and any certifications (e.g., Forest Stewardship Council [FSC] certified).”