Companies are now asking job candidates if they “work well with AI.” That question is popping up more and more in interviews. Being “AI fluent” is almost as crucial as knowing your way around office software.
The catch? Most people still don’t know how to get the best answers from AI like ChatGPT or Copilot. Generic responses happen because prompts lack specifics. The AI picks the most probable reply based on its training, which isn’t always useful.
So how do you get better AI answers? Use the CATS method: context, angle, task, style. 
- Context: Give background. Instead of “How do I write a proposal?” say “I’m a nonprofit director writing a grant proposal for an environmental education funder.”
- Angle: Set the attitude. Ask the AI to “Act as a critical peer reviewer” or “Be a supportive mentor.”
- Task: Be direct. “Give me three ways to make my opening slide more engaging for small business owners” beats “Help with my presentation.”
- Style: Specify format and tone. Formal report, casual email, bullet points for execs, or teen-friendly explanation.
Context engineering matters too. Think beyond just the prompt: feed the AI relevant documents, conversation history, or examples. Treat your exchange like a chat. If the first answer isn’t right, ask follow-ups or give clarity.
“And do you work well with AI?”
In a growing number of roles, being able to use AI is quickly becoming as important as being proficient in office software once was.
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Heads up: AI chatbots can seem human-like but don’t be fooled. You stay in charge. Always verify AI output for accuracy since errors are common.
AI tools are powerful — but only when you guide them with the right info and questions. Give enough context, and they’ll surprise you.
