For Beginners

Getting Started with AI

New to AI? No problem. This guide will help you understand the basics and start using AI tools in minutes.

What are AI chatbots?

AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude are tools you can have conversations with. You type a message (called a "prompt"), and the AI responds with helpful information, ideas, or completed tasks.

Think of them as incredibly knowledgeable assistants that can help with almost anything: writing, research, brainstorming, coding, and more.

Popular AI Tools to Try

  • ChatGPT – Most popular, great all-around assistant
  • Claude – Excellent for writing and nuanced conversations
  • Google Gemini – Integrated with Google services

The Basics: Writing Good Prompts

A "prompt" is just what you type to the AI. The quality of your prompt determines the quality of the response. Here's how to write better prompts:

1. Be Specific

❌ Vague

"Help me with my resume"

✓ Specific

"Rewrite this bullet point to highlight quantifiable achievements: 'Managed social media accounts'"

2. Give Context

❌ No context

"Write an email"

✓ With context

"Write a follow-up email to a hiring manager 1 week after an interview. Keep it professional but warm."

3. Specify Format

❌ Open-ended

"Explain machine learning"

✓ Format specified

"Explain machine learning in 3 bullet points that a 10-year-old could understand"

What Can AI Help You With?

AI is incredibly versatile. Here are some practical ways to use it in your work:

Writing & Editing

  • • Draft emails and messages
  • • Proofread and improve writing
  • • Summarize long documents

Job Search

  • • Tailor resumes for specific jobs
  • • Practice interview questions
  • • Research companies

Research & Learning

  • • Explain complex topics simply
  • • Compare options and tradeoffs
  • • Create study guides

Productivity

  • • Brainstorm ideas
  • • Create meeting agendas
  • • Break down big tasks

Quick Tips for Success

  • 1.Start simple. Try asking AI to help with one small task today.
  • 2.Iterate. If the first response isn't right, ask for changes. "Make it shorter" or "More formal" work great.
  • 3.Verify important info. AI can make mistakes. Double-check facts for anything important.
  • 4.Save prompts that work. When you find a prompt that gives great results, save it to reuse later.

Ready to explore?

Check out our prompt library for ready-to-use prompts

Browse Resources