Introduction: My Journey into Prompting
When I first started working with large language models (LLMs) at Turing, fine-tuning Google Gemini for specific use cases, I realized something: prompts are more than just questions we ask AI. They are instructions that shape intelligence.
As a software engineer and technical writer, I leaned on AI tools to speed up development workflows and explore new ideas. But the real turning point came when I added a simple phrase to my workflow:
““Please ask me any clarifying questions to help you give me a 99% accurate response.””
This became my signature technique, a small but powerful tweak that made AI more interactive, less error-prone, and far more reliable in professional scenarios. Over time, I formalized it as The 99% Clarifying Question Technique, and I’ve used it to improve resumes, sharpen marketing copy, brainstorm product features, and even mentor peers on communication.
This blog post distills those lessons into a comprehensive playbook for professionals who want to use prompt engineering as a “hack” and a career multiplier.
What is Prompt Engineering? (And Why It Matters to You)
Prompt engineering is the art and science of crafting inputs that guide AI models (like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude) to produce accurate, useful, and context-rich outputs.
It’s not just for developers. Professionals across industries are now using prompts to:
- Optimize resumes and LinkedIn profiles
- Generate persuasive marketing content
- Accelerate workflows in product management, branding, and education
- Brainstorm leadership strategies
The key is learning to go beyond generic prompts like “Write me a resume summary” and instead use structured techniques that transform AI into a collaborator.
Core Prompt Engineering Techniques You Should Master
1. Role Prompting
Assign the AI a role to guide its “persona.”
Example for Resume:
❌ Plain Prompt:
❌ Plain Prompt:
““Write a resume summary for a software engineer.” ”
✅ Improved Prompt (Role + Clarifying):
“ “You are a senior technical recruiter for a Fortune 500 company. Please ask me any clarifying questions that will help you give me a 99% accurate response. Then, write a compelling resume summary for a software engineer specializing in backend systems.” ”
This ensures the AI thinks like a recruiter, not just a writer.
2. Few-Shot Prompting
Give the AI a few examples before asking for output.
Example for Marketing:
“Here are 2 examples of LinkedIn ad copy that had high engagement:
1. ‘Tired of clunky workflows? Automate in minutes, not months.’
2. ‘Your team deserves tools that work as hard as they do. ’
Now, act as a B2B SaaS marketer. Please ask clarifying questions for context, then generate 3 fresh ad variations for a new AI productivity tool.”
By blending examples + clarifying questions, you get copy that fits your style and your audience.
3. Chaining Prompts
Break a complex task into steps.
Example for Product Management:
Step 1 Prompt: “List 5 user pain points in mobile banking apps.”
Step 2 Prompt: “Now, for each pain point, propose one innovative feature. Ask clarifying questions if you need more details about target users.”
Step 3 Prompt: “Summarize these features into a product pitch deck outline.”
This approach mirrors real product workflows, idea → feature → pitch.
4. The 99% Clarifying Question Technique (My Signature Method)
Most people throw a question at AI and accept the first answer. But real collaboration comes from teaching the AI to slow down and confirm understanding.
Here’s how I frame it:
““Please ask me any clarifying questions to help you give me a 99% accurate response.””
Example for Resume:
“Write a tailored resume summary for a software engineer with 3+ years in frontend development. Please ask me any clarifying questions that will help you give me a 99% accurate response.”
The AI might reply:
- “What industries are you targeting?”
- “Do you want emphasis on leadership or hands-on coding?”
That back-and-forth produces far superior results than a one-shot prompt.
This technique isn’t just useful with AI; it’s also a professional communication skill. In leadership, marketing, and branding, the ability to ask clarifying questions builds trust and accuracy.
5. Long-Shot Prompting
These are creative, unconventional prompts designed to push AI beyond predictable answers.
Example for Branding:
“Imagine you are the chief brand strategist for Tesla, but in 2025, the company is pivoting to eco-friendly household appliances. Create 5 bold tagline ideas. Please ask me clarifying questions first.”
Long-shot prompts unlock fresh, out-of-the-box thinking, perfect for marketing campaigns or product vision exercises.
Practical Applications: Where Prompt Engineering Transforms Careers
1. Resumes & Career Growth
- Tailored Resume Bullets: Use role prompting (“You are a recruiter…”) to align achievements with job descriptions.
- Cover Letter Personalization: Few-shot prompts with winning cover letter snippets help generate new ones.
- Interview Prep: Chain prompts to simulate tough interviewer Q&A.
💡 Pro tip: Always pair with the 99% technique so the AI uncovers nuances about your experience.
2. Marketing & Branding
- Ad Copy Generation: Combine few-shot + role prompting for LinkedIn/Facebook ads.
- Email Campaigns: Chain prompts → subject line → body → CTA.
- Brand Voice Testing: Long-shot prompts to “speak” in your unique tone.
💡 Pro tip: Ask the AI to audit your messaging and point out inconsistencies.
3. Productivity & Daily Workflows
- Drafting technical documentation
- Generating blog post outlines (like this one)
- Brainstorming leadership strategies for team growth
- Creating study guides for education
The more structured + clarifying your prompt, the less cleanup you’ll need.
Additional Resources
For deeper dives, here are some must-explore:
These sources help you stay on top of both technical and professional sides of AI prompting.
FAQ: Prompt Engineering for Professionals
Q1. What is prompt engineering in simple terms?
It’s the skill of asking AI the right way to get accurate, useful, and context-aware responses.
Q2. Can prompt engineering help me get a job?
Yes. With tailored resume prompts and interview simulations, you can stand out in applications.
Q3. How is prompt engineering useful in marketing?
It helps generate fresh ad copy, test different tones, and brainstorm campaigns quickly.
Q4. What’s the difference between beginner prompts and advanced ones?
Beginners use generic one-liners. Advanced prompts use roles, examples, chaining, clarifying questions, and long-shot creativity.
Q5. What’s the 99% Clarifying Question Technique?
It’s my personal method of asking AI: “Please ask me any clarifying questions that will help you give me a 99% accurate response.” It improves results and mimics effective professional communication.
Q6. Do I need to be a programmer to learn this?
No. Prompt engineering is for anyone who communicates — executives, marketers, educators, and developers alike.
It’s the skill of asking AI the right way to get accurate, useful, and context-aware responses.
Q2. Can prompt engineering help me get a job?
Yes. With tailored resume prompts and interview simulations, you can stand out in applications.
Q3. How is prompt engineering useful in marketing?
It helps generate fresh ad copy, test different tones, and brainstorm campaigns quickly.
Q4. What’s the difference between beginner prompts and advanced ones?
Beginners use generic one-liners. Advanced prompts use roles, examples, chaining, clarifying questions, and long-shot creativity.
Q5. What’s the 99% Clarifying Question Technique?
It’s my personal method of asking AI: “Please ask me any clarifying questions that will help you give me a 99% accurate response.” It improves results and mimics effective professional communication.
Q6. Do I need to be a programmer to learn this?
No. Prompt engineering is for anyone who communicates — executives, marketers, educators, and developers alike.
Conclusion: Your Next Step in the AI Era
When I first stumbled upon the clarifying question approach during my work at Turing, I didn’t think it would become a cornerstone of my workflow. But over time, I realized this simple phrase mirrored the best practices of leadership: clarify before acting, listen before deciding.
Prompt engineering isn’t just a technical skill; it’s a professional superpower. Whether you’re refining a resume, brainstorming a campaign, or planning product strategy, the way you ask questions defines the quality of the answers you get.
So the next time you sit down with an AI assistant, don’t just type a command. Collaborate. And maybe start with this:
““Please ask me any clarifying questions to help you give me a 99% accurate response.””
That’s how you unlock the hidden power of prompt engineering.
MK
Mike Kanu
Author
Software Engineer | Technical Adviser
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