Mar 9, 2025 - Technology

5 tips for using AI at work

Generative AI beginners should know there are some best practices to follow when using bots like ChatGPT.

Why it matters: If you ask nicely, AI can act like a quick and helpful work assistant.

Tips for using AI like a pro:

Be specific. Think of AI as that one co-worker who needs ultra-exact instructions. The more precise you can be with your request, the better the outcome.
Follow up. If your AI's first output is off the mark, try a follow-up request with instructions for improvement — and again, be specific.
Check its work. All AI models suffer from "hallucinations" — making stuff up. Don't trust any AI output without doing spot or fact checks.
Mix up your approach. Chatbots can feel like search engines or task machines, but they can also be brainstorming partners. Shift your mindset from commands to conversations and try using AI to spitball new ideas for that next big project.
Be polite. No, really — researchers have found that using words like "please" and "thank you" improves AI chatbots' performance.