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AI is everywhere in recruiting right now—but for many Talent Acquisition professionals, it's still unclear how to actually use it to make their job easier.
The difference isn’t just which tool you use—it’s how you prompt it.
Whether you're experimenting with ChatGPT, using built-in AI in your ATS, or working with a recruiting-specific platform like Braintrust AIR, the right prompt turns generic outputs into tailored, time-saving results.
So we’ve removed the guesswork, by compiling 5 high-impact AI prompts recruiters are using to streamline sourcing, personalize outreach, define hiring targets, and optimize funnels—without all the back-and-forth or blank page paralysis.
Use them in conjunction with Braintrust AIR, which conducts your first-round interviews automatically, or on their own with your preferred AI tool.
Let’s get to it.
1. 🔍 Targeted Sourcing Strategy
Prompt: "Generate a sourcing strategy for a [job title] with [X] years of experience, based in [location], skilled in [key skills]. Include top platforms, outreach messaging, and Boolean search strings for LinkedIn and GitHub."
Why it helps: This prompt gives you a focused, role-specific sourcing plan in seconds. Braintrust AIR enhances it with real-time talent market insights, making it especially useful for roles in competitive hiring hubs like San Francisco, Austin, and remote-first environments.
2. ✍️ Personalized Candidate Outreach
Prompt: "Draft a personalized outreach message to a candidate named [Name], currently working at [Company] as a [Role]. Mention their recent project in [area] and highlight how our [company/team/mission] aligns with their interests. Explain we're currently hiring for a [name of role] and their background/ skills/ experience look like a great fit. Keep the tone warm, concise, and professional."
Why it helps: AI can turn basic LinkedIn data into thoughtful outreach. This prompt delivers relevance and personalization—key to improving response rates. Braintrust AIR adapts to your brand voice and engagement style, so the message feels authentic, not automated.
3. 📊 Side-by-Side Candidate Summary
Prompt:"Compare these three candidates for the [job title] role based on resume details, interview notes, and culture fit scores. Highlight each person’s strengths, risks, and ideal team placement. Output a clear decision-making matrix for hiring managers."
Why it helps: Hiring managers want clarity, not another doc to read. This prompt compiles feedback into a visual comparison that speeds up decisions. With Braintrust AIR, you get a custom scorecard for each candidate, and can see all candidates stack ranked based on their performance.
4. 📝 Ideal Candidate Profile Builder
Prompt: "Based on our top-performing team members in the [department/team], create a detailed Ideal Candidate Profile for the [job title] role. Include core skills, soft traits, typical career backgrounds, cultural characteristics, and success indicators. Format it as a brief for hiring managers and sourcers."
Why it helps: Jumping into sourcing without alignment leads to wasted cycles. This prompt creates a shared vision of what success looks like—before you open the role. It’s especially useful when calibrating with hiring managers, and can be used as input for Braintrust AIR’s automated matching and interview setup.
5. 📈 Funnel Health Snapshot
Prompt: "Analyze our past 90 days of recruitment funnel data. Identify stages with the highest drop-off, top-performing sources, and time-to-fill trends. Recommend 3 quick-win improvements and 2 long-term strategies, with low-cost implementation ideas."
Why it helps: You don’t need a data analyst to find what’s slowing your hiring process. This prompt turns raw ATS data into actionable insights. With Braintrust AIR, you can visualize funnel health and implement changes directly in your recruiting workflow.
Make These Prompts Work Harder for You
- Be specific: Include real names, job titles, and context for sharper output
- Refine the draft: Customize responses to match your company’s tone and values
- Embed into workflows: Integrate with your ATS, CRM, and team channels
- Treat outputs as starting points: AI does the heavy lifting, you bring the nuance.
Recruit Smarter with AI
Recruiters are being asked to move faster, with leaner teams and higher expectations. Braintrust AIR helps you meet that challenge by handling interviews, surfacing insights, and giving you back your time.
📍 Whether you’re hiring locally or building distributed teams, these prompts will help you move faster and make better decisions.
👉 Try Braintrust AIR for free to see how it fits into your recruiting process.
