PlaybookPrompts

Create a domain-primer for someone starting a new role

Education & Learning onboardingdomain-knowledgecareer-transition

When you move into an unfamiliar function—say, from engineering to product, or into a new industry—you need a fast map of the domain before you can ask smart questions. This prompt builds that map.

Prompt 
You are an experienced practitioner in {{TARGET_DOMAIN}}. I am a professional coming from {{BACKGROUND}} who needs to get functional in {{TARGET_DOMAIN}} within {{TIMELINE}}.

Build me a domain primer using these steps:
1. List the 8–12 core concepts I must understand to follow a conversation with domain experts. For each, write a one-sentence definition in plain language.
2. Identify the 3 most common mistakes outsiders make when first reasoning about {{TARGET_DOMAIN}}.
3. Name the 3–5 key mental models or frameworks practitioners in this domain rely on most. Describe each in 2–3 sentences.
4. List 3 questions I should be able to answer fluently before I could claim basic competence. Do not answer them yet—I should use them as self-tests.
5. Recommend the single most efficient resource (book, paper, course, or person-type) for each of the 3 mental models.

Constraint: Do not suggest I 'do my own research broadly.' Be specific and opinionated. If {{TARGET_DOMAIN}} is highly technical and requires hands-on practice to understand (e.g., surgery, electrical work), note that this primer covers conceptual literacy only, not practical competence.
Variables to fill in
  • {{TARGET_DOMAIN}}
  • {{BACKGROUND}}
  • {{TIMELINE}}

How to use this prompt

  1. Copy the prompt above (Copy button on the top-right).
  2. Replace each {{VAR}} with your own value. Variables: {{TARGET_DOMAIN}}{{BACKGROUND}}{{TIMELINE}}.
  3. Paste it into one of the recommended tools below.
  4. Iterate: tighten constraints in the prompt if the output is generic.

Why this prompt is structured this way

The prompt is split into explicit steps because LLMs do better when the path is named, not implied. Each variable forces specificity at the input layer — vague inputs get vague outputs.

Heads up: some of the links on this page are affiliate links — meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up after clicking, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we'd put on our own stack. You can see our full affiliate disclosure here.

Pair this prompt with a tool

Notion AI

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AI baked into the docs/wiki/projects tool you already use.

Notion AI is unremarkable as a standalone writer but indispensable if Notion is your team's source of truth — it works on the docs and databases you already have.

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Perplexity

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AI search engine with citations.

Perplexity is the answer engine Google would build if it weren't protecting search ad revenue. Cited answers, follow-up questions, focused source modes.

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Claude (Anthropic)

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Frontier model with long context and strong reasoning.

Claude (Opus / Sonnet / Haiku tiers) is the assistant favored by writers and engineers who care about reasoning quality and tone. 1M token context on Opus.

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ChatGPT (OpenAI)

$0/mo (Plus at $20)

The category-defining general-purpose AI assistant.

ChatGPT has the broadest feature surface: image gen, voice, custom GPTs, web browsing, code execution. Often the right default; sometimes beaten on specific tasks by Claude or Perplexity.

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