Best Practices

Tips for getting helpful answers

  1. Ask a clear question
    1. Write in complete sentences and avoid vague words.
  2. Provide sufficient context
    1. State your goal
    2. Clarify who you are, whether you are a supplier or a Yale department.  If you are a supplier, clarify your supplier type: individuals, businesses/sole proprietors, and universities/government agencies/municipalities.  
    3. Example: “I am a sole proprietor. How do I register for the Supplier Gateway?”
  3. Specify your preferred format
    1. Examples: “Provide the process steps as a detailed bulleted list” or “Summarize your response in 100 words or fewer.”
  4. Rephrase as needed  
    1. If the Supplier Gateway Assist misinterprets your request or can’t find a document, add detail or reword the question.
  5. Iterate with follow-up questions
    1. Examples: “Are there any additional steps?” or “Who can I contact for more assistance?”
  6. Start a new chat for a different topic
    1. When you finish a topic, click the broom icon to clear the chat and start a new, unrelated question. 

Best practice example

  • “I’m a sole proprietor. Summarize for me in 100 words or less how I register for the Supplier Gateway.”