Most status reports sent to clients are either too long, too vague, or never sent at all. Clients want to know three things: where are we, what has happened since we last spoke, and what happens next. This prompt gives you a report that answers all three in under a page.
Step 1: Connect Your Email
For this to work properly, Claude needs to see your recent correspondence with the client.
Where to find it: Settings → Customize → Connectors → Gmail or Outlook
Step 2: Run the Report Prompt
I need to write a weekly status report for a client. > Client name: [name] Role we're working: [job title] Where we are in the process: [e.g. shortlist sent, interviews booked, offer stage] > Pull my recent emails with this client from the last 7 days and combine with the notes below. > Give me a status report with: 1. Where we are right now (one short paragraph) 2. What has happened since we last spoke (key updates, candidate movements, feedback received) 3. Current pipeline (list of active candidates and their status) 4. What happens next and expected timeline 5. Any risks or blockers worth flagging > Tone: professional but direct. No filler. The client is busy. > Additional notes: [paste anything not in your emails]
Step 3: Add Your Own View
Before you send it, add one line at the top that is yours: your honest read on where things stand. Clients value a recruiter who tells them something, not just reports back what they already know.
Why It Works
Pulling from your email history means Claude is working from what was actually said, not just what you remember. The "no filler" instruction cuts the corporate language most AI-generated reports default to. The risks and blockers section is the one most recruiters avoid writing but clients most want to see.
The Point
A client who gets a clear, honest status report every week trusts you more, pushes back less, and is far less likely to go direct. Ten minutes with this prompt once a week is worth more than most BD calls.