message-reply
Draft professional replies to received messages across platforms (LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, Interview, Email, WhatsApp). This skill should be used when the user pastes a received message and needs a reply draft, or says "reply to this", "draft a response", "help me respond to".
When & Why to Use This Skill
This Claude skill automates the creation of professional, platform-specific replies for various communication channels including LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, and Email. It solves the challenge of maintaining a consistent professional voice while adhering to the unique etiquette, tone, and length requirements of different platforms, ensuring users can respond to inquiries quickly and effectively without oversharing or underselling their skills.
Use Cases
- Freelance Inquiry Handling: Drafting tailored responses to potential clients on Fiverr or Upwork that highlight relevant expertise (like n8n or Python) while managing expectations about new skills.
- Professional Networking: Generating warm and concise replies to recruiter messages or connection requests on LinkedIn to maintain a high-quality professional presence.
- Interview Coordination: Crafting honest and well-structured responses to interview invitations that naturally incorporate personal context, such as availability or travel schedules.
- Multi-Channel Communication: Seamlessly switching between formal email structures and direct, casual WhatsApp messages while keeping the core message professional and clear.
| name | message-reply |
|---|---|
| description | Draft professional replies to received messages across platforms (LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, Interview, Email, WhatsApp). This skill should be used when the user pastes a received message and needs a reply draft, or says "reply to this", "draft a response", "help me respond to". |
Message Reply Skill
Draft platform-appropriate professional replies with the user's authentic voice.
Workflow
User pastes message → Identify platform → Apply platform rules → Generate reply + shorter alternative
Required Context
| Input | Description |
|---|---|
| received_message | The message to reply to (user pastes it) |
| platform | linkedin, fiverr, upwork, interview, email, whatsapp, other |
Optional Context (Ask if relevant)
| Input | When to Ask |
|---|---|
| your_context | If message mentions scheduling, availability, or specific situations |
| your_position | If message asks about skills/experience user may want to clarify |
| action_intent | If unclear whether to accept, decline, clarify, negotiate, or redirect |
| tone | Only if user wants to override platform default |
| length | Only if user wants to override (default: short) |
Platform Detection
Auto-detect from message content or ask:
- "received this on linkedin" / "linkedin message" → LinkedIn
- "fiverr" / "gig" / "M Umer" (Fiverr name) → Fiverr
- "upwork" / "job" / "proposal" / "bid" → Upwork
- "interview" / "position" / "role" / "hiring" → Interview
- Formal greeting + business context → Email
- Casual / quick reply context → WhatsApp
Platform Rules
See references/platform-patterns.md for detailed patterns. Quick reference:
| Platform | Default Length | Default Tone | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-4 sentences | Professional + warm | Acknowledge, stay connected | |
| Fiverr | 2-3 sentences | Friendly | Redirect to project scope |
| Upwork | 4-6 sentences | Natural/humanized | Lead with solution approach |
| Interview | 3-5 sentences | Professional | Honest about skills, include context |
| Structured | Formal | Clear sections, complete info | |
| 1-3 sentences | Casual | Quick, direct |
Output Format
Always provide TWO versions (user frequently asks for shorter):
## Reply
[Primary reply - platform appropriate]
## Shorter Alternative
[More concise version]
## Notes (if applicable)
- [Suggestions for additional context]
- [Warnings about message intent]
Generation Rules
- Default SHORT - User almost always asks for shorter. Start concise.
- No excessive emojis - Max 1 emoji, only if platform-appropriate
- Honest positioning - Never oversell skills. Phrase gaps as "learning" or "exploring"
- Redirect unclear requests - If message is vague, ask what they need
- Include user context - If user provides context (travel, schedule), weave it in naturally
User Profile
See references/user-profile.md for skills, background, and common contexts.
Quick reference for honest positioning:
- Strong: n8n, Python, automation, AI agents, low-code/no-code, SDD/TDD
- Learning: React, Node.js (recently started)
- Certified: PIAIC Agentic AI Engineer
Engineering Methodology (When Relevant)
User follows Spec-Driven Development and Test-Driven Development.
Mention ONLY when client asks about:
- Quality/reliability ("How do you ensure it works?")
- Process ("What's your development approach?")
- Documentation ("Will this be documented?")
- Past bad experiences ("Last freelancer's code broke")
- AI concerns ("Do you just use AI to generate code?")
How to phrase in replies:
If asked about process:
I follow spec-driven development — I document requirements first, write tests
before code, then implement. You get verified, documented code, not just
"it works on my machine."
If asked about AI usage:
Yes, I use AI tools like Claude Code, but I drive the architecture and verify
everything with tests. Specs and tests ensure the output is correct and reliable.
If asked about reliability:
I write tests first that define expected behavior. Code only ships when tests pass.
You also get specs and documentation in the repo.
DON'T mention for: Generic greetings, simple questions, casual chats.
Common Scenarios
Generic greeting (Fiverr/LinkedIn)
Input: "Hello M Umer, Good day, How are you today?"
Output: "Hi! I'm doing well, thank you. How can I help you today?"
Skills question (Interview)
Input: "Are you experienced with n8n, Make, and Zapier?"
Context: Only n8n, self-learning
Output: "I have hands-on experience with n8n through personal projects. I haven't worked professionally with Make or Zapier yet, but I understand their concepts and can adapt quickly."
Off-topic request (Fiverr)
Input: "Can you help with Facebook ads?"
Context: User does n8n automation, not ads
Output: "Thanks for reaching out! I specialize in n8n workflow automation and AI agents rather than Facebook ads. If you need any backend automation or API integrations, I'd be happy to help!"
Availability question (Interview)
Input: "Are you available tomorrow for an interview?"
Context: Traveling to Lahore for class
Output: "Yes, I'll be traveling to Lahore tomorrow for my Agentic AI class. I'm available for an interview and can adjust timing. Please let me know what works best."
Anti-Patterns
| Don't | Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Long paragraphs for simple replies | 2-4 sentences max for initial contact |
| Oversell skills you're learning | "Exploring" / "Recently started" / "Learning" |
| Generic "I can help with anything" | Specific: "I specialize in n8n and AI agents" |
| Multiple emojis | Max 1, or none for formal platforms |
| Ignore user's additional context | Weave travel/schedule/constraints naturally |
Checklist Before Output
- Platform identified and rules applied
- Length appropriate (default: short)
- Tone matches platform
- Honest about skills/experience
- User context included (if provided)
- Shorter alternative provided
- No overselling or excessive emojis