◆ Outlook · tasks

Set Templates

Create a departmental template folder for student reference requests and add a quick step that fills referee info, sta…

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2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More tasks workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Create a departmental template folder for student reference requests and add a quick step that…+
Create a departmental template folder for student reference requests and add a quick step that fills referee info, standard turnaround (10 working days), and required documents so referees get consistent briefs and timelines.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before rolling out the reference request template, reduce referee friction—draft a one‑page…+
Before rolling out the reference request template, reduce referee friction—draft a one‑page standard brief with expected content, turnaround (10 working days) and common phrases; create a quick step that inserts the brief, the student's program and deadlines, and a polite sample email for referees to use.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Tasks

Outlook Tasks help you create, manage, and track your to-do items and projects.

  1. 1

    Select the Tasks button or icon.

    NoteThis opens your To Do view to manage tasks.

  2. 2

    Select New Task.

    NoteAlternatively, select New Items > Task, or press Ctrl+Shift+K.

  3. 3

    In the Subject box, enter a name for the task.

  4. 4

    To add a step, select the task to open detail view.

  5. 5

    Select + Add step and begin typing your next step.

  6. 6

    Press Enter when finished adding a step.

  7. 7

    To mark a task as important, click the star icon next to it.

    Best practicePrioritize tasks by marking them as important to quickly identify critical items.

  8. 8

    To convert an email to a task, flag the email or drag it into the Microsoft To Do pane.

  9. 9

    Select Task > Save & Close.

Display your To-Do list in your Inbox or Calendar to stay on top of daily tasks.

Common or repetitive tasks can be automated using Quick Steps in Outlook.

Glossary

words on this page
Quick stepsQuick Steps are one-click shortcuts that apply multiple actions to an email message simultaneously.ExampleYou use a Quick Step to forward an email to your team, mark it as read, and move it to the 'Discussed' folder.
New TaskAn option to create a new to-do item with details like due dates and reminders.ExampleYou create a new task to 'Call client X' with a due date of Friday and a reminder for Thursday afternoon.

The real tasks

1 of them
Agree a departmental template for student reference requests so all referees get consistent information and turnaround times.

Who does this

1 roles
Political Scientist

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Outlook — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.