5 DeepSeek prompts to try first — see what this new AI model can do

DeepSeek logo on phone
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Like many others, I switched to DeepSeek during the recent ChatGPT outages and was surprised by its capabilities. If you've recently joined DeepSeek and want to make the most of what it can do, you're in the right place.

This rising AI model has quickly become my go-to tool for various tasks, from writing to problem-solving. Developed by a Chinese startup, it has demonstrated natural language processing capabilities and performance levels that rival established platforms like ChatGPT.

It's capabilities also extend to image generation — like Midjourney and OpenAI's DALL-E, cementing its place in the world of AI. Having experimented with different approaches to get the best results, I've compiled five must-try prompts to get the most out of DeepSeek. Let's dive in.

Log in to DeepSeek

(Image: © Tom's Guide )

Start by accessing DeepSeek through its web browser or app. If you don't have an account yet, sign up for one to get started (it's free). 

1. Write better emails

(Image: © Tom's Guide )

To set the context and relate it back to you personally, try giving DeepSeek some background. Ask DeepSeek: I need to write an email to [recipient] about [topic]. The tone should be [formal/casual/friendly]. Can you help me draft it?

2. Ask for a raise

(Image: © Tom's Guide )

For this prompt you'll need to include some personal context. Provide DeepSeek with the prompt below.

I'm preparing to ask for a raise and need help making a strong case. Can you provide salary benchmarks for [my job title] with [my experience]? I also want to highlight my impact—here are my key achievements: [list accomplishments]. How can I frame them to show their value?

Based on this, help me craft three compelling reasons for my raise, prepare for potential objections, and refine my delivery with a confident opening statement and follow-up strategy.

Prepare for objections

(Image: © DeepSeek)

As this is a very detailed prompt, DeepSeek will also provide you with potential objections and what you can say to overcome them.

3. Plan your meals

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Use DeepSeek as your meal prepping assistant, by using the prompt: Help me create a meal plan for [X] days, covering [breakfast/lunch/dinner], with options that fit [my dietary preferences].

4. Get some advice

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

While AI should never be used as a substitute for a doctor or specialist, it can be a really good tool to worth through a problem you may be having.

For example, if you're dealing with issues like your child refusing to do their homework, you could say: My [X]-year-old is refusing to do their homework. Can you suggest some positive reinforcement strategies and creative ways to make homework time more engaging?

5. Craft a cover letter

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

If you're applying for new jobs, you can use DeepSeek to help write a cover letter. To do this, try the prompt below.

Help me write a cover letter for a [Job Title] I’d like to highlight my experience in [mention relevant skills or field], why I’m excited about the role, and how my background makes me a strong fit for the company’s needs.

Fill in the template

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

The generated response will provide you with a template you can use. I would advise copy and pasting this template into a word document and filling it out with your personal information.


Now that you've explored 5 prompts to get started with DeepSeek, why not check out our other AI articles? Explore I tested ChatGPT vs DeepSeek with 7 prompts or look at the AI transcription software that professionals writers swear by. You might also enjoy 7 ways I use Gemini Advanced.

Kaycee Hill
Tutorials editor

Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

Read more
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
I test ChatGPT for a living — 5 game-changing prompts to try next
ChatGPT on iPhone
5 mind-blowing ChatGPT prompts you’ll wish you knew sooner
ChatGPT on iPhone
ChatGPT's new free o3-mini model is mind-blowing — 5 prompts to try first
The DeepSeek AI logo is seen on a smartphone held in the hand
How to join DeepSeek AI — getting started with ChatGPT's rival
ChatGPT app on iPhone
5 prompts to try first in ChatGPT o-3 mini-high
Manus vs. DeepSeek logos
I just tested Manus vs. DeepSeek with 7 prompts from Gemini — here's the winner
Latest in AI
DeepSeek vs Meta AI Madness logo
I just tested DeepSeek vs. Meta AI with 5 prompts — here's the winner
ChatGPT on iPhone
I use ChatGPT every day — here's 7 prompts I can't live without
Google Gemini logo
You can now use Google Gemini without an account — here's how to get started
Meta Llama 3.1
Llama 4 will be Meta's next-generation AI model — here's what to expect
Slack
ChatGPT could soon work with Slack and Google Drive to make office life a bit easier
Gemini and ChatGPT logos on a phone
Forget ChatGPT Canvas — I just tried Gemini Canvas and I'm floored by the difference
Latest in How To
a photo of a woman out for a walk
Forget running — doing this one thing boosted the calorie burn on my daily walks
ChatGPT on iPhone
I use ChatGPT every day — here's 7 prompts I can't live without
Woman changing bedding
How to get rid of bed bugs and dust mites from your bedding and pillows if a hot wash isn’t an option
Ring Battery Doorbell next to door
Put your Ring Doorbell on a schedule — how to control motion detection times
How to delete TikTok
TikTok has rolled out a vital new security feature — here's how to use it
a photo of a woman doing standing oblique crunches
Forget sit-ups and planks — this standing ab exercise targets your oblique muscles, as well as your balance