| 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