Copilot Transforms Search: 5 Tips For Effective Information Finding

Using Copilot instead of your normal search engine can increase efficiency and success. Discover how!

I used to have a motto, “Google is the manual” (other search engines are available).  While traditional search engines have got me out of many scrapes, there’s a new kid on the block that’s working well for me – Copilot.

If, like me you’ve ever found yourself lost in the endless maze of search engine results, often referred to as "rabbit holing," then Copilot might just be the hero you never knew you needed.

We often think of Copilot’s ability to interrogate your own files, its easy to overlook that it also has years of internet content available too, to help it generate responses.

Using Copilot has been a game-changer for me. Gone are the days of starting with a simple question about SharePoint and ending up buying curtains three hours later. With Copilot, I stay focused and efficient, finding exactly what I need without getting sidetracked. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend guiding me straight to the point.

How Does Looking For Answers Differ With Copilot?

I’d liken using Copilot as researching rather than just searching.

The key difference between using a traditional search engine and Copilot lies in the nature of input and output.

When you use a search engine, your input is typically a keyword or a question, and the output is a list of links that you need to sift through to find relevant information. This often leads to distractions and wasted time as you navigate through numerous web pages.

In contrast, Copilot processes your queries in a more conversational manner, understanding the context and specifics of your request. The output is a precise, tailored response that directly addresses your inquiry, allowing you to stay focused and obtain the necessary information efficiently. The references are shared too to help you validate answers. This focused approach can significantly reduces the time spent searching and increases productivity.

Five Tips for Effective and Efficient Research with Copilot

Like all interactions with Copilot researching is based on a prompt.

1. Be specific about what your trying to achieve

When crafting your prompt, be as specific as possible. Instead of asking a broad question, narrow it down to the exact information you need.

For example, instead of "How to use Power Automate to copy files" try "How would I use Power Automate to copy files from SharePoint Library A to SharePoint Library B when the original file is modified?"

2. Add context about the situation

If your query is related to a specific field or topic, mention it. For instance, "What does the acronym SME mean, in the context of UK tax rules?" is more informative than a general inquiry about SME.

3. Use Keywords you do know

Incorporate relevant keywords into your prompt. This helps Copilot understand your query better and provide more accurate results. Keywords act as signposts, guiding the search in the right direction. Name things like tools, places, policies etc.

4. Describe Keywords that you don’t know

One downside of a traditional search engine is knowing what to ask if you don’t know technical terms or references, Copilot allows you to describe your task even without knowing specific keywords, providing tailored and relevant results that a traditional search engine may struggle to give.

5. Ask Follow-Up Questions

Using a search engine is a one-and-done task, if you’re not satisfied with the results you’ll need to try another search.

With Copilot, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions if you need more detail or clarification. Copilot excels at chaining queries together, building on previous information to give you a more comprehensive answer.

This works well if you have Copilot open alongside a project of piece of work “The Power Automate flow failed with this error… ….what are possible reasons for this?”

Why not give it a try?

Have you tried researching using Copilot yet? Give it a try when you’re next stuck, follow these top tips, you too can harness the full potential of Copilot and turn your queries into clear, concise, and focused answers. Happy (re)searching!

Matthew

Matthew Burrell is a consultant at Your 365 Coach

Useful Copilot references and resources

On-Demand Learning: Master The Free Copilot For Work

On-Demand Learning: Copilot Masterclass

Free eBook: Master Microsoft 365 Copilot with Our Top 5 Prompts!

Blog: Quickly Transform Data into Charts Using Copilot

Blog: What exactly are Copilot Agents in Microsoft 365?

FAQ: Using Copilot for Research

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I make my query clearer when using Copilot?

Answer: Be as specific as possible. Mention the field or topic related to your query. Providing context can help Copilot understand your question better and give more accurate results.

2. Why should I use keywords in my query?

Answer: Incorporating relevant keywords helps Copilot understand your query better and provide more accurate results. Keywords act as signposts, guiding the search in the right direction.

3. What should I do if I don’t know the technical terms or keywords?

Answer: You can describe your task or question even without knowing specific keywords. Copilot is designed to interpret your descriptions and provide tailored and relevant results.

4. Can I ask follow-up questions with Copilot?

Answer: Yes, you can ask follow-up questions if you need more detail or clarification. Copilot excels at chaining queries together, building on previous information to give you a more comprehensive answer.

5. How does Copilot differ from traditional search engines?

Answer: Unlike traditional search engines that often require multiple attempts to find the right information, Copilot allows you to chain queries and provides more tailored responses based on your specific needs.

6. Can Copilot help with troubleshooting errors?

Answer: Yes, you can describe your issue in detail, and Copilot can provide possible reasons and solutions based on the information you provide.

7. What are the benefits of using Copilot for research?

Answer: Copilot helps turn your queries into clear, concise, and focused answers. It allows for a more interactive and continuous search experience, making it easier to get comprehensive and accurate information.

8. Does Copilot recognise the names of people and systems?

Answer: Yes, Copilot can recognise the names of people, systems, and other entities, helping to provide more accurate and relevant results based on the context of your query.