How to write a Claude.md file for knowledge workers

When Claude Code flat-out refused to create a configuration file for my knowledge workspace, I realized the standard setup isn't built for non-developers. So I rewrote it as a job description instead — and the difference in how Claude behaves has been striking. What you'll learn: - What the Claude.md file is and why the auto-generated version falls short for knowledge workers - How to restructure it as a four-section job description (role, workspace, working style, tools) - Why keeping it short and linked matters more than being comprehensive - Real examples of Claude pushing back on my writing to protect my voice Best for: Knowledge workers already using Claude Code for writing, content, project management, or knowledge management — not coding. AI guide (have Claude help you write its own job description): https://cleverest.me/learn-now/write-your-claude-s-job-description AI & I episode: https://share.snipd.com/episode/e8ded292-147c-4048-86c2-87bbe44e5633 Anthropic's skill-writing best practices: https://platform.claude.com/docs/en/agents-and-tools/agent-skills/best-practices ## Chapters 0:00 Introduction 0:25 What Claude.md does 2:01 Why init falls short 3:27 The job description idea 4:06 Four sections of the file 6:10 Keep it short and linked 8:43 Proof it works 12:53 How to draft yours 14:12 Wrap up