Why this matters
Every chat shouldn't start from zero.
Most people spend the first 5 minutes of every Claude conversation re-explaining their job, their kids, their goals, and how they want answers formatted. Memory exists to kill that loop — but only if you actually onboard Claude properly. This template does it in one sitting.
Without memory
Re-explain yourself
Every chat
With memory
Picks up where you left off
Once, forever
Onboard once. Get the payoff every chat after.
Watch the video
How to set up permanent memory in Claude.
Easiest Path — 3 Steps
Download. Attach. Answer 25 questions.
One file does the whole thing. Claude reads the instructions, runs the interview, and saves your profile to memory automatically.
- 1Download Claude_Onboarding_Interview.md
- 2Open a new Claude conversation, attach the file, type: "Follow these instructions exactly. Start with Round 1."
- 3Answer the 25 questions, confirm the profile, and tell Claude to save it
One-Time Setup
Four steps. About 15 minutes.
You don't have to write anything custom. The file does the work — you just answer honestly.
Step 01
Download the onboarding template
Grab the Claude Onboarding Interview markdown file. It's the exact 25-question script Claude will run on you.
Download: Claude_Onboarding_Interview.md (from the button above)Step 02
Open a fresh Claude conversation
Use Claude.ai or Claude Desktop with memory turned on (Settings → Profile → Memory). A clean chat keeps the onboarding focused.
Open a new chat in Claude. Make sure Memory is enabled in your settings.Step 03
Attach the file and start the interview
Drag the .md file into the chat, then send this exact message. Claude will run the 5 rounds, one at a time.
Follow these instructions exactly. Start with Round 1.Step 04
Confirm and save to memory
After Round 5, Claude compiles your profile. Read it, fix anything that's off, then tell Claude to save it to memory.
This is accurate. Save it to your memory as my permanent profile.Daily Use
Once it's saved, you never do it again.
- 1Start any new Claude chat as usual
- 2Claude already knows your name, goals, and communication style
- 3Skip the context-dump intro — go straight to the work
- 4Update memory anytime by saying "add this to memory" mid-chat
That's it. Claude remembers you. Forever.
What's in the template
Everything Claude needs to actually know you.
- 5 rounds × 5 questions = 25-question interview
- Identity, daily life, goals, communication rules
- Pre-built memory profile template
- Communication standing rules (pet peeves, format, length)
- Works in Claude.ai, Claude Desktop, and Claude Code
- Free — no signup, no email gate
Behind the video
The gear I use to make these.
Everything here is sitting in my office right now. If you buy through an Amazon link, I earn a small commission — it helps the channel, and costs you nothing extra.
Sony Alpha a5000
Compact mirrorless camera for talking-head videos.
View on Amazon →Elgato Facecam
Dedicated webcam when I don't want to rig the mirrorless.
View on Amazon →Elgato Key Light
Bright, dimmable, computer-controlled key light.
View on Amazon →Elgato Stream Deck +
One-press control for lights, scenes, and apps.
View on Amazon →Elgato Wave:3 Mic
Clean mic for voiceovers and screen recordings.
View on Amazon →DJI Mic Mini
Wireless lav mic for away-from-desk shots.
View on Amazon →Elgato Prompter
Built-in screen so I can read while looking at the lens.
View on Amazon →Meross Smart Plug
Reliable HomeKit smart plugs for fans and lamps.
View on Amazon →Govee Smart Bulbs
Color Wi-Fi bulbs with app and voice control.
View on Amazon →EMART Umbrella Lights
Budget-friendly fill lights for even coverage.
View on Amazon →Amazon Associates disclosure: I earn from qualifying purchases. I only list gear I own and use.
More from Chad
Keep exploring
- Visit page
Headroom for Claude
Open-source context compressor that cuts Claude token usage by 60–90% without changing your workflow.
- Visit page
Live Subscriber Count
Build a live YouTube subscriber counter for your desk.
- Visit page
Financial Audit Template
Free Claude prompt that audits your finances in minutes.