Interviewing tactics for a post-LLM world

#296 – March 22, 2026

designing interview scenarios that embrace AI use while testing skills it cannot replace

Interviewing tactics for a post-LLM world
7 minutes by Dunya Kirkali

Dunya points out that banning AI tools from technical interviews is not the answer. Instead, he suggests designing interview scenarios that embrace AI use while testing skills it cannot replace, such as deep technical knowledge, critical thinking, and real world judgment. Practical tasks like exploring a complex codebase or reviewing AI generated code reveal whether candidates think for themselves or just trust whatever the model outputs. The goal is to find engineers who use AI as a tool, not a crutch.

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Exploit vs explore
8 minutes by Mike Fisher

Organizations face a constant trade-off between improving what already works and searching for new ideas. Mike argues that nature offers a model: bees keep using good food sources while always exploring others. Product teams often focus too much on short-term results, risking future growth. Mike says that the best teams support both efficiency and learning, treating their work as a balanced mix of reliable outcomes and uncertain opportunities.

Technical leaders make these 4 common storytelling mistakes
6 minutes by Wes Kao

Technical leaders often struggle with storytelling because they fear leaving out details. Wes argues the key is to simplify, cut backstory, and focus on what hooks your audience first. She recommends to skip long frameworks and instead aim for short, vivid anecdotes that take just seconds to deliver. The goal is to spark genuine interest, then share the details once you have their attention.

Why the rule of 40 is becoming the rule of 60 — and what you can do about it.
8 minutes by Dave Kellogg

Dave explains how SaaS companies are shifting from prioritizing rapid growth to balancing growth and profit. The “Rule of 40” is evolving into the “Rule of 60” due to higher interest rates, stricter investors, and lower valuations. Companies now need stronger profits while still growing. Dave offers practical steps—like improving efficiency, pricing, and using AI—to help businesses adapt and succeed in this new financial reality.

How to earn credibility with engineers
4 minutes by Jim Grey

Jim claims leading engineers has little to do with technical skill and everything to do with fixing broken systems. Engineers don't follow titles. They follow leaders who remove obstacles, build missing structure, and protect what already works. Credibility comes from improving the environment where work happens, not from proving you can do the work itself.

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