Got rejected from another 'Junior Developer' role for not knowing prompt engineering. Time to pivot or double down?

Had another interview yesterday. Everything was going great until they asked: "So tell us about your experience with prompt engineering and AI workflow optimization."

I'm sitting there like... what? This was for a React developer position. Entry level.

The job posting literally said "Junior Frontend Developer - React experience preferred." Sounds normal, right? Wrong. The interview was basically an AI interrogation. They spent 45 minutes asking about ChatGPT APIs instead of, you know, actual React code. Then they wanted to see my "AI-enhanced codebases" - like bro, I'm trying to get my first real job, not revolutionize artificial intelligence.

My favorite question was when they asked how I'd "optimize prompts for code generation efficiency." I said I use ChatGPT to help debug and learn new concepts. Apparently that makes me a beginner. They need someone "more advanced than that."

The kicker? This company's website is a basic landing page that probably took 2 hours to build. But sure, they need an AI expert for their junior position.

What I actually know: React, Next.js, JavaScript for 3+ years. Node.js that I'm actively learning. I can build apps that work. I use AI tools to be more productive, like a normal person.

What they apparently wanted: Some wizard who speaks fluent LangChain and dreams in semantic search algorithms.

Is this the new reality? Should I be spending my weekends becoming a prompt engineer instead of learning system design? Or are companies just throwing AI buzzwords around because they heard it makes them sound smart?

Because honestly, when did "junior developer" become "AI researcher who also happens to code"?

Anyone else dealing with this madness?

This is absolutely insane and you're not crazy.

I've been seeing the same garbage everywhere. Posted about this exact thing last month and got flooded with people saying "just adapt to the market bro."

Adapt to what exactly? Companies that don't know what they want but throw "AI" in every job posting because their CEO read an article about ChatGPT?

What's actually happening is, most of these places have zero AI implementation. They just want to sound cutting-edge to investors. I guarantee you that "AI-enhanced codebase" they wanted to see? They probably don't even have one.

Reality check time: Focus on fundamentals. React, Node.js, system design, building things that solve real problems. The AI stuff? Learn it as a tool, not as your entire identity. Companies worth working for understand the difference between using AI productively and being an "AI engineer" (whatever that means).

Keep applying. The right company will care more about whether you can ship working code than whether you can write the perfect prompt to generate their entire app.

Pro tip: When they ask about AI experience, flip it. Ask them how they're currently using AI in their development process. Watch them stumble around because most have no clue.

Watch them stumble around because most have no clue.

That, that 🫵🏻

Honey, you just experienced the tech industry's midlife crisis in real time! 😂

I've been doing this for 12 years and let me tell you - every few years there's a new buzzword that hiring managers latch onto without understanding it. Remember when every job needed "blockchain experience"? Or when "full-stack" meant you had to know 47 different frameworks?

Half these interviewers couldn't explain prompt engineering if their stock options depended on it. They just know it sounds important.

What I tell junior devs, master the basics first. I'd rather hire someone who writes clean, readable React code than someone who can generate spaghetti code with fancy AI prompts.

And honestly? That company sounds like they're trying too hard. Good companies ask about problem-solving, not buzzword bingo.

Keep your head up. The market is weird right now, but solid developers always find good homes. Just maybe avoid companies whose interviews sound like they were conducted by a chatbot! 🤖