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?

techwizardrino

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