🌟 Editor's Note: Moving Targets Everywhere

If it feels like everything’s moving faster — you’re right. Economies are shifting, AI is reshaping work, and even interview strategies are evolving. Staying sharp isn’t optional anymore. This week, we’re diving into the biggest changes and how to keep up.

Enjoy,

Jen

⚡️ In This Issue:

  • 🚀 Cali's Economic Surge

  • 🧠 Your Interview Power Play

  • 📰 News roundup

  • 👤 Employee of the month

  • 🕵 Did you know?

⚡️ What You Need to Know

🌊 CALIFORNIA’S BIG WAVE

The Golden State overtakes Japan to become the 4th-largest economy.

California’s GDP hit $4.1 trillion in 2024, topping Japan’s $4.02 trillion.

The state’s booming tech, finance, and real estate sectors helped it grow by 6%, beating out even the U.S., China, and Germany.

Governor Newsom is hyped but also warns that federal tariffs could slow things down.

California now makes up 14% of the U.S. economy, with Mexico, Canada, and China as its main trade partners. Read more here.

🧠 ACE YOUR INTERVIEW

This is the smartest question you’ll ever ask.

You’ve got maybe 10 minutes to ask questions in an interview — don't waste it asking about “culture” or “what’s next.”

If you want to move on to the next round (and negotiate from a position of strength), you need to get inside their heads now.

Here’s the one question that shows you’re already thinking like the solution they need:

🎯 "What is the number one priority the team is hoping to solve through this hire?"

🔹 Basically: Use these questions tactically to gather intel and build momentum.

⬇️ See how to use this question to level up your interviews:

🔥 News Roundup

🤖 Artificially Ineligible

Shopify’s new hiring standard starts with a simple question: can AI do it instead? CEO Tobi Lütke says AI is now part of the daily workflow — and part of the hiring filter. If the bots can handle it, humans need not apply. Read the full article here.

💨 Prompt Engineering Is So Last Year

Remember when prompt engineering was the next big thing in AI? Two years ago, everyone was clamoring for these AI Whisperers with six-figure salaries. Now? Not so much. As AI gets better at figuring out what you mean (without needing a perfect prompt), companies are realizing everyone needs a little training — not just one hired expert. So much for that hot trend. Read the full article here.

👚 Dress Code Drama

Starbucks is swapping its free-spirited vibe for some uniformity, with a new dress code that’s all about “creating familiarity” for customers. But don’t worry, they’ll throw in a branded T-shirt to soften the blow. Workers, though? Not so thrilled. They’re questioning why new clothes are the priority when basic issues like wages and hours are still brewing. Read the full article here.

🏆 Employee of the Month

Looking for your next great hire? Or maybe you’re the one ready for a new opportunity?

Each month, I’ll be spotlighting a talented job seeker who’s actively looking — because great people deserve to be seen.

If you're on the hunt for a new role and want to be featured reach out! Whether you're a marketer, engineer, strategist, or creative powerhouse, let’s get your name in front of the right people.

📩 Interested? Reply to this email with a few lines about your expertise and what you're looking for next!

Till next time,

Hire Expectations Crew

Reply

or to participate

Keep Reading

No posts found