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Cracking the Case Interview: When AI is Your Wingman, Not Your Crutch

Cracking the Case Interview during the job interview, Apple's New Toys (yawn!), and Resume Tips for the real world

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The Deputy
September 12, 2024

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“By the time there is a case study for your industry, you are already too late."

Seth Godin

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In today’s email:

  • Job News: When AI is Your Wingman, Not Your Crutch

  • Overheard at coffee: Apple's New Toys: Yawn or Game-Changer?

  • Trending AI News: IX Coach: The AI Life Guru You Never Knew You Needed

  • Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

  • Recruiting Fails: If You List It, You Better Own It: Resume Tips for the Real World ❌

Job News

Case studies in interviews? Yeah, they’ve been around since before LinkedIn had its first intern. These days, they’re not just for the management consultants and strategists of the world; they’re popping up everywhere. And believe me, I've seen both ends of the spectrum: candidates nailing a case study so hard the hiring panel practically throws confetti, and others, well… let's just say they crash and burn faster than a startup without a business model.

Now, with AI in the mix, things are getting spicier. Smart candidates are using AI to prep for these case studies, but here's the catch: companies are still a bit skittish about this approach. When you lean too heavily on AI, you risk ending up like the candidate we saw recently—smooth-looking presentation, all the bells and whistles, but it became painfully clear he had crammed all night using AI and couldn’t string his ideas together when it came time to actually speak. The presentation was a masterpiece… until he opened his mouth.

On the flip side, I've seen candidates who use AI like a pro. They know their stuff inside out, use AI to fill in the gaps, and deliver presentations that blow everyone out of the water. It’s like the IKEA effect: you’re more attached to that wonky bookshelf you built yourself than the one you bought pre-assembled. When you’ve put in the effort, the value skyrockets.

Here’s the real deal: technology is moving at a breakneck pace—faster than a TikTok trend. Expect candidates to use whatever’s at their disposal to boost their game. The great ones use AI as a tool to enhance their expertise, not replace it. So, here's the secret sauce: master your material first, then let AI polish it up. Treat AI as your co-pilot, not the driver. Focus on crafting the core of your ideas, your strategy, your brilliance—and let AI be the cherry on top.

Bottom line: Don't let AI do your heavy lifting. Instead, let it make you look even stronger.

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Remember when Apple events used to set the world on fire? Now, they’re about as thrilling as watching paint dry. Case in point: this past Monday, Apple rolled out its latest batch of shiny toys—new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. And the “big” news? AI features. Cue the applause… or not.

So what’s in the AI goody bag? Think AI-generated email summaries and a Siri that sounds a bit more like a human being than a bored robot. Riveting, right? But here’s why this actually matters: AI isn’t just for the tech geeks anymore; it’s going full mainstream. And while many companies are dragging their feet on adopting AI, their employees are already getting cozy with it at home. Soon, these companies will be scrambling to catch up. If your team can use AI to breeze through tasks on their personal devices, you better believe they’ll want the same at work.

It’s déjà vu all over again. Remember when everyone had to lug around a personal iPhone because their work phone was stuck in flip-phone purgatory? Yeah, we’re headed there again, but this time with AI. Get ready—because whether you’re on board or not, the AI wave is coming, and it’s bringing everyone along for the ride.

🚀  Step aside, Tony Robbins—there's a new self-help sherpa in town, and it's powered by AI. Meet IX Coach, the digital personal development coach and counselor that's gunning for your motivational throne. Whether you’re looking to smash your goals or just figure out how to get out of bed on a Monday, IX Coach is here to guide you with algorithms instead of aphorisms. 

So watch out, world. The future of personal growth might just come with a power button.

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Recruiting Fails:

Got a shiny accomplishment on your resume? Great. Now, here’s the deal: you better be ready to back it up when you're in the hot seat. Too often, candidates slap impressive-sounding feats on their resumes, only to fall apart like a bad alibi during the interview.

Case in point: We had a hiring manager recently who grilled a candidate on a claimed achievement. The candidate started stuttering and fumbling like a politician dodging a tough question. Needless to say, he didn't make the cut.

So, here’s the takeaway: don’t overthink your resume, but don’t under-prepare for your interview either. List what you've done, know the details cold, and be ready to tell the story behind each accomplishment. If it’s on your resume, you better be able to explain it—no BS, no fluff, just facts. Otherwise, you might as well be writing fiction.

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories?Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

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