Last week I bumped into a friend at the dog park. She holds a senior management role at a major broadcaster; naturally, our conversation turned to the state of the industry. We discussed the current wave of redundancies affecting the sector, but the conversation quickly shifted to how the hiring process has changed.
The prompt library as a benchmark
There is a common refrain in our circles: AI will not replace you, but the person who knows how to use it will. While there is truth to this, the bar for standing out is shifting. My partner spends time reviewing graduate CVs for a side role; she notes that every application is now heavily focussed on AI proficiency. When every entry-level candidate claims the same skills, simply using the tools does not make an impression.
My friend mentioned that her teams are now asking candidates to share their prompt libraries. This is a fascinating development. It touches upon the true value in hiring for AI knowledge: the logic behind the interaction. However, I believe the important factor is not the library itself or the hand-off. The critical skill is the ability to review the output and tweak it using real-world experience.
The trap of the AI native
We are seeing the rise of the AI-native professional. While their efficiency is high, there is a risk of losing the ability to spot fundamental flaws. I have spent my career writing PRDs, drafting PRFAQs and writing code. I have built wireframes and prototypes from scratch; I have built apps and websites without assistance. This background is what allows me to transition effectively to an AI-augmented workflow.
I previously spent three years listening exclusively to one artist to understand the impact of constraint on my creative process. That period of intense focus taught me how to evaluate my own productivity and output. I apply that same critical eye to automation. Because I have been a boots-on-the-ground designer and developer, I can spot shortcomings in a generated response immediately. I can expand upon the strengths the machine surfaces because I have seen those patterns play out in high-stakes, live broadcast environments.
Field knowledge is the new survival skill
A prompt library is a useful tool, but it must be paired with the ability to action further steps based on experience. The most effective product leaders in 2023 will be those who use AI to increase their efficiency by 100x while maintaining the sceptical eye of a veteran. We are not simply refining prompts: we are acting as the final filter for quality and logic.
I believe AI will replace a significant portion of the workforce. However, proficiency in the tool is merely the entry fee. To survive and thrive in leadership, deep field knowledge remains a requirement. The machine can generate the draft, but only the expert can ensure it is fit for the complex realities of our industry.
