... but not how you think
Someone I know was hiring for a position and received a flood of applications. They had one remote interview with a person who was clearly using ChatGPT to answer questions and they shut down the interview immediately. A few days later they joined a call for another interview for the same position and it was the same person as before, under a completely different name with a completely different resume.
This person had submitted multiple AI-generated resumes to the job posting 🤦♂️
Applying for a job now often means competing against a flood of AI-generated resumes and hoping your application makes it past automated filters. And on the flip side, hiring managers face the Herculean task of finding real candidates among piles of AI-crafted applications. And they're increasingly using AI to do this 😬
That's the kind of competition we're dealing with. And yet, a personal connection—a real conversation—cuts through all of that.
Digital interactions dominate our lives, but I'm constantly reminded of the unique power of in-person connections. Every job I've had since graduating from BYU came through personal relationships—either someone recommending me or me knowing the right person at the right time. These connections aren't just helpful; they've been game-changers in my career.
Why In-Person Connections Matter More Than Ever
When I landed a job at PayPal, it wasn't because I aced some online application or had a perfect LinkedIn profile. It was because of a relationship I'd built with someone at a conference. I wasn't even looking to move to California, but that connection opened the door to a rare remote position at the company.
Fast-forward to today: post-COVID and in the era of AI, these human connections are even more critical.
Sure, you can build relationships online. You can contribute to open-source projects, network through mutual connections, or attend virtual meetups. I've done all of these things and they definitely help. Keep doing it. But nothing beats sitting down with someone, looking them in the eye, and sharing a handshake or a laugh.
There are people I know online that I don't vibe with. Every single time when I meet them in-person that relationship gets better (even if I still don't really vibe with them after the fact).
It's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about attending and organizing conferences and meetups. I've seen it over and over again: people come for the talks, but they leave with new friends, collaborators, mentors, and sometimes jobs (maybe not today, but definitely in the future).
What We're Doing at Epic Web Conf and Camp
At Epic Web Conf 2024 (and previously at Remix Conf), we structured the schedule to maximize those moments of connection. Single track, extended breaks, long lunches, and fun activities were all deliberate choices. The talks inspire and teach, but the real value comes from the conversations in the hallways, over drinks, or during a group activity.
Epic Web Camp takes that even further. Imagine 30 people spending a few days together in the Utah mountains, with hotel-style accommodations, outdoor adventures, and plenty of downtime to chat. Last year, we did speed networking, high ropes courses, and impromptu talks. Next year, we're making it even better—more time to relax, connect, and build meaningful relationships with more people.
The Human Advantage Over AI
Here's the thing: AI can automate a lot of things, but it can't replicate human relationships. When you meet someone in person—even just once—it strengthens every future interaction you'll have with them, online or otherwise. Those connections lead to better work, new ideas, and a richer life.
If you're looking for ways to build these kinds of relationships, I'd love for you to join us at Epic Web Conf in March 2025 or Epic Web Camp in September 2025. Tickets for the conference are available now, and camp tickets will open later in the year.
The world is becoming more digital by the day, but that only makes our human connections more valuable. Let's make them count. I can't wait to meet you.
