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Speech

Humans in the Loop: Hiring Software Engineers in the AI Era

Nick Krantz & Pete Jones

December 6, 2025

About the talk

AI is changing how we design and build software, and expanding the kinds of products we can deliver. With powerful tools now in daily use, the expectations for engineers are evolving. The question for teams is no longer just “can they code?” but “can they bring the judgment, creativity, and collaboration that tools can’t replace?”At Livefront, we’ve spent years painstakingly screening candidates and learning what really predicts success on real projects. In this talk, we’ll share practical ways to evaluate both technical fluency and the human skills that stand the test of time.We’ll look at techniques for identifying candidates who: • Think critically about problems rather than relying on canned solutions. • Communicate ideas clearly to peers and stakeholders. • Use tools effectively without being limited by them. • Show adaptability, curiosity, and creativity that help teams thrive.This session is aimed at engineering leads and hiring managers who want sharper approaches to interviews and technical screens, though prospective engineers may also appreciate the perspective.The future is uncertain, but experience give us clues about which abilities will continue to matter, even as AI reshapes how software is built and how teams work together.

Presented by

Nick Krantz

Software Engineer

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Nick Krantz

Pete Jones

Software Engineer

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Pete Jones

About Livefront

Livefront is a digital product consultancy. We're trusted by some of the world's most admired companies to drive strategy, design, and engineering for their core digital experiences. They partner with us to move faster, think bigger, and design products people love.