Reasonably Optimistic

The job interview advice Gen Z needs to hear

October 2, 2026·27 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

A viral debate over bringing iced coffee to a job interview may seem trivial. But it points to a bigger divide over what employers are looking for when college degrees, cover letters and résumés reveal less than they used to.Host Megan McArdle explains why workplace norms still matter, why an interview can be one of the few ways applicants can stand out and what Gen Z workers miss when they begin their careers remotely. She also makes the case for giving young people a little grace.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

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