Estimation Questions

Estimation questions have been a staple of product manager interviews, aiming to assess a candidate's critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to navigate complex problem-solving scenarios. In this blog post, we delve into the world of product manager estimation questions, exploring their significance, an example, what interviewers seek in your response, and the reasons behind their declining prevalence in modern interviews.

Understanding Product Manager Estimation Questions

Product manager estimation questions typically revolve around quantifying or estimating various aspects related to real-world scenarios. These questions challenge candidates to think on their feet, logically approach challenges, and present structured responses. Interviewers use these questions to assess how candidates break down complex problems, consider multiple factors, and communicate their thought process effectively.

Example Estimation Question:

"Estimate the number of piano tuners in New York City."

Example Answer: To estimate the number of piano tuners in New York City, we can use a structured approach. Firstly, we need to gather relevant data:

1. Population of New York City (approximately 8.4 million).
2. Average number of people per household (let's assume 2.5 people per household).
3. Percentage of households that own a piano (let's assume 10%).

Now, let's calculate the number of households with pianos: 8.4 million (population) / 2.5 (people per household) = 3.36 million households.

Next, we estimate the number of piano-owning households: 3.36 million households * 10% (piano ownership) = 336,000 households with pianos.

Finally, let's assume each piano tuner can tune approximately 3 pianos per day and works 250 days a year: 336,000 households with pianos / 3 pianos per tuner per day = 112,000 tunings per day. 112,000 tunings per day * 250 working days per year = 28 million piano tunings per year.

Based on this estimation, there are approximately 28 million piano tunings per year in New York City.

What Interviewers Are Looking For

When answering estimation questions, interviewers focus on a candidate's ability to think critically, use logical reasoning, and break down problems into manageable steps. They look for a well-structured approach, clear communication, and sound assumptions based on the available data. The process of reaching an estimate matters more than the exact number provided, as interviewers are interested in assessing problem-solving capabilities rather than factual correctness.

The Decline in Estimation Questions

In recent years, the prevalence of estimation questions in product manager interviews has declined. Several factors contribute to this shift:

1. Time Constraints: Modern interviews emphasize a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's skills in a limited time. As a result, interviewers opt for more targeted questions that align with specific role requirements.

2. Relevance to the Role: While estimation questions assess analytical skills, they may not always reflect a product manager's daily responsibilities. Interviewers now prefer questions more directly related to product strategy, prioritization, and decision-making.

3. Role of Data Analysis: Product management increasingly involves data-driven decision-making. Interviewers may prefer candidates to showcase their data analysis skills through relevant case studies or practical scenarios.

4. Real-World Projects: Many companies incorporate real-world projects or simulations into interviews, providing a more authentic representation of a candidate's capabilities.

Conclusion

Product manager estimation questions have played a vital role in assessing candidates for years, evaluating their analytical prowess and problem-solving abilities. While they provided valuable insights in the past, the changing landscape of product management interviews has led to a decline in their usage. Candidates should stay prepared for diverse interview formats, including case studies, strategy questions, and real-world challenges, to excel in modern product manager interviews. Demonstrating a strong problem-solving mindset, adaptability, and effective communication will undoubtedly impress interviewers and pave the way to a successful product management career.