Introduction

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when you encounter a question that seems to have no right answer. Guesstimate questions, designed to test your ability to make educated guesses and approach complex problems logically, often fall into this category. In this guest blog, we will unravel the secrets to mastering guesstimate questions in interviews and leave you better prepared to ace that next big interview.

What Are Guesstimate Questions?

Guesstimate questions are unconventional queries posed by interviewers to evaluate your problem-solving skills. They are typically open-ended and require you to estimate a quantity or provide an approximate solution to a real-world problem. For instance, you might be asked:

• "How many ping pong balls fit in a Boeing 747?"
• "Estimate the number of pizza deliveries made in New York City on a typical Friday night."

Why Are They Asked?

Guesstimate questions serve multiple purposes in interviews. They assess your ability to:

1. Think on Your Feet: Interviewers want to see how you handle unexpected, challenging situations.

2. Apply Logical Reasoning: Can you break down complex problems into manageable parts and make educated assumptions?

3. Communicate Effectively: It's crucial to articulate your thought process clearly.

4. Handle Pressure: Guesstimate questions are often asked to gauge your composure under pressure.

Cracking the Guesstimate Code

Now, let's dive into strategies for tackling guesstimate questions effectively:

1. Clarify the Question

Before you start estimating, ensure you understand the question fully. Don't hesitate to seek clarification on any unclear aspects. It shows your attention to detail and commitment to getting it right.

2. Make Reasonable Assumptions

Guesstimate questions often lack complete information, so making reasonable assumptions is crucial. Just remember to state these assumptions clearly. For instance, when estimating pizza deliveries, you might assume an average number of deliveries per pizzeria per hour.

3. Divide and Conquer

Complex questions become more manageable when you break them into smaller parts. When asked about the number of ping pong balls in a plane, consider the volume of the plane's cargo hold and the volume of a ping pong ball.

4. Use Known Facts

If you possess any relevant knowledge, statistics, or data, leverage it. For instance, if estimating pizza deliveries, you could use the city's population, restaurant density, and pizza consumption trends.

5. Round Numbers

Guesstimation inherently involves approximations. Don't be afraid to round numbers to simplify calculations. For instance, if you're estimating the number of cars in a city, round the population to the nearest thousand.

6. Think Out Loud

While solving the problem, communicate your thought process to the interviewer. They're interested in how you approach problems and make decisions. It also helps you stay on track and organized.

Examples of Guesstimate Questions

To further illustrate the process, let's explore a couple of guesstimate questions:

1. How many tennis balls can fit in a school bus?

   • Clarify: Confirm the size of a standard school bus.
   • Assume: Assume the size of a tennis ball and allow for empty space.
   • Divide: Calculate the volume of the bus and the volume of a tennis ball.
   • Use Known Facts: Standard school bus dimensions are readily available.

2. Estimate the number of daily searches on Google worldwide.

   • Clarify: Clarify if they mean all Google properties (search, YouTube, etc.).
   • Assume: Assume an average number of searches per person per day.
   • Divide: Estimate the global population and the percentage with internet access.
   • Use Known Facts: Publicly available data can provide insights.

Conclusion

Guesstimate questions may seem daunting, but with the right approach, they become opportunities to shine in interviews. By mastering the art of making educated guesses, breaking down complex problems, and communicating your thought process effectively, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any guesstimate question that comes your way. So, embrace the challenge, stay calm under pressure, and let your problem-solving skills shine in your next interview!