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Solving guesstimates can be tricky. Not only do you have to rely on unknown data and assumptions, but you also have to come up with an answer in a pressurizing situation such as an interview.
Guesstimate questions are common in interviews, especially if you are appearing for data analytics, consulting, or management roles. And you need a good command of analytical skills and creativity to solve these problems.
In this post, we have explained how to solve guesstimate questions with an example. We have also shared some expert tips and suggested books so that you thrive in the interview.
But first, let’s understand…
A guesstimate is basically a calculated guess. When solving a guesstimate, you make an estimation based on your own logical reasoning.
GUESSTIMATE= GUESSWORK + ESTIMATION
So, it’s not about throwing a random number. Successful guesstimates involve breaking down a big question into smaller, solvable chunks.
For example, an interviewer might ask, “How many deliveries does Zomato make in a day in Delhi?”
You won’t find the exact answer in a textbook. Instead, you will need to estimate the population of Delhi, what percentage of them order from Zomato in a day, and how many times they order. You will also need to do some quick mental math to arrive at a reasonable figure.
The key here lies in demonstrating structured thinking. Even if your final answer isn’t 100% accurate, interviewers want to see how you approach the problem and justify your assumptions.
Here are some of the things the interviewer checks when you solve a guesstimate question:
That said, now let’s see a good approach to crack guesstimates and thrive in your interviews.
Whenever you are asked a guesstimate, the first thing you have to do is calm yourself and ensure you completely understand the question.
You can ask clarifying questions to the interviewer. For example, if asked, “How many phones are used in India?” you should know:
A guesstimate can be scary if you see the problem as a whole. But when you break it down, it gets a lot easier. So, divide the problem into 2-3 parts based on the different factors that influence the answer. To continue our smartphone example, you could break it down into:
Now, you can estimate each piece of your puzzle. Make reasonable assumptions based on your general knowledge. You might not know the exact population of India, but you likely know it’s over a billion. You can round the numbers to make better estimates.
Finally, put your pieces together. You will have to do some mental math to arrive at your final estimate. Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily a perfect number – it’s about showing your thought process and how you arrive at a reasonable conclusion.
Let’s take an example guesstimate question for data analyst roles: How many cups of tea are consumed in Delhi in a day?
Here’s how you can solve it using the above 4 steps:
1. Clarify the question if you don’t understand it. Since this one is simple and self-explanatory, you can proceed with the second step.
2. Break down the problem into manageable parts- what’s the population of Delhi, how many of them drink tea, and how many cups of tea do they drink in a day.
3. Now, you solve each piece of the puzzle.
Population of Delhi (x): Delhi has a big population, let’s say around 3 crores.
People who drink tea (y): Tea is one of the most popular beverages in north India. So, we can expect at least 70% of people would drink it.
Number of cups a person drinks in a day (z): Indians generally consume tea twice a day- one in the morning and one in the evening. Some may drink more than 2 cups, some may drink only one. So let’s say it’s, on average, 2 cups.
4. Now, in the final step, you combine all the pieces of the puzzle:
Total number of cups of tea consumed in Delhi in a day:
= x.(y/100).z = (30,000,000).(0.7).(2) = 42,000,000
So our guesstimate is that Delhiwalas consume around 4.2 crore cups of tea in a day!
The above guesstimate interview question was an easy one. You need a lot of practice to get better at it. The good thing is you don’t have to be naturally talented to do it, you can learn. So, here are some tips that will help you solve guesstimate questions:
You don’t need a rigid formula but a mental checklist to guide you. A simple framework could be: clarify the question, break down the problem, estimate components, and calculate. This step-by-step approach makes sure you address all aspects of the question and prevents you from getting overwhelmed or jumping to conclusions too quickly.
Knowing some basic demographics and statistics will speed up your calculations. For example, if you roughly know the population of major Indian cities, you can start estimating things like market size or potential customer base in certain regions. It’s okay to round and use general figures, but having a few key numbers gives your estimations a solid starting point.
Guesstimate interview questions are all about creativity and problem-solving. Instead of focusing on getting to “the right answer,” impress your interviewer with unique angles and approaches.
Can you tie the question to recent market trends or news? Can you think of an unconventional way to estimate a certain factor? Creative problem-solving would surely impress the interviewer.
If you want to deep dive into solving guesstimates, you can study these books:
If you want to crack interviews and land high-paying jobs, you can attend Ivy Pro School’s certification courses in Data Analytics, Data Science, or Gen AI.
These online courses are taught by industry-experienced mentors from IIT, IIM, and companies like Google and Microsoft, so you can already guess the value of these online courses.
Ivy has been a top-ranked Data Science, Data Analytics, and AI upskilling provider since 2008. We’ve over 26,000 alumni spread across 300+ organizations.
You can also be one of our alumni and work in companies like Deloitte, Amazon, Samsung, etc. Visit this page to learn more about our courses.
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Data analytics is a field bursting with opportunities. For instance, the global data analytics market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 26.4% and hit USD 132.90 billion by 2026. That’s insane, right?
As a data analyst, you help businesses uncover valuable insights and trends that help them make smart decisions. That’s why, if you are a skilled data analyst, there are many companies eager to hire you.
And Mumbai is home to some of the country’s leading data analytics companies. To help you find the perfect company, this blog post shares the list of the best data analytics companies in Mumbai where you can start your career and make a real impact.
And if you want to upskill, you can join Ivy Pro School’s Data Science and AI course to learn top industry skills, complete 50+ real-life projects, and become job-ready in just 45 weeks.
Go through this list and check the websites of these companies to explore the available positions. You can apply through the company’s website or job portals like LinkedIn and Naukri.com.
Bloomberg L.P. is a global media and financial data company that provides a wide range of services, including data analytics solutions. The company’s philosophy is that “data is reality” and that by facing data, one can understand it and take action.
This company is a good option for data analysts in Mumbai looking for promising job opportunities. Bloomberg can provide you an adventurous experience, letting you work in an environment that inspires you to be your best. You can explore the available positions at Bloomberg by visiting their Career page.
You already know this name. One of the most popular companies for data analysts in Mumbai, Deloitte is a leading global professional services firm that offers exciting job opportunities. As a renowned provider of audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, and tax services, Deloitte has a strong focus on data analytics and information management.
Data analysts at Deloitte can explore job openings in areas such as Data Scientist, Business Analyst, and Analytics Consultant. The company values analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate data insights into meaningful business outcomes.
Founded in 2013, Quantiphi specializes in leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI to help businesses make data-driven decisions. The company provides employees with the opportunity to work on interesting projects across diverse industries, making it a good company for data analysts in Mumbai.
The company’s focus on emerging technologies, such as natural language processing and computer vision, enables data analysts to make a positive impact on global industries and local communities. You can explore various roles at Quantiphi, including Data Scientist, Business Analyst, and AI/ML Engineer.
Accenture is a global professional services company that may provide you the data analyst job you dream of. The company allows data analysts to leverage the latest technologies to help businesses optimize their operations and grow their revenue.
Accenture is a company led by innovation, having around 743,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. The company lets you work in a global environment and contribute to the company’s digital innovation initiatives. Visit this page to see job opportunities at Accenture.
This is a 12-year-old analytics firm in Mumbai that has helped several big brands across the globe unlock valuable data-driven insights. The company provides solutions for data-driven marketing and customer engagement.
They keep looking for data analysts with the ability to work on multiple client accounts and apply their data analysis skills to make smart decisions, primarily in the field of Marketing Analytics. You should also have the ability to learn quickly when facing new problems. Visit this page to find job opportunities at Cartesian Consulting.
Fractal Analytics offers exciting job opportunities for data analysts in Mumbai. Founded in 2000, Fractal Analytics is known for its expertise in artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.
The company often has openings for various data-related roles, such as Data Scientist, Business Analyst, and Consultant. Fractal Analytics is recognized as a Top 100 Best Workplace for Women, providing a diverse and flexible work culture.
At Fractal Analytics, you can expect to work on unique projects to deliver innovative solutions for Fortune 500 clients worldwide. The company values analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication.
Hansa Cequity is a data-driven marketing consultancy with offices in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Chicago. Hansa Cequity is officially certified as one of the best firms for Data Scientists in India, offering data analysts the opportunity to work with top brands in the industry.
Out of 253 reviews at Glassdoor, 65% say they would recommend the company to a friend. Also, most reviews say that the company has a good work culture and offers employees an opportunity to learn and grow. If you want to work for this company, you can visit their Career page.
One of the best data analytics companies in Mumbai, Cognizant Technology Solutions is a global technology consulting and services company. The company helps businesses enhance technology, improve processes, and transform experiences to stay ahead in a fast-changing world.
Working at Cognizant will help you sharpen your data analysis skills while directly engaging with clients and solving real-world problems. You can shape your career, develop yourself through education and training, and learn new skills to stay relevant in the changing workplace. Visit this page to explore job opportunities at Cognizant.
Credence Analytics is a global software solutions and IT services provider that helps finance businesses with automation and decision-making. The company provides employees an open and liberal work culture where they will be encouraged to take responsibility and experience.
Glassdoor reviews suggest that the company is a good place to work where you can expect exposure, learning opportunities, and a work-life balance. You can learn more about the available job opportunities at Credence Analytics by visiting their Career page.
Indus Net Technologies provides industry-specific solutions to fast-growing companies, helping them stay competitive and grow in the digital world. Apart from data analytics services, they also offer app development, website development, and digital marketing services. So, you can expect diverse learning opportunities.
Indus Net Technologies leverages big data and machine learning models to help businesses predict, transform, and grow. The company provides you the resources and support to thrive in your career. What’s more, the company has the Great Place to Work® Certification, so you can expect an excellent work culture to start your data science career. Visit this page to explore data science job opportunities at INT.
The future of data analytics is incredibly bright. The world is generating more data than ever before, and businesses are realizing how this data can help them unlock insights, make better decisions, and gain a competitive edge. Here’s what you can expect:
The future of data analytics is about making smarter, faster, and more informed choices using massive datasets. It’s an exciting field to be a part of. This is the right time to learn data science and launch yourself in this exciting field.
If you want to land high-paying data analyst jobs, you need three main things- relevant skills, real-world experience, and the ability to communicate.
A data science course can help you achieve all these. For instance, you can join Ivy Pro School’s Data Science and AI course.
This course teaches you everything from data analytics to ML, AI, and Gen AI. You also learn to use industry-relevant tools, such as Adv Excel, SQL, and Python, while completing real-life projects.
The best part? This course is in collaboration with E&ICT Academy IIT Guwahati. So, you will be coached by professors at IIT and will be given a certificate with the IIT brand.
This will help you stand out in job interviews and get into your dream data analytics company in Mumbai.
Visit this page to learn more about Ivy’s Data Science and AI course.
