Market sizing interview prep when AI gives you a number

Build the equation. Defend the range. Revise the assumption.

What companies say they’re looking for

“Any information it provides should be reviewed and validated to ensure accuracy and relevance to your application.” (opens the source)

BCG, Official AI application guidance · BCG Careers, Undated

An installed base is not the number of products sold in a year.

“State your assumptions. Agree on the key concepts to explore more fully.” (opens the source)

Oliver Wyman, Official entry-level interview preparation · Oliver Wyman, Undated

Define the audience and its buying frequency before multiplying.

“what matters most is how you approach the problem and the quality of your reasoning.” (opens the source)

BCG, Official consulting case interview preparation · BCG Careers, Undated

Total production, reachable demand and service capacity are different quantities.

“Share your reasoning and calculations, even if you’re unsure.” (opens the source)

Bain & Company, Official consulting case interview preparation · Bain & Company, Undated

Use the same unit and weight each season by its length.

“apply your own judgment to the output it provides.” (opens the source)

Simone Jacobi, Director of Talent Assessment, McKinsey & Company · Management Consulted, Jul 31, 2026

A fluent estimate still needs a market boundary, segments and evidence.

BCG, Official AI application guidance, at the time. BCG Careers, “How to Use AI in Your Application Process”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Oliver Wyman, Official entry-level interview preparation, at the time. Oliver Wyman, “Interview Tips To Land Your Dream Job At Oliver Wyman”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
BCG, Official consulting case interview preparation, at the time. BCG Careers, “Case Interview Preparation”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Bain & Company, Official consulting case interview preparation, at the time. Bain & Company, “Case interview preparation”, Undated. Open the source. Checked against the published text.
Simone Jacobi, Director of Talent Assessment, McKinsey & Company, at the time. Management Consulted, “AI case interview Q&A with Simone Jacobi — Updated July 31, 2026”, Jul 31, 2026. Open the source. Checked against the published text.

Last reviewed Nov 10, 2026