Unlocking the APM Interviewing Framework That Scored Me Lyft, Match, and Visa Final Rounds!

Imagine the excitement of landing interviews with tech giants like Lyft, Match, and Visa, only to face an unexpected hurdle — hiring freezes. But fret not! In this article, I’m going to reveal the secret APM interviewing framework that got me to the final rounds of these prestigious companies.

BUS — Business, User, Solution

The BUS (Business, User, Solution) framework is a structured approach used in software and product development to align the needs and objectives of the business, the end-users/customers, and the solution being created. It helps ensure that the final product meets the goals of all stakeholders by considering their perspectives and requirements throughout the development process.

This article will show you how to apply this framework in your APM interviews, using a case-type interview question for illustration as we go.

Prompt: We are a company that wants to provide our users with good quality clothing.

Understanding the Business (B)

Start by evaluating and discussing the business. Focus on the Business:

• Industry: Understand the industry in which the business operates.
• Type: Determine whether it’s a startup, an established entity, or something inbetween.
• Mission: Explore the overarching mission or purpose of the business.
• Goals: Identify and define the specific goals the business aims to achieve with that specific project/task.

We are an established clothing company, where our goal is to retain market share and maintain existing customers, particularly in light of competition from new fast-fashion entrants.

Defining the User (U)

Next, define the user or customer base and create user personas. Consider their:

• Identity / Demographics: Who is your user?
• Activities: What are these users doing? What do they like to do?
• Challenges: What challenges are they facing?

Potential users: toddlers, children, college students, adults, people above 60 (senior citizens)

Let’s say we focus on cool and stylish clothes for toddlers because large clothing stores do not target this market as much. Choose an uncommon path, like we did here, and incorporate existing ideas from what is common. This will make it easier to generate fresh ideas without feeling like you’re copying what’s already been done.

Next, identify one to two primary user personas. Identifying two will help keep your solution a little broad, for more possible solutions. You can narrow down later.

1. Persona 1: Working parents seeking stylish clothing for toddler clothing but lacking time for frequent shopping.

2. Persona 2: Parents facing the challenge of their toddlers outgrowing clothes too quickly, making it hard to keep them well-dressed.

Possible challenges include:

1. Their kids outgrow clothing quickly

2. Parents don’t have enough time to buy new clothing for kids

3. Clothing is expensive

4. Parents want their kids to wear high-quality fabric

Crafting the Solution (S)

Next, select/prioritize a single problem and solve it. With an understanding of the problem, the user, and the challenge, come up with multiple solutions to address the selected problem. Consider a range of ideas, from audacious and resource-intensive to more practical ones —demonstrating your creativity and problem-solving skills. With each solution you come up with, keep the company’s mission and goal in mind.

Potential solutions could include:

1. Introducing a subscription service for parents, providing new clothes monthly to coincide with the child’s birthdate. Eg. Born Feb 29: new clothing package every 29th of the month for the next X months.

2. Developing adjustable clothing items to accommodate a child’s growth.

3. Implementing a program allowing customers to return outgrown clothing for a discount on new purchases.

In this case, I chose Solution 1, as it aligns more closely with the company’s goal of customer retention. A subscription service fosters ongoing customer engagement, and its implementation is relatively straightforward, utilizing existing technology.

Additionally, it’s crucial to mention potential constraints that could arise depending on the company’s type, location, and industry. Again, ensure that the chosen solution addresses the problem and aligns with the initial business goal established at the outset.

By following this APM framework, you can approach complex challenges methodically and strategically, enabling effective decision-making and solution development during interviews.

In conclusion, mastering the BUS framework can be your ticket to acing APM interviews. So, why wait? Start practicing and applying this strategy to your interview preparations. Share your success stories or questions in the comments below; I’d love to hear from you!