I am happy to announce that I've published a brand new edition of Decode and Conquer, the product management interview prep book featuring the world-famous CIRCLES Method™.
What can you expect in the 4th edition?
I've made 1000s of changes to reflect the latest trends in PM interviews and preparation techniques including:
Tradeoff Questions
I've introduced two new methods for answering tradeoff questions like:
Should a social media site’s videos default to autoplay or click-to-play?
How do you decide between a display ad or a “people you might know” widget in the newsfeed?
Should ConnectTogether require its users to upload profile pictures when they sign up?
The first method is an all-purpose qualitative framework called GCER. GCER stands for Goal, Criteria, Evaluation, and Recommendation.
The other method is for more advanced scenarios, where interviewers expect you to calculate a hard P&L contribution between two options, which I call "before and after" analysis.
Metrics Questions
Those of you who have the 3rd edition noticed that I revamped the Metrics chapter, especially for those preparing for Facebook's dreaded execution interview. I've added new approaches to Metrics questions including:
The TROPIC framework to answer diagnosis questions like "Daily active users for the Facebook newsfeed dropped by 7 percent. How would you diagnose it?"
Guidelines for choosing North Star Metrics for B2C, enterprise software, eCommerce, mobile, and other business types
Strategy Questions
I've streamlined the section on strategy. I now recommend a simpler strategy framework while going into much more detail about key strategy playbooks including:
Differentiations strategies
Niche strategies
Market leadership strategies
Strategies for emerging markets
Strategies for developing markets
Strategies for mature markets
Strategies for shrinking markets
Option value strategies
Strategies to maintain a competitive edge
I have also created a subchapter that simply explains key strategic concepts, from Stratechery's aggregation theory to zero-sum games.
And more
I've rewritten many of the sample answers in the book, added new diagrams, and streamlined numerous explanations.
See why other readers have made Decode and Conquer, 4th Edition a #1 bestseller on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get the book?
The book is available on Amazon in various markets including:
US 🇺🇸
India 🇮🇳
Canada 🇨🇦
UK 🇬🇧
France 🇫🇷
Germany 🇩🇪
Japan 🇯🇵
Brazil 🇧🇷
Mexico 🇲🇽
Is there an electronic version of the book?
Yes! You can purchase the electronic version of Decode and Conquer 4th edition through Teachable. This electronic version is the best way for you to get the book instantly. 🏃
The paperback version is not available in my country. How can I get Decode and Conquer, 4 ed.?
The electronic version is ideal if the paperback is not available in your home country.
When will you release the Kindle version of this book?
Unfortunately, we will not be releasing the 4th edition of Decode and Conquer on Kindle.
Is a PDF version of the book available?
No, Decode and Conquer 4 ed. will not be available in PDF format.
I have the 2nd edition. Should I upgrade?
Absolutely yes! It's been almost 10 years since the 2nd edition. You deserve the most current and recent knowledge.
I have the 3rd edition. Should I upgrade?
This is a 50-50 proposition. If your copy of the 3rd edition is in good condition, you can get by with the 3rd edition.
However, if your 3rd edition is beat up and dog-eared, you deserve a fresh, clean copy with the improvements I've mentioned.
I heard you recently published a recent book on system design interviews. Where can I find more details on that?
You're right! That book is a comprehensive prep book for system design. That book features a new framework called the PEDALS Method™. You can read more about that new book here.