Interview Prep

Preparing for your Airbnb interview?

To prepare for a Airbnb interview, research the company thoroughly, practice role specific questions using the STAR method, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. According to Orbyt's analysis, airbnb interviews typically involve 3 to 5 rounds. Use Orbyt's free AI interview prep tool to generate tailored questions for Airbnb and your specific role in seconds.

Airbnb is known for its core values interviews where cultural fit and belonging are weighed as heavily as technical ability.

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The Airbnb interview process

Airbnb's process includes a recruiter call, a phone screen with coding, and an onsite loop with 4 to 5 rounds including coding, system design, cross functional collaboration, and core values interviews. Airbnb's values interviews are uniquely thorough. The process typically takes 3 to 5 weeks.

What Airbnb looks for

Airbnb seeks people who embody its core values: champion the mission, be a host, embrace the adventure, and be a cereal entrepreneur (creative problem solver). Technical excellence must be paired with genuine passion for belonging, travel, and creating connection.

How to prepare

  1. Study Airbnb's core values deeply and prepare stories demonstrating each one authentically
  2. Practice designing marketplace systems with trust, safety, and two sided matching components
  3. Prepare examples of going above and beyond for customers or creating belonging in teams
  4. Research Airbnb's architecture for search, pricing, and trust and safety systems

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Treating values interviews as secondary when they carry equal or greater weight than technical rounds
  • Giving generic answers about teamwork instead of specific stories about creating belonging
  • Not understanding Airbnb's business model and how hosts and guests interact on the platform

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Airbnb interview questions

Airbnb's values interviews go deeper than typical culture fit questions. Interviewers probe for genuine examples of championing belonging, being hospitable, and creative problem solving. They want to understand your character, not just competence. Prepare heartfelt stories about creating inclusive experiences and going above and beyond for others.

This value references Airbnb's founders selling cereal boxes to fund their startup. It means being resourceful, creative, and willing to do whatever it takes to solve problems. In interviews, share stories about finding unconventional solutions with limited resources. Show scrappy problem solving instinct alongside polished engineering skill.

Airbnb interviews include a mix of behavioral questions (using the STAR method), technical or domain specific questions, and situational problem solving. The exact mix depends on the department and seniority level of the role.

Salaries at Airbnb vary widely depending on the role, level, and location. Most positions offer competitive compensation packages that include base salary, bonuses, and equity. Research specific role compensation on Orbyt's salary explorer for detailed data.

While not always mandatory, submitting a cover letter for Airbnb applications can strengthen your candidacy. A concise, role specific cover letter that connects your experience to the job requirements shows genuine interest and can differentiate you from other applicants.

Airbnb receives a high volume of applications for most openings, making the selection process competitive. Standing out requires a tailored resume, strong interview preparation, and clear articulation of how your skills match the specific role and team needs.

Most Airbnb roles involve 3 to 5 interview rounds. This usually includes a recruiter call, a phone or video technical screen, and 2 to 3 on site or virtual loop interviews with the hiring team.

Airbnb offers relocation packages for many full time roles, though specifics vary by position and location. It is best to discuss relocation support with your recruiter during the initial screening phase so you can factor it into your decision.

Airbnb typically provides feedback within 1 to 2 weeks after final interviews, though timelines can vary. If you have not heard back, it is appropriate to follow up with your recruiter after 5 business days. Orbyt can help you track follow up timing automatically.

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