I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at Airbnb in Nov 2025
Interview
Initial outreach team briefed me on what to prepare for my interview and none of it was covered. Total disconnect. And then no follow up even after they promised to let me know what was happening. Complete sub par experience.
Average interview
Application
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Airbnb
Interview
The process was very extensive. Several phone screens, 8 in person interviews followed by more phone conversations. Everyone is super smart and very personable. Most of the interviews felt more like conversations. The ones that did not feel like conversations were due to the interviewer having a grudge for something. Perhaps they had a bad interview at a point in their life and they are passing it on. They weren't tough in a professional way but tough in a "I was talked down to so you will be as well." Those experiences really put a bad light on who makes up Airbnb.
The core value questions are absurd. If their purpose is to be random, they do that. They do not give an opportunity to communicate any values of any sort.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What would you say at Airbnb's funeral?
What was the last gift you gave?
What is your advice to the founders?
What was your last risk?
What does success look like for this position (which was odd since there was no job description provided and I got grouped into a position I did not apply for).
I applied online. I interviewed at Airbnb (San Francisco, CA)
Interview
it was fine not too difficult or unexpected questions mostly the standard why do you want to work here and tell me about your background and work experience. all the people I spoke with were nice and professional.
Had an interview with the recruiter which I thought went very well. After the interview, I waited a week before reaching back out and was told to standby until feedback for my interview came in. I waited an additional two weeks before reaching back out again. After sending the recruiter an email, I was rejected almost immediately. The actual interview with the recruiter was very pleasant, but I do feel like the hiring manager never intended to circle back and let the recruiter know I would not be moving forward.
During a time when there is a lot of chaos in the world and people are losing jobs left and right, a little courtesy and kindness goes a long way. Stop misleading candidates.
