I applied through an employee referral. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Airbnb (San Francisco, CA) in Jun 2014
Interview
- Phone screening with recruiter (1): pretty straight forward but asked for salary requirements... was surprising upfront
- Skype interview with head of team (1): waiting 45 minutes and he didn't show up, they rescheduled me late that night for early next morning (no time to notify work)
- Five 30 minute interviews with manager, team and other teams: straightforward, asked some challenging questions but it was pleasant and fun, just exhausting
- Emailed me with a project I spent 20+ hours on, said I would be presenting to team but then ultimately got scheduled for 4 more 30 minute interviews (2 were for culture fits) and one 30 minute presentation to one person (seemed like different than what they originally wanted me to do)
Overall I had 12 interviews but the recruiters were great in getting back to me quickly. There was some miscommunication and cancellations, which I found frustrating. I had to miss a lot of work and would have been really upset if they put me through all this and they didn't offer me the job.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me something that I can't find on your resume, LinkedIn, online, etc.; What's been your biggest risk, asked a lot of weird questions, but just do your research and be prepared for non-traditional questions for cultural value interviews
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Airbnb in May 2025
Interview
The process was smooth, and the recruiter, recruiting coordinator, and hiring manager I spoke with were all very helpful. I didn't get an offer, but the process was good and informative.
Ah, the interview process! It can feel like navigating a maze, but generally, it follows a fairly common structure. Here's a breakdown of what you can typically expect:
Submitting your application: This is the first step, where you send in your resume, and cover letter, and sometimes complete an online application form.
Initial screening: Recruiters or hiring managers review applications to see if your qualifications and experience match the basic requirements of the role. They might be looking for specific keywords or years of experience.
Phone or video screening interview: If your application passes the initial screen, you might be invited for a brief call or video chat. This is usually a 15-30 minute conversation to learn more about your background, clarify information on your resume, and assess your basic communication skills and interest in the role.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
In-depth conversations: These interviews are longer and more detailed than the screening call. You'll likely speak with a hiring manager or a member of the team you'd be working with.
Behavioral software question first step interview. Interview lasted 25 minutes. Never heard back after first round. Straightforward and clean process. More technical than anything. Basic questions asked on past skills and products built.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me if you built something by yourself or with the help of the engineering team?
