What questions should I ask Airbnb?

When interviewing at Airbnb, asking thoughtful and insightful questions can not only show your interest in the company but also help you determine if it's the right fit for you. Here are some great questions to ask, divided by categories, to help you learn more about Airbnb’s culture, values, role expectations, and future growth.

1. Questions About Airbnb’s Culture and Values

Airbnb places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and alignment with their mission of “creating a world where anyone can belong anywhere.” These questions show your genuine interest in how the company operates beyond just the job responsibilities.

• "How does Airbnb incorporate its mission and values into day-to-day work?"
• "Can you tell me more about how Airbnb promotes inclusivity and diversity within the company?"
• "What are the most important qualities that make someone successful at Airbnb?"
• "How does Airbnb foster innovation and creativity across teams?"

2. Questions About the Role and Team

Understanding the specific responsibilities and dynamics of the team you'll be working with is crucial for determining if the role is the right fit for you.

• "Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?"
• "What are the key challenges and opportunities associated with this position?"
• "How does the team I’ll be working with collaborate across other teams or departments?"
• "What does success look like for someone in this position over the next six months to a year?"
• "Can you tell me more about the growth opportunities available in this role?"

3. Questions About Leadership and Management

It’s important to understand how leadership operates at Airbnb, especially in terms of supporting their employees and encouraging growth.

• "How would you describe the management style here at Airbnb?"
• "How does the leadership team prioritize employee development and learning?"
• "How does management ensure alignment between company goals and individual team efforts?"

4. Questions About Airbnb’s Products and Future

Showing that you’ve done your homework about Airbnb’s products and future plans will highlight your interest in the company’s growth and your potential contributions.

• "What are some of the major challenges Airbnb is currently facing, and how is the company addressing them?"
• "How does Airbnb balance innovation and scaling its current products like Airbnb Experiences or Airbnb Plus?"
• "How does Airbnb plan to stay competitive in the fast-evolving travel industry?"
• "What exciting projects or initiatives is Airbnb working on that you’re particularly excited about?"

5. Questions About Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-Being

Knowing how Airbnb supports work-life balance and overall well-being is important for understanding the company’s approach to maintaining a healthy work environment.

• "How does Airbnb support work-life balance for employees?"
• "What are some of the initiatives Airbnb has in place to ensure employee well-being and prevent burnout?"
• "How has the company adapted to remote work, and what is Airbnb’s approach to flexibility moving forward?"

6. Questions About Collaboration and Career Development

Airbnb encourages a collaborative environment, and knowing how teams work together and how your career can grow is key for understanding your long-term fit.

• "What does cross-functional collaboration look like at Airbnb?"
• "How does Airbnb support professional development and career progression?"
• "Can you share an example of how the team has collaborated with other departments on a recent project?"

7. Questions About Feedback and Improvement

Learning about how feedback is given and received can tell you a lot about the company’s culture around learning and improvement.

• "How does the team provide feedback to each other, and how often?"
• "What are some recent changes Airbnb has implemented based on employee feedback?"

8. Questions for Specific Teams or Roles

Tailor these questions to the specific role you are applying for, whether it’s technical, product-focused, or in business strategy.

• For Engineering: "What kinds of technical challenges does your team regularly face?"
• For Product Management: "How do you balance user needs with business goals when prioritizing new features?"
• For Data Science: "How is data used to make decisions across different parts of Airbnb, and how does the team handle data-related challenges?"

Conclusion

Asking thoughtful questions about Airbnb’s culture, team dynamics, career development opportunities, and business strategies demonstrates your interest in the company and helps you evaluate whether Airbnb is the right place for you. Tailor your questions to the specific role and department, and focus on areas that matter most to you, whether it’s work-life balance, career growth, or how the company supports innovation.