Airbnb Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Airbnb is a global platform that connects millions of hosts and guests, fostering unique experiences and authentic connections across diverse communities.

The Software Engineer role at Airbnb involves designing and developing robust applications and systems that support the company’s mission of trust and belonging. Key responsibilities include writing high-quality code, developing user-centric features, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the functionality and reliability of Airbnb’s services. Candidates should possess strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms, as well as experience with languages like Kotlin, Python, or Java. Ideal traits for this role include a passion for problem-solving, a collaborative mindset, and an understanding of both frontend and backend development practices.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by outlining the expectations for this role and providing insights into the company culture, thereby increasing your chances of success.

The interview process for a Software Engineer at Airbnb is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, ensuring candidates align with the company's values and mission. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The first step involves a conversation with a recruiter, which usually lasts about 30 minutes. During this call, the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team and the interview process. The recruiter will gauge your interest in the position and assess if your experience aligns with the job requirements.

2. Technical Phone Screen

Following the initial call, candidates typically undergo one or two technical phone interviews. These interviews last around 45 minutes each and focus on coding challenges, often using platforms like CoderPad or HackerRank. Expect to solve problems related to data structures and algorithms, with questions ranging from medium to hard difficulty levels. Interviewers may also ask you to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving.

3. Onsite Interviews

If you perform well in the technical phone screens, you will be invited to an onsite interview, which can be conducted virtually or in-person. The onsite typically consists of multiple rounds, including: - Coding Interviews: Usually two rounds where you will solve coding problems in real-time. These problems often require you to write runnable code and pass specific test cases. - System Design Interview: This round assesses your ability to design scalable systems. You will be expected to discuss architectural decisions and demonstrate your understanding of system components. - Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interviews: These interviews focus on your alignment with Airbnb's core values. Expect questions about your past experiences, how you handle challenges, and your approach to teamwork and collaboration.

4. Final Interview Round

In some cases, there may be a final round that includes a managerial interview or a cross-functional interview. This round may involve discussing your previous projects in detail, your role in those projects, and how you overcame challenges. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics and expectations.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and cultural fit with Airbnb's mission of belonging and community.

As you prepare for your interviews, here are some of the types of questions you might encounter...

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Process

Airbnb's interview process can be lengthy and may involve multiple rounds, including coding challenges, technical interviews, and culture fit assessments. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, which often include a mix of algorithmic questions and system design discussions. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your time and energy effectively throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the emphasis on coding skills, be prepared to tackle a variety of algorithmic problems, particularly those found on platforms like LeetCode. Focus on medium to hard-level questions, especially those involving data structures such as trees, graphs, and dynamic programming. Practice coding in a collaborative environment, as many interviews will require you to think aloud and explain your thought process while coding.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Airbnb values teamwork and collaboration, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to work well with others. During the interview, engage with your interviewers, ask clarifying questions, and be open to feedback. Show that you can communicate your ideas clearly and that you value input from others, as this reflects the company’s culture of inclusivity and collaboration.

Showcase Your Passion for User Experience

As a software engineer at Airbnb, you will be expected to build products that enhance user experience. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how you prioritized user needs in your development process. Highlight any experience you have with building interactive and delightful user experiences, as this aligns with Airbnb's mission to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Airbnb places a strong emphasis on cultural fit, so expect behavioral questions that assess your alignment with the company's core values. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss how they relate to Airbnb's mission and values. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process and the impact of your actions.

Stay Calm and Collected

Interviews can be stressful, but maintaining a calm demeanor is crucial. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think before responding. It’s okay to ask for clarification or to break down the problem into smaller parts. This approach not only helps you think more clearly but also demonstrates your problem-solving skills to the interviewers.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you note to your interviewers. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and reinforce your interest in joining the Airbnb team.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Software Engineer role at Airbnb. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Software Engineer interview at Airbnb. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, coding challenges, and how you approach software development.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe a recent project you worked on and the technologies you used?

Airbnb values practical experience, so be ready to discuss a project in detail, including the challenges faced and how you overcame them.

How to Answer

Focus on the technologies you used, your role in the project, and the impact it had on the team or product. Highlight any innovative solutions you implemented.

Example

“I recently worked on a mobile application that utilized Kotlin and Jetpack Compose. My role involved designing the UI components and ensuring they were responsive. One challenge was optimizing the app for different screen sizes, which I addressed by implementing a flexible layout system that improved user experience across devices.”

2. How do you ensure the quality of your code?

Quality assurance is crucial in software development, and Airbnb will want to know your approach to maintaining high standards.

How to Answer

Discuss your testing strategies, code reviews, and any tools you use to ensure code quality. Mention your commitment to best practices.

Example

“I follow a test-driven development approach, writing unit tests before implementing features. I also participate in code reviews, where I provide constructive feedback and learn from my peers. Additionally, I use static analysis tools to catch potential issues early in the development process.”

3. Describe your experience with building plugins for IDEs.

Given the focus on IDE integrations at Airbnb, this question will assess your relevant experience.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of plugins you’ve developed, the challenges you faced, and how you improved the developer experience.

Example

“I developed a plugin for Android Studio that streamlined the build process by integrating with our CI/CD pipeline. This reduced build times by 30% and improved developer productivity. I faced challenges with compatibility across different versions of the IDE, which I resolved by implementing version checks and fallbacks.”

4. What strategies do you use for debugging complex issues?

Debugging is a critical skill for software engineers, and Airbnb will want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to debugging, including tools and techniques you use to identify and resolve issues.

Example

“When debugging complex issues, I start by reproducing the problem in a controlled environment. I use logging extensively to track the flow of data and identify where things go wrong. Additionally, I leverage tools like debuggers and profilers to gain insights into performance bottlenecks.”

5. How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in software development?

Airbnb values continuous learning, so they will want to know how you keep your skills sharp.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for staying informed, such as attending conferences, participating in online courses, or following industry leaders.

Example

“I regularly attend tech meetups and conferences to network and learn about emerging technologies. I also follow several influential developers on social media and subscribe to newsletters that cover the latest trends in software development. Additionally, I take online courses to deepen my knowledge in specific areas.”

Behavioral Questions

1. How have you contributed to a team culture of collaboration?

Airbnb emphasizes teamwork, so they will want to know how you foster a collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of how you’ve encouraged collaboration and supported your teammates.

Example

“I initiated weekly team stand-ups where we share our progress and challenges. This not only improved communication but also fostered a sense of accountability. I also organized team-building activities that helped strengthen our relationships and trust.”

2. Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific challenge, explain the context, and detail the steps you took to overcome it.

Example

“During a project, we faced a tight deadline due to unexpected changes in requirements. I organized a brainstorming session with the team to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities effectively. We worked overtime and communicated regularly to ensure we stayed on track, ultimately delivering the project on time.”

3. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

Airbnb values growth and improvement, so they will want to know how you respond to feedback.

How to Answer

Discuss your openness to feedback and how you use it to improve your work.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive constructive criticism, I take time to reflect on it and identify areas for improvement. For instance, after a code review, I implemented suggestions that enhanced my coding style and efficiency, which I appreciated.”

4. What motivates you to work in software engineering?

Understanding your motivation helps Airbnb assess your fit within their culture.

How to Answer

Share your passion for technology and what drives you in your work.

Example

“I’m motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to create impactful solutions. I find joy in collaborating with others to build products that enhance user experiences and make a difference in people’s lives.”

5. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization and any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I use a combination of task management tools and the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize my tasks. I assess the urgency and importance of each task and focus on high-impact activities first. Regular check-ins with my team also help me stay aligned with project goals and deadlines.”