2025 40 curated interview questions

40 Airbnb Interview Questions

Master your next Airbnb interview with our comprehensive collection of questions and expert-crafted answers. Get prepared with real scenarios that top companies ask.

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1. Can you provide an example of when you had to adapt to a significant change at work?

Sure, during my tenure as a hotel manager, our property underwent a full rebrand which included a changed strategy and positioning. The entire experience offered by the hotel, from the interiors to the service standards, were overhauled. Not only was it a significant change in operations, but it was also a culture shift within the organization.

To successfully adapt to this transformation, I invested time in understanding the new brand's vision and aligned myself with the expected changes. I encouraged open discussion among team members about their concerns and apprehensions. Then, I worked closely with the team, providing incremental training to ensure we were all able to adopt the new guidelines and standards, while still maintaining the high level of service our guests were accustomed to.

The key was to maintain a positive attitude towards the change, remain flexible, and foster communication within the team. The things I learned during this transition period have helped me be more adaptable and better prepared for future changes.

2. How would you handle a situation where a property did not meet a guest’s expectations upon arrival?

When a property doesn't meet a guest's expectations, swift and empathetic response is crucial. Firstly, I would listen attentively to the guest's concerns, validating their feelings and ensuring they feel heard. This understanding helps to defuse initial frustration and lays the groundwork for a solution.

Next, I'd assess the severity of the problem. If it's something that can be resolved quickly without disrupting the guest's stay, such as additional cleaning or minor fixes, I'd arrange that immediately. For more serious issues, alternate accommodations might be more appropriate. I would assist the guest in either finding another available listing on Airbnb or, depending on Airbnb's policy, possibly offering a refund so they might seek accommodations elsewhere.

Throughout this process, maintaining transparency and frequent communication would be key to reassure the guest that their satisfaction is our priority. This type of situation is unfortunate, but handling it promptly and professionally can salvage the guest's overall experience and maintain a positive relationship between them and Airbnb.

3. How familiar are you with fair housing laws and regulations?

In my previous roles in the hospitality sector, I've had to be well-acquainted with fair housing laws and regulations. These laws, such as the U.S. Fair Housing Act, prohibit discrimination against guests based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. It's an essential part of providing equally accessible services to all guests.

Knowledge of these laws is also important when communicating policies to Airbnb hosts, many of whom may be renting their properties without a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements. Providing hosts with necessary resources or training can help maintain a platform that respects and adheres to these laws.

Despite my current understanding, I believe it's crucial to keep up-to-date with these regulations as they often evolve. Moving forward, I would continue to educate myself to ensure all operations are compliant and our platform fosters a diverse and inclusive community.

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4. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback from clients or customers?

I see criticism or negative feedback as a learning opportunity. I take a step back, put my emotions aside, and assess the feedback with an open mind. I understand that for customers to express dissatisfaction, there must be a pain point that needs addressing. Therefore, I focus on understanding their perspective, the problem they faced, and what might have led to their negative experience. After absorbing this feedback, I use it as a constructive tool to improve my work and prevent similar issues from recurring in the future. It's essential to remember that feedback, even when negative, helps to refine our processes and enhance customer satisfaction in the longer run.

5. How would you promote sustainable travel and living through Airbnb’s platform?

Promoting sustainable travel and living through Airbnb's platform can be approached in several ways. First, encouraging hosts to incorporate sustainable practices in their listings can make a huge impact. This may involve the use of energy-efficient appliances, promoting recycling, offering eco-friendly toiletries, or using solar power.

The platform can incorporate a feature to identify and highlight these green initiatives, making it easy for environmentally conscious travelers to choose sustainable accommodations. Airbnb can also provide hosts with information and resources about how they can improve their property’s environmental footprint.

In terms of community engagement, Airbnb could collaborate with local environmental organizations to cultivate experiences that educate travelers about sustainable practices and the local ecology.

Finally, Airbnb can encourage guests to travel sustainably by sharing tips about responsible tourism in their communications and provide resources to help travelers make informed decisions. By incorporating sustainability into our practices, we can contribute to broader global efforts to combat environmental challenges.

6. How do you ensure that detailed, important information is communicated to consumers clearly and effectively?

To ensure that detailed information is communicated clearly and effectively, it's crucial to first understand the customer's perspective. By putting myself in their shoes, I can gauge the most suitable level of detail they might need. I then focus on breaking down complex information into digestible pieces using clear, concise language. Visual aids, like charts or diagrams, can also be helpful in conveying more complicated concepts. Lastly, I encourage questions and repeat key points to ensure understanding. This two-way communication not only ensures that information is understood, but also fosters open dialogues, which can lead to better overall customer relationships and satisfaction.

7. How do you maintain a positive host-guest relationship in high-stress situations?

In high-stress situations, maintaining a positive host-guest relationship requires clear communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. It's essential first to listen and understand the concerns of both parties. Listening allows me to validate their experiences, which can help ease tensions. Then, clear and honest communication is key. I would openly explain the situation, what might have caused it, and the steps I'm taking to resolve the issue. Lastly, swift problem-solving is crucial. The faster I can find a satisfactory resolution, the better it is for the relationship. Purposeful communication, a customer-centric approach, and swift resolution - these drive my approach to maintaining positive relationships even in high-stress situations.

8. Can you describe a time when you had to convince a customer or client to change their mind about something?

In my previous role, we had an instance where we introduced a new, more efficient system for check-ins and check-outs. Some of our long-term regular guests preferred the old way and were reluctant to adopt the new system. One guest, in particular, was very adamant about staying with the old method. Recognizing the guest's discomfort, I arranged a brief one-on-one meeting.

First, I listened to the guest's concerns and apprehensions about the new system, reassuring them that their comfort was our priority. I then explained how the new system was designed to enhance their experience by reducing waiting time and providing them with more convenience. I showed them the system in action, addressing each of their concerns.

By illustrating the direct benefits and addressing their concerns, I was able to help them feel more comfortable and open to the change. As a result, they agreed to try the new system, and after experiencing its convenience, they were satisfied with the transition. This situation reiterated the importance of listening, empathizing, and clearly demonstrating the benefits when it comes to influencing change.

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Research the Company

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Prepare STAR Examples

Use Situation, Task, Action, Result format for behavioral questions.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the role.

9. How would you inspire trust in potential guests who are hesitant to book shared accommodation?

10. What strategies would you use to enhance the online visibility of a property?

11. How would you approach a problem for which there seems to be no clear solution?

12. Airbnb is a globally recognized brand- how would you ensure that the local culture and values of a location are reflected in its property listings?

13. Can you describe a time when you took initiative on a project without being asked to?

14. Can you briefly describe your experience in the hospitality industry?

15. What initially attracted you to Airbnb as a potential employer?

16. What steps would you take to maintain the safety and security of Airbnb properties?

17. Can you describe an instance where you had to deal with a crisis or unforeseen issue during a project?

18. Can you tell me about a particular problem you solved that required a creative solution?

19. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the shared economy right now and how would you address them?

20. How would you deal with a difficult host or a guest?

21. How do you handle stress and pressure in a fast-paced work environment?

22. How have you used data to drive your decision-making process in previous roles?

23. How would you manage a situation if a host or guest violates Airbnb’s policies or rules?

24. How would you reconcile a situation where company policy goes against a guest or host's satisfaction?

25. Can you recall a time when you needed to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously?

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