Interview Experience - 167 - Airbnb | SDE-Intern | Intern
Summary
📌 Job Role: Software Development
🔢 Number of Rounds: 4
📜 Offer Status: Offer
📍 Location: India
👤 Candidate Name: Not disclosing due to NDA
Interview Process
The interview process at Airbnb for the SDE-Intern position consisted of an Online Assessment followed by three onsite rounds. The process began with a 1-hour Online Assessment and was followed by three consecutive rounds: a Coding Round, a Technical Round, and a Technical Experience Round. Each of these onsite interviews lasted for about 45 minutes.
The structure of the interviews placed emphasis on both problem-solving skills and communication. A mix of algorithmic questions, deep dives into data structures, project discussions, and HR-style behavioral questions were asked across the four rounds.
Preparation Guide
Focus on the fundamentals of DSA and have a strong understanding of how these work internally.
Keep interacting throughout the interview. Think out loud and explain the reasoning behind each step.
Prepare for classic HR questions, as these often help tackle situational questions that can come up unexpectedly.
At the end of every interview, make it a point to ask relevant questions to the interviewer. This shows genuine interest in the role and company.
Interview Rounds
Round 1: Online Assessment
Duration: 60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium
Experience:
The online assessment included two medium-level algorithmic problems.
Sliding Window with Variable Size
2-D Matrix problem requiring Prefix Sum and Binary Search
I was able to solve the first problem completely. For the second one, I managed to get a partial solution within the given time frame. The focus here was not only correctness but also how efficiently problems were solved under time pressure.
Key Learnings:
Practice solving medium-level algorithmic problems within strict time constraints. Even partial progress in harder problems can reflect well if explained properly.
Round 2: Coding Round
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium
Experience:
This round had two medium-level coding questions:
Problem based on Priority Queue and Binary Search on the Answer
Simulation problem requiring a Greedy approach and BFS
I could solve both problems, though I needed a hint for the second one to get to the right approach. The interviewer placed importance on writing working code rather than just describing the logic.
Key Learnings:
Focus on producing working solutions rather than over-optimizing prematurely. Do not hesitate to ask for a hint if you are stuck — it helps show your collaborative problem-solving approach.
Round 3: Technical Round
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Hard
Experience:
This round was focused on a single hard-level question: All O`one Data Structure (LeetCode Hard).
I initially struggled to design the O(1) solution. My first approach optimized to O(log n), and after some discussion, the interviewer gave me a hint that helped refine my thought process toward achieving O(1) for all operations. The interviewer preferred detailed pseudocode over running code, and the discussion leaned heavily on data structure design, edge cases, and trade-offs.
Key Learnings:
Focus deeply on the underlying data structures and think about how operations can be optimized. Even if you do not reach the final solution immediately, walking the interviewer through your thought process is critical. Be open to hints and adapt your approach based on feedback.
Round 4: Technical Experience Round
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium
Experience:
This round was broader and tested different dimensions beyond just algorithms.
Detailed discussions about my academic and personal projects.
Questions on core Computer Science subjects like Operating Systems, DBMS, and Networking.
A few HR questions about teamwork, handling challenges, and motivation for joining Airbnb.
The interviewer was looking for clarity of thought, ownership of projects, and an ability to communicate experiences well.
Key Learnings:
Be thorough with your own projects since interviewers may dive deep into implementation details. Revise the fundamentals of CS core subjects. Prepare structured responses to HR-style questions, as they can determine cultural fit.
Final Thoughts
The overall Airbnb interview process for the SDE-Intern position was structured and balanced, combining algorithmic problem-solving with technical knowledge and personal experiences.
Key takeaways for future candidates:
Develop strong fundamentals in DSA, as they are tested in multiple rounds.
Communicate clearly, think out loud, and keep the discussion interactive.
Be adaptable and open to hints — it shows willingness to learn.
Prepare your projects thoroughly, including design choices and trade-offs.
Do not neglect HR questions. They can be as important as technical skills in final evaluations.
Overall, the interviews were challenging but rewarding, and the experience ended positively with an offer.