Motivation Interview: Explaining What Draws You to Airbnb

The interviewer wants to know what draws you to Airbnb. Give the answer you would give in a product manager interview. ```hint Make it specific to this company Test each reason by asking whether it would be just as true of another travel or marketplace company. Keep only the reasons that would not, and tie each one to something in your own background. ``` ### Clarifying Questions - Is this role tied to one part of the marketplace, such as guests, hosts, payments or trust and safety, so I can speak to that team's problems? - Would you like me to focus on why this company over other travel or marketplace companies, on why this role is the right next step for me, or both? - Should I assume you have read my resume, or briefly connect each reason to past work? ### What a Strong Answer Covers - Specific, first-hand familiarity with the product and the people it serves, going past the mission statement or one memorable trip - A concrete product problem or opportunity at the company that the candidate wants to work on, and why it is hard - A credible link between the candidate's past work and that problem - What the candidate hopes to gain from the role, framed so it also benefits the company - Awareness of the company's real challenges, with motivation that holds up despite them ### Follow-up Questions - If you joined tomorrow, which part of the product would you work on first, and how would you know your change helped? - What do you see as the biggest threat to the business over the next few years, and does it make the job more or less appealing to you? - If you also had an offer from another travel or marketplace company, what would make you choose one over the other?