← Airbnb Interview Insights

Airbnb·Product Manager·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Senior

Senior
Jun 2026

Summary

Airbnb product sense question focused on their Open Homes program for refugee housing. Single question, no frills, just a straight product improvement case.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

How would you improve Airbnb's Open Homes product, which offers free housing to refugees?

Product Sense & IdeationProduct StrategyProduct Analytics & Metrics
Author's notes

This one tripped me up more than I expected.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the goal and constraints of Open Homes, then segment users (hosts, guests, internal ops) to identify pain points. Prioritize improvements using a framework like RICE, and propose a phased roadmap with success metrics.

Pro tip: Acknowledge the unique trust and safety challenges of hosting refugees, and suggest partnerships with NGOs to streamline vetting and support—showing you understand the product's mission beyond just metrics.

1. Clarify Objective & Constraints

Ask clarifying questions to understand the current state of Open Homes, its goals, and any constraints (e.g., budget, legal, trust & safety).

2. Identify User Segments & Pain Points

Map out key stakeholders (hosts, refugee guests, Airbnb ops, NGOs) and brainstorm their pain points through the journey.

3. Prioritize Opportunities

Use a prioritization framework (e.g., impact vs. effort, RICE) to select the most impactful improvements.

4. Propose Solutions & Roadmap

Detail 2-3 concrete improvements, explaining how they address pain points, and outline a phased rollout plan.

5. Define Success Metrics & Risks

Specify metrics to track success (e.g., host activation, guest satisfaction) and potential risks with mitigation strategies.

Key Points to Mention

  • Host acquisition and retention: simplify onboarding, provide training, and offer incentives like tax benefits or recognition.
  • Guest experience: streamline the booking process, offer language support, and ensure cultural integration.
  • Trust and safety: partner with NGOs for vetting, provide 24/7 support, and implement feedback loops.
  • Operational efficiency: automate matching, reduce manual coordination, and integrate with existing Airbnb systems.
  • Partnerships: collaborate with NGOs, governments, and community organizations to scale and build trust.
  • Metrics: track host activation rate, guest satisfaction, length of stay, and cost per placement.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.