A Complete Guide to the Airbnb Data Scientist Interview

Airbnb has always been one of the most sought-after companies for data roles, especially among international students looking to land a job in North America. With its large user base and data-rich environment, the company expects a lot from its data scientists—not just technically, but also in terms of product understanding and communication. The interview process reflects this balance, testing both hard skills and how well you can apply them to real-world business questions.

SQL and Python make up a big part of the technical screening, often tied to actual business scenarios. You might be asked to analyze booking trends, evaluate host performance, or find patterns in how users behave on the platform. It’s rarely just about getting the syntax right—you’ll need to think through your logic, define assumptions when table structures are missing, and explain what your output means in a business context. These questions often resemble problems you’d face on the job, which makes your approach just as important as your final answer.

Beyond the coding, Airbnb cares a lot about how you think. If you make a claim based on the data, can you back it up? Have you considered alternative explanations or edge cases? Many interviews involve A/B testing—how to set it up, what metrics matter, and how to interpret the results. There isn’t always a clear “right” answer, so being able to reason through your choices and explain them simply is key. If you’ve worked on projects where you had to test hypotheses or make product suggestions, those examples can go a long way.

Communication also plays a huge role. At Airbnb, data scientists work closely with product managers, engineers, designers, and marketing teams. It’s not enough to be technically strong—you also need to translate your findings for people without a data background. In mock interviews, it might mean explaining a complex analysis in simple terms or showing empathy for the end user’s experience. For international students, practicing this skill can make a big difference, especially if English isn’t your first language.

In short, the Airbnb interview is tough, but it’s also a good reflection of the work you'd actually be doing. If you prepare beyond the technicals—think about your logic, your product sense, and your communication—you’ll be in a much stronger position to succeed.