We encourage innovation at Airbnb. What does innovation mean to you?
Because innovation is an often misused word with room for interpretation, it's essential to understand what innovation means in the tech space and to Airbnb. Here are some ways to be innovative:
- The creation of new products or services
- The reconceptualization of existing products or services
- The suggestion of better approaches
- The simplifying of tasks
Talk to the interviewer about a product or service you created.
"To me, innovation is creating new products and services that are useful to customers and helping my company stand out further in their space. I believe innovation means thriving on change and remaining nimble in your work. Innovation can mean creating a new and powerful idea or simplifying an existing one."
"In my previous role, I was fortunate enough to rise to a particular challenge by introducing a gold-level service that added service options on top of our general customer service. Our customer base responded very positively, and we kept the program running for a few years before it evolved into another program with other options, adhering to the trends in our industry. As I see it, kaizen is the micro-improvements that, when combined, can lead to macro-improvements. I view the first step towards innovation as having a clear concept of the big picture. I think of the big picture as a map. But how you get there is the innovation. Sometimes it is broken up into those kaizen micro-goals, or sometimes it's a moonshot."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
To me, innovation is creating.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good start! Try expanding on what innovation/creating means to you, and how you have innovated in the workplace in the past.
Anonymous Answer
"To me, innovation is about pushing boundaries and continually seeking ways to improve and evolve, reflecting Airbnb's 'Cereal Entrepreneur' value. It means challenging the status quo, asking probing questions, and being open to new ideas and perspectives, embodying the 'Embrace the Adventure' spirit. Innovation is not just about technology or products, it also involves rethinking processes, systems, and strategies, in line with the 'Every Frame Matters' principle. Furthermore, true innovation considers the wider societal impact, aiming to create solutions that benefit communities and the environment, reflecting the 'Champion the Mission' value. In essence, innovation is about fostering growth, creating value, and driving positive change."
Jaymie's Feedback
Excellent!
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