We want to hire people at Airbnb with the desire to lead. How many people did you supervise in your last position?
Airbnb likes to promote leaders who set an example for others, show integrity in their work, and encourage the professional growth of others. Discuss with the interviewer your level of responsibility in your current position. If you have managed larger teams than you currently do, you can also discuss that particular role from your work history.
"Although I did not officially supervise anyone in my most recent position, I always kept my eye out for opportunities to lead or mentor the more junior staff."
"I supervise 12 employees with an overall project responsibility of 2M. In the role before this one, I managed 23 employees but with a smaller portfolio of 600,000. I can handle a large group of employees because I focus on making an impact as a team and communicating clearly. I also lead by making excellent judgment calls that benefit the team."
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
Currently, I lead a team of 5 employees with an overall project responsibility of 2M. I can handle a large range of employees because I focus on making an impact as a team, and communicating clearly. I also lead by making excellent judgment calls that benefit the team.
Stephanie's Feedback
You have a strong background of supervisory experience, which is a wonderful asset! My only suggestion is to change your choice of words from "I can handle a large range" to "I can successfully manage a large range" or something similar.
Anonymous Answer
In my most recent position, I regularly led a team of 4 to 5 engineers. However, there was a period when I had to step into the role of Director of Security Engineering on an interim basis. In this capacity, I led a global team of 15 people, including staff engineers and senior engineers who were supporting various security pillars.
This experience was instrumental in developing my leadership skills as I navigated through diverse team dynamics, and worked with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and time zones. It also aligned with Airbnb's 'Be a Host' value, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all team members.
Additionally, I often found myself providing guidance and leadership to cross-functional teams that included members from different departments. This required a collaborative approach, ensuring clear communication, and fostering a shared understanding of our security goals, reflecting the 'Every Frame Matters' principle."
Jaymie's Feedback
Great job walking the interviewer through your leadership experience with specific numbers of employees and responsibilities.
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