What was one question you didn't want me to ask today?
This question is a stand-in for the common 'What is your greatest weakness' question. The interviewer expects you to be unprepared because it's an uncommon way of asking this question. You may be less scripted than other points in your interview, and the interviewer wants to see how you deal with that.
Two scenarios commonly play out: either a candidate blurts out a weakness, or they pause and respond with something thoughtful. This question gives the interviewer information about you, but it also allows them to determine if you can think on your feet and answer a challenging question. Use this as an opportunity to show how weakness can be a strength or explain something they have not yet asked but may be an objection to you getting the job. It is then up to you to overcome the opposition.
Remember: it is okay to pause and be thoughtful about your response rather than blurting something out or seeming too rehearsed. Be prepared, but be sincere in your replies.
"I was hoping to avoid discussing why it took me five years to graduate college. I was working full-time while attending college and double majoring. I initially took the full course load while working full time, then switched my major, which added a semester. Determined, I hunkered down and upped the course load while working full-time. I bit off more than I could chew. It could have taken me longer, but I learned to understand my limitations. I learned a lot in and outside of the classroom, including time management and upping productivity. I know these are important skills that I bring to any position, and I look forward to leveraging them here at Airbnb."
"Well, I suppose I didn't want you to ask me why I rescinded my application three years ago. I've felt a bit embarrassed about it since. The truth is, I thought, at the time, I was ready to leave my current organization and was well positioned to compete for a position at Airbnb, which I've been hopeful about working with since college. But I decided that I needed more time and experience to be the superstar I wanted to be at Airbnb. In these past three years, I feel I've learned everything I could to shine here, and I can't wait to put those last three years of learning and growth into action."
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
What is my weakness
Alexandra's Feedback
If I were the interviewer I would ask you why you were hoping this question wouldn't be asked.
Anonymous Answer
Given Airbnb's core value of embracing adventure, there really isn't a question I wouldn't want you to ask. Every question is an opportunity to learn, grow, and share my expertise and views, whether it's about my skills, my past experiences, or even my failures. After all, every frame matters, and being open to challenging queries aligns with my own professional values as well as those of Airbnb. So please, feel free to ask anything you feel is relevant.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a great response!
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