Senior Database Administrator Interview Preparation Guide for Airbnb
Database Administrator
Airbnb
Senior
8 rounds
Updated 2/22/2026
Airbnb's interview process for senior technical roles typically follows a funnel structure: an initial recruiter screening, followed by 1-2 remote technical phone screens to assess core competencies, and then 5-7 onsite interview rounds combining technical depth assessments, system design challenges, practical problem-solving, and behavioral evaluation. For Database Administrators, the process emphasizes hands-on technical skills, architectural thinking, operational excellence, and cultural fit.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening
45 min3 focus topicsculture fit
2
Phone Screen: SQL and Database Fundamentals
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
3
Phone Screen: Performance Tuning and Troubleshooting
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
4
Onsite Round 1: Technical Assessment - SQL and Query Optimization
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
5
Onsite Round 2: Database Design and Architecture
60 min6 focus topicssystem design
6
Onsite Round 3: Performance Optimization and Troubleshooting Deep Dive
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
7
Onsite Round 4: System Reliability, Disaster Recovery, and Operations
60 min6 focus topicstechnical
8
Onsite Round 5: Behavioral Interview and Cultural Fit
45 min5 focus topicsbehavioral