Airbnb’s interview process is arguably the most design-centric and culturally protective in Silicon Valley. While their engineering bar is exceptionally high (they pioneered many modern frontend and data engineering frameworks), they evaluate every candidate through the lens of their core values: 'Be a Host', 'Champion the Mission', 'Be a Cereal Entrepreneur' (scrappiness), and 'Embrace the Adventure'. The defining feature of an Airbnb interview is the 'Cross-Functional' (Core Values) round, conducted by two interviewers from entirely different departments who hold absolute veto power over your technical performance. They are looking for extreme empathy, a deep appreciation for the aesthetic and emotional details of the user experience, and a genuine passion for human connection and travel.