Canva, the design platform known for integrating AI features into its tools, now expects job candidates to use AI during interviews. This move is part of the company\u2019s broader \u00abAI Everywhere\u00bb strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u00abCandidates for roles in Backend, Machine Learning, and Frontend Engineering must now use AI tools \u2014 such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or Claude \u2014 during technical interviews,\u00bb the company announced.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Why the shift?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to Canva, nearly half of its front and backend engineers use AI daily for prototyping, code navigation, and generating initial solutions. So, the company decided that if AI is part of the job, it should also be part of the hiring process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Previously, candidates were asked to solve algorithmic challenges manually without AI assistance. That\u2019s changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u00abWe want to see how candidates interact with AI, collaborate with it, and make decisions,\u00bb Canva explained. \u00abThis gives a much more accurate signal of how they will work in reality.\u00bb<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Traditional coding questions \u2014 often solvable in seconds by AI \u2014 no longer reflect a candidate\u2019s real-world problem-solving abilities. The company says the focus has shifted: when AI generates part of the code, the real test is how well a developer can analyze, adapt, and improve that output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s new?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Canva has completely redesigned its technical assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nInstead of asking candidates to implement a classic challenge like Conway\u2019s Game of Life<\/em>, interviewers might pose a more open-ended task like: \u00abBuild a system for managing aircraft takeoffs and landings at a high-traffic airport.\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The new format is called AI-Assisted Coding, which is replacing the old Computer Science Fundamentals approach. Candidates are asked to solve practical, real-world problems using AI tools of their choice.
Importantly, candidates are informed in advance that AI will be part of the interview, giving them time to prepare.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDuring these sessions, interviewers assess:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Can the candidate use AI effectively?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do they understand vague or complex requirements?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Are they making the right engineering decisions?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Can they identify and fix bugs in AI-generated code?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do their choices align with production-level standards?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
According to Canva, top-performing candidates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n