Backend Software Engineer Interview Experience - Sydney, Australia
Process
I was referred by a friend at Canva. I had a nice, brief chat with someone from recruiting to make sure I had some technical background.
After a few days, I had an online coding session, similar to a traditional Google Doc algorithm question asked by most companies.
After that, I went onsite for two back-to-back interviews:
- The first focused on technical design/algorithms.
- The second was more focused on writing real, quality code.
Questions
I can't discuss too many details, but the first onsite interview was a pretty typical algorithm-based question with whiteboarding coding. It involved discussing time complexities as well as estimations around space and CPU cycles.
The second question was more hands-on, with actual coding using a provided laptop alongside two different engineers. You get heaps of information about what to expect before heading onsite.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 3 interview experiences for the Canva Backend Software Engineer role in Sydney, Australia.
Success Rate
Canva's interview process for their Backend Software Engineer roles in Sydney, Australia is fairly selective, failing a large portion of engineers who go through it.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very good feelings for Canva's Backend Software Engineer interview process in Sydney, Australia.
Canva Work Experiences
- 4.0Great place to work, could pay a bit moreBackend Software Engineer • Current EmployeeSydney, AustraliaSeptember 4, 2024Pros: food, people, good working cultureCons: Could pay a bit more.
- 5.0Experience, Growth and Good TimesBackend Software Engineer • Current EmployeeSydney, New South Wales, AustraliaApril 11, 2021Pros: Great opportunities to work on a product that millions of people use. Canva is growing fast, so there is plenty of work to do. Accelerated growth of your career, especially if you're new to the software industry. Fun and challenging technical problems to tackle. Lots of things to learn and a very newbie-friendly environment for new opportunities for self-improvement; a variety of tools and technologies used, and a strong emphasis on utilising and improving technical and communication skills. Everyone around you is really smart, helpful, and accepting. Newbie-friendly environment; a coach/buddy system allows you to maximise your potential. Lots of fun events and meaningful activities to participate in, including charity work. Remote-friendly working environment and flexible hours.Cons: - Can be a bit of a learning curve (in terms of technical skills), especially if you haven't had much work experience (even if you find the interview process relatively easy). - There are lots of things happening and lots of things to keep track of, which at times can be overwhelming (but you slowly get used to it).
- 3.0Going from startup to corporationSoftware Engineer • Current EmployeeSydney, AustraliaNovember 7, 2025Pros: - Good culture. - Good salaries above market. - Get to play with the latest AIs.Cons: Moving from a startup into a corporation mentality.
Canva Interview Questions
