An online test on HackerRank, after finishing the coding challenge, I received an email informing me that my work was considered not qualified.

I was very curious about the reason, as the test contained only one algorithm question. I was pretty sure my answer should have been the best. So, I wrote an email to their recruiter to ask why I was turned down. I just wanted to know the reason and whether they could suggest a better way than my solution, if possible.

Then, the recruiter replied, stating that they had a plagiarism checker. This implied they thought I was a cheater and might have copied the code from elsewhere.

At that point, I was furious and told them that the algorithm question they gave me was not that difficult. In fact, I first encountered this question on LeetCode. Later, during an interview at Microsoft China this year, they presented me with the same question. So, this was at least my third time seeing it. I knew the best solution, but that meant I was a cheater?

Therefore, for those who will take their coding challenges online, I have some suggestions:

Do not try to solve an algorithm question in the best way, because the great Canva will think you are a cheater. Their successful, so-called "plagiarism checker" is so smart that it can tell your code is nothing but rubbish-like copy work.

I have never been so angry and disappointed before. Their arrogant attitude is a total disaster. I would recommend they not use this method anymore, because the better the code candidates provide, the more likely Canva will consider it plagiarism.

Very funny. I am writing this interview experience just to let everybody know and to be fully prepared if you are going to take such an interesting online test with Canva.

An online coding challenge.

Solve a very easy algorithm in about an hour using the two-window or slider technique.