If you enjoy mystery novels where the plot twists keep you guessing, Canva’s hiring process might be for you! After two separate interview cycles (one for a Lead Data Scientist role and another for Analytics Engineering Manager role) over nine months, passing multiple technical and leadership rounds, and even receiving a verbal offer, I can confidently say that Canva’s recruitment strategy is best described as “Schrödinger’s Job Offer”—simultaneously extended and retracted depending on which way the wind is blowing in the leadership team. A few highlights from my experience: • Job Openings are a Suggestion, Not a Commitment. Applied for the Lead Data Scientist role in March 2024, made it to the final round, only to be told on that the position had been paused. Two months later, it reopened and I was invited to a team meet and greet. On the day of the final meet and greet, I was told that the role was downgraded to an individual contributor role and was no longer available. • The Waiting Game, Canva Edition. The Analytics Engineering Manager process took over three months, five interview rounds, and several reassurances that an offer was coming—only to have the role pulled after the verbal offer because the leadership suddenly decided it was no longer needed. To be fair, the recruiter was polite and the interview itself was okay. Unfortunately, they were also stuck delivering last-minute bad news like an overworked crisis PR team. At its core, Canva’s hiring process seems to operate under the principle of “Move Fast and Break Candidates’ Spirits.” If you decide to apply for a role…just fasten your seatbelt and get ready for the ride