Canva, the Australian-based design platform known for democratizing visual content creation, is stepping into a new frontier: redefining how candidates approach job interviews. The company has recently emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hiring process, particularly encouraging candidates to leverage AI tools to better prepare for interviews and enhance their applications. This move reflects a broader shift in how workplaces are embracing AI—not just in daily tasks, but also in how talent is assessed and presented.
A New Approach to Hiring
Traditionally, using external help in job applications—especially automation tools—has been viewed with skepticism. Candidates were often expected to present work that was entirely self-produced, with minimal assistance. However, Canva is actively challenging this norm. Instead of discouraging AI use, the company is promoting it as a valuable skill.
Their rationale is straightforward: today’s professionals are increasingly expected to be proficient in AI tools as part of their jobs. Whether it’s generating ideas, summarizing large volumes of data, or creating polished presentations, AI is becoming essential across industries. Canva argues that demonstrating effective use of these tools during an interview isn’t cheating—it’s simply showing readiness for the modern workplace.
AI Use as a Soft Skill
The shift toward AI literacy being treated as a desirable skill marks a significant change in hiring philosophy. For Canva, candidates who can use AI thoughtfully are demonstrating a combination of creativity, initiative, and digital fluency.
For example, a candidate who uses AI to polish their resume, generate tailored answers for common interview questions, or prepare a design sample quickly using Canva’s Magic Studio tools isn’t just using shortcuts. They’re showing they can work smart, not just hard.
This kind of practical use of AI mirrors real-world scenarios where employees must meet deadlines, synthesize large chunks of information, or produce content that resonates with diverse audiences—all within tight timeframes.
Internal Culture Driving the Shift
Canva’s own workplace practices seem to influence this open-mindedness. The company heavily incorporates AI into its operations, from customer support to product development. Internally, employees are encouraged to experiment with generative AI to enhance workflows and boost productivity. That same ethos is being extended to how potential hires are evaluated.
This alignment between internal culture and hiring expectations creates consistency in what Canva values in a team member. Rather than viewing AI use as cutting corners, they see it as aligning with the company’s culture of innovation and agility.
Addressing Concerns About Fairness and Authenticity
Naturally, this approach raises questions about fairness. Critics argue that reliance on AI could mask a candidate’s actual abilities or give an unfair edge to those more technologically savvy. However, Canva is careful to draw a line between using AI as a supportive tool and misrepresenting oneself.
For instance, using AI to brainstorm potential answers or generate talking points is encouraged—but passing off AI-written content as original, especially in roles that require deep domain expertise, would likely be noticed during deeper interview rounds.
Canva’s hiring teams are trained to spot signs of genuine understanding versus scripted or shallow answers. The company maintains that AI should be a support tool, not a crutch.
Preparing Candidates for the Future of Work
Beyond the immediate hiring process, Canva believes that encouraging candidates to use AI prepares them for broader changes in the workplace. As AI tools become more deeply embedded into professional settings, knowing how to use them effectively is no longer optional.
In fact, many of Canva’s roles explicitly require familiarity with generative AI or large language models. For job seekers, showcasing their AI proficiency is no different from demonstrating proficiency in Excel, Photoshop, or other industry-standard tools.
This broader view of hiring—where job interviews are not just assessments, but opportunities to demonstrate future-readiness—is part of Canva’s wider goal to build teams that are adaptable and forward-looking.
Redefining Merit in the Age of AI
Ultimately, Canva’s stance raises an important philosophical question: how do we define merit in an age where tools can significantly augment human capability?
By encouraging candidates to use AI thoughtfully, Canva is suggesting that merit isn’t just about raw output. It’s about how effectively someone uses available resources to achieve goals. In this light, a candidate who leverages AI to create a compelling presentation may be just as capable—if not more so—than one who does it all manually but less efficiently.
This shift could have wide-ranging implications for how hiring practices evolve globally, especially in industries increasingly reliant on digital tools.
Conclusion
Canva’s push for AI adoption in job interviews is more than just a trendy idea—it’s a reflection of the rapidly changing landscape of work. By embracing AI in the recruitment process, the company is not only highlighting the importance of digital literacy but also challenging outdated norms about what constitutes “authentic” talent.
As businesses around the world navigate the implications of artificial intelligence, Canva’s forward-thinking approach may set a precedent for others to follow: evaluate people not just on what they do, but how they think—and how well they adapt.
