Describe a time you pursued excellence beyond what was required
Last updated: April 5, 2025
Quick Overview
Share an example where you went above the minimum requirements to deliver exceptional quality in your engineering work, and explain why you believed the extra effort was worth it.
Canva
April 5, 20258
5
2,234 solved
Share an example where you went above the minimum requirements to deliver exceptional quality in your engineering work, and explain why you believed the extra effort was worth it.
This maps to Canva's value 'Pursue Excellence.' Canva builds a product used by 260M+ people, and quality directly impacts trust and user experience. The interviewer wants to see that you have an internal quality bar that exceeds external requirements.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Show that the pursuit of excellence was a deliberate choice, not just overtime
- Explain why you believed higher quality was worth the additional effort
- Demonstrate awareness of the trade-off between excellence and shipping speed
- Share the measurable impact of the higher quality standard
Key Topics to Cover
How to Approach This
- Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Be specific about YOUR actions, not just the team outcome.
- Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced latency by 40%").
- Prepare stories for: conflict, failure, ambiguity, leadership, and technical trade-offs.
- Show growth mindset. Explain what you learned and how you changed your approach.
Possible Follow-up Questions
- How do you decide when good enough is good enough versus when excellence is required?
- How did your team react to the higher standard you set?
- Has there been a time when pursuing excellence delayed a project? How did you handle it?
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Browse Behavioral QuestionsSample Answer
Competency Being Evaluated
The interviewer is assessing your commitment to quality and craftsmanship in engineering. They want to understand how you prioritize excellence over merely meeting requirements and how you handle the ...
Answer Structure
- Context: Briefly describe the project and the standard requirements. 2. Decision: Explain the specific moment you decided to pursue higher quality. 3. Actions: Detail the steps you took...
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