Describe a time you set a crazy big goal and achieved it
Last updated: April 5, 2025
Quick Overview
Share a specific example where you set an ambitious goal that others considered unrealistic, and describe how you planned and executed to achieve it.
Canva
April 5, 20259
6
2,567 solved
Share a specific example where you set an ambitious goal that others considered unrealistic, and describe how you planned and executed to achieve it.
This maps to Canva's value 'Set Crazy Big Goals.' Canva went from a startup to a $26B company by setting seemingly impossible goals (democratize design for everyone, reach 1 billion users). The interviewer wants to see that you think beyond incremental improvements and are willing to pursue ambitious targets.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Clearly articulate why the goal was considered ambitious or unrealistic
- Show how you broke the big goal into achievable milestones
- Demonstrate persistence through obstacles and setbacks
- Share the outcome and what you learned about setting ambitious goals
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
- What was the biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
- How did you get buy-in from stakeholders who were skeptical?
- If you could do it again, what would you do differently?
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Browse Behavioral QuestionsSample Answer
What the Interviewer is Really Asking
The interviewer is evaluating your ability to set and achieve ambitious goals, particularly those that may seem unrealistic to others. They want to understand your strategic planning skills, how you m...
Strong Answer Structure
- Contextualize the Goal: Explain what the ambitious goal was and why it was seen as unrealistic.
- Planning and Milestones: Describe how you broke down this goal into actionable steps and...
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