Before each question in your Truffle interview, you may receive time to prepare your response before recording begins. This is called thinking time.
During thinking time, you will see the question on screen and a countdown timer. You can start recording whenever you are ready, or wait for the timer to end and recording will begin automatically. Use this window to read the question, gather your thoughts, and get ready.
How much thinking time you get
Thinking time is set by the interviewer and varies by question. It can range from no thinking time at all to unlimited preparation time.
If there is no thinking time, recording begins as soon as the question appears. There is no separate preparation window in that case.
If the interviewer sets unlimited thinking time, there is no countdown. You start recording when you are ready.
How thinking time helps you
Show your best self — You have a moment to collect your thoughts before responding.
Structure your response — Use the time to mentally outline what you want to say.
Reduce nerves — A short pause to breathe and refocus can make a real difference.
Tips for using your thinking time
Read the full question before you start planning your response.
Mentally outline key points you want to cover in your answer.
Stay calm — thinking time is built in to help you, not to add pressure.
Do not overthink it — a few clear points are better than a perfect script.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start recording before thinking time ends?
Yes. You can start recording at any point during thinking time. If you do not start manually, recording begins automatically when the countdown finishes.
What if there is no thinking time?
Some questions are set up with no thinking time. In that case, recording starts as soon as the question appears on screen. Respond naturally — there is no expectation that you will have a prepared answer.
Does thinking time affect how my response is evaluated?
No. Thinking time is preparation time only. Your response is evaluated based on what you say during the recording, not on how you use thinking time.