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The scoop on prep time

Ace your asynchronous interview with our guide to preparation time. Learn how to use the time wisely before each question.

Updated over 2 months ago

Before each question in your Truffle interview, you’ll get a short window to gather your thoughts. This is called thinking time. It’s your moment to pause, prep, and breathe before the recording begins.

You’ll see the question, take a beat to prepare, and then the recording will start automatically—unless your interviewer chose unlimited time.

How much time will you get?

Your interviewer picks the prep time based on the type of question. Here’s a quick rundown:

Thinking Time

Why it's used

Typical Questions

15–30 sec

Quick gut-checks that test how clearly you can respond under pressure

Sales or support-style questions

1 min

Straightforward prompts that benefit from a short outline

Task-oriented or process questions

2 min (default)

A solid balance between thinking and spontaneity

Most role-based questions

5 min

For deeper, more complex challenges or case-style prompts

Management or decision-making scenarios

Unlimited

Creative questions that deserve space to explore

Portfolio reviews, brainstorms, storytelling

You’ll always see the countdown so you know exactly how much prep time you have.

Is prep time a disadvantage?

Not at all! In fact, it’s built to help you:

Show your best self – No pressure to wing it on the spot.

🧠 Structure your thoughts – You can use the built-in notepad to sketch your answer.

😌 Reduce nerves – Taking 30 seconds to breathe can make all the difference.

Tips for making the most of your prep

  • Read the question fully before you start planning your answer

  • Note key points in the prep notepad if it helps organize your thinking

  • Stay calm and don’t overthink it—this is your time to shine


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