Interview QuestionsSetting Thinking Time

Setting Thinking Time

Explain what Thinking Time is and how to set the preparation time before a candidate starts recording.

What is Thinking Time?

Thinking Time is the preparation window candidates get before they start recording their response. They can use it to collect their thoughts and plan their answer.

How to Set Thinking Time

Create or edit the question

Open the question settings when you create a new question or edit an existing one.

Find the Thinking Time field

Locate the Thinking Time field in the question settings.

Enter a value from 0 to 3 minutes

Set Thinking Time to a number between 0 and 3.

Setting Options

  • 0 minutes — No preparation time; the candidate starts recording immediately.
  • 1 minute — The candidate has 60 seconds to prepare before recording starts.
  • 2 minutes — The candidate has 120 seconds to think and prepare.
  • 3 minutes — The maximum of 180 seconds of preparation time is available.

Best Practices

  • 0 min — Use for spontaneous or quick questions.
  • 1 min — Use for standard interview questions.
  • 2 to 3 min — Use for complex or detailed questions that require thought.
  • More thinking time — Better prepared answers.
  • Less thinking time — More spontaneous responses.