{"id":3790,"date":"2022-01-10T06:53:38","date_gmt":"2022-01-10T14:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/?post_type=doc&#038;p=3790"},"modified":"2024-08-29T12:09:43","modified_gmt":"2024-08-29T19:09:43","slug":"focus-time","status":"publish","type":"doc","link":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/resources\/docs\/interview\/focus-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Focus Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Focus time<\/strong> is an Interview platform feature that gives candidates 5 minutes of quiet, unobserved time to collect their thoughts, and start working on a solution, before the interview starts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav aria-label=\"Table of Contents\"><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#start-focus-time\">Start Focus Time<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#end-focus-time-early\">End Focus Time early<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#after-the-interview\">After the interview<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#disable-enable-focus-time\">Disable\/enable Focus Time<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"start-focus-time\">Start Focus Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both the interviewer and the candidate can start Focus Time. In the pad, click the <strong>Focus <\/strong>button in the left tabs menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-24.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"123\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-24.png\" alt=\"The focus time button is highlighted in the left tab menu.\" class=\"wp-image-37296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-24.png 123w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-24-115x300.png 115w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-24-5x12.png 5w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 123px) 100vw, 123px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>A pop-up opens explaining the benefits of Focus Time. The interviewer sees this pop up:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-25.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"598\" height=\"329\" src=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-25.png\" alt=\"start focus time. How can you assess a candidate's coding skillset when they're under artificial stress? Giving a qualified candidate a few minutes to collect their thoughts can drastically improve their ability to pass technical assessments.\" class=\"wp-image-37299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-25.png 598w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-25-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-25-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The candidate sees this one:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-26.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"456\" height=\"198\" src=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-26.png\" alt=\"&quot;start focus time. you're stressed, we get it. you're more likely to perform better if you take a few minutes to collect your thoughts. focus time &quot;pauses&quot; your interview for 5 minutes so you can think through the problem on your own, without the interviewer watching. we'll ring a bell when 10 seconds are left, and again when time is up.&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-37301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-26.png 456w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-26-300x130.png 300w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image-26-18x8.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 456px) 100vw, 456px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>To start Focus Time, click <strong>Begin Focus Time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The interviewer\u2019s screen blurs out and they have no audio or video while Focus Time is in progress:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d2h1bfu6zrdxog.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image-67.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/d2h1bfu6zrdxog.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image-67-1024x463.png\" alt=\"A pad with the &quot;focus time in-progress&quot; window open. The remaining time is shown. The pad itself is blurred in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-19176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image-67-1024x463.png 1024w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image-67-300x136.png 300w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image-67-768x348.png 768w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image-67-1536x695.png 1536w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image-67.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The candidate has access to the pad and can begin working on a solution:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d2h1bfu6zrdxog.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-61.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/d2h1bfu6zrdxog.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-61-1024x476.png\" alt=\"A pad is shown with the focus time timer shown at the top of the pad. \" class=\"wp-image-24270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-61-1024x476.png 1024w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-61-300x139.png 300w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-61-768x357.png 768w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-61-1536x714.png 1536w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-61-18x8.png 18w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-61.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Both the interviewer and candidate see the Focus Time clock counting down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The interviewer and candidate are alerted with a pleasant sound when Focus Time reaches 0:00 minutes. At that time, Focus Time ends, the pad unblurs, audio and video return, and the interview begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"end-focus-time-early\">End Focus Time early<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>\u2757We highly caution against an interviewer ending Focus Time early, as this leads to a poor candidate experience.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Interviewers can click the <strong>End Early<\/strong> button to end Focus Time before the 5 minutes is up.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_61dc487954e36.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/img_61dc487954e36.png\" alt=\"&quot;focus time in progress. while your candidate is taking 5 minutes to wrap their head around the coding assessment you gave them, you can learn more about why focus time is a good idea, take a break, or (quickly) go get something else done. Turn your sound up to hear a notification sound when focus time is done.&quot;\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Candidates can end Focus Time early clicking on the timer drop-down and clicking on <strong>End Early<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/image-3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"813\" height=\"777\" src=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/image-3.png\" alt=\"The image shows a section of a coding interview platform where &quot;Focus Time&quot; is active. Here\u2019s a detailed description:\n\n- **Focus Time Countdown:** At the top, there is a countdown timer labeled &quot;Focus Time,&quot; which currently shows 2 minutes and 37 seconds remaining. This feature provides candidates with 5 minutes of uninterrupted time to think or plan their approach to a coding problem.\n\n- **Explanation:** A message explains the purpose of Focus Time, stating that &quot;Focus Time (5 minutes of alone time to think) has been shown to drastically improve a candidates\u2019 ability to pass technical assessments.&quot; It reassures the candidate that the interviewer cannot see what they are doing during this time.\n\n- **Encouragement:** The message encourages the candidate to use this time to plan, brainstorm, or take a deep breath before diving back into the task.\n\n- **Sound:** There\u2019s a mention of a sound, &quot;Intro 01&quot; by rhodesmas \/ CC-BY, which might be playing in the background during Focus Time.\n\n- **End Early Button:** At the bottom of the dialog, there\u2019s a prominent green button labeled &quot;End Early,&quot; allowing the candidate to end Focus Time before the 5 minutes are up if they are ready to continue with the interview.\n\nThis feature is designed to help candidates perform better by giving them a brief period to gather their thoughts without the pressure of being observed.\" class=\"wp-image-40828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/image-3.png 813w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/image-3-300x287.png 300w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/image-3-768x734.png 768w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/image-3-13x12.png 13w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"after-the-interview\">After the interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Interviewers can review the candidate\u2019s progress during Focus Time in Playback Mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more in <a href=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/blog\/product-updates\/focus-time-launch\/\">our Focus Time article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"disable-enable-focus-time\">Disable\/enable Focus Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To turn Focus Time on or off, simply navigate to the <a href=\"https:\/\/app.coderpad.io\/dashboard\/organization\/settings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Organization settings page<\/a> and scroll to the <em>Manage Pad<\/em> section of the screen. You&#8217;ll see this toggle under the <em>Focus Time<\/em> section, which you can use to enable or disable the setting:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/d2h1bfu6zrdxog.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-4.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"408\" height=\"154\" src=\"https:\/\/d2h1bfu6zrdxog.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-4.png\" alt=\"Section header says &quot;focus time&quot;. There is a toggle with text next to it that says &quot;enable focus time for your organization&quot;. below that is text that says &quot;focus time allows your candidates to perform better during interviews&quot;.\" class=\"wp-image-32017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-4.png 408w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-4-300x113.png 300w, https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/image-4-18x7.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"parent":16734,"menu_order":5,"template":"","class_list":["post-3790","doc","type-doc","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc\/3790","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/doc"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc\/3790\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40829,"href":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc\/3790\/revisions\/40829"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc\/16734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coderpad.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3790"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}