Interview timer
Practise your Civil Service interview answers with a timer. Set your slot length and get a gentle alert when time is up. No sign-up required.
💡 Tip
Most Civil Service interview answers should last 2–3 minutes. That is roughly 250–350 words spoken. Use this timer to get a feel for how long your answers actually take.
Choose your timer
Select a duration above to start practising.
How to use this timer
- Pick a question. Choose a behaviour interview question from our question bank.
- Set the timer. Most answers work best at 2–3 minutes. Presentation slots are often 5–10 minutes.
- Practise out loud. Do not just think through your answer — say it aloud. This is how you will perform at interview.
- Review. When the timer ends, ask yourself: did I cover Situation, Task, Action, and Result? Did I rush? Did I waffle?
Timing guidance by answer type
| Answer type | Recommended time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviour question (STAR) | 2–3 minutes | Enough time for detail without losing the panel's attention. |
| Strength-based question | 1–2 minutes | These are shorter and more conversational. Do not over-rehearse. |
| Follow-up question | 30–60 seconds | Direct, focused answers. The panel is probing a specific point. |
| Presentation | 5–10 minutes | Check the brief — times vary significantly by role and grade. |
📄 From the official guidance
Civil Service interviews are typically structured and timed. The panel will have a set of questions and a scoring sheet. They may cut you off if you go over time — not to be rude, but to keep the interview fair for all candidates. Practise finishing within the limit.