Instant interviews can help you share your qualifications with clients. Uma™, Upwork’s Mindful AI, will ask you project-specific questions from the client and record the interview. It also evaluates how well the experiences and the skills you describe align with the experiences and skills the client wants for the project, helping clients make hiring decisions more quickly.
When you’re submitting proposals for jobs on Upwork, you may see job posts where the client requires an instant interview with Uma™, Upwork’s Mindful AI.
Here’s what you need to know about instant interviews and how to make the most of them.
What are instant interviews?
An instant interview is a first step in the proposal process, where Uma™ asks you questions from the client and records the interview.
Completing an instant interview:
- Gives you a chance to showcase your qualifications and gain more insight into the job requirements
- Helps clients move forward faster — which can help you get hired faster
- Lets you interview at a time that’s convenient for you
Uma™ will evaluate how the work experience and skills you describe match the client’s job post. Clients will also be able to see video of the interview, an AI-generated summary of the interview, and a transcript of your responses.
How do I participate in instant interviews?
You can interview when it works for you — no need to schedule a meeting. The interview usually takes 5-10 minutes, and you must complete it in English.
On desktop: how to take the interview
- If a job requires instant interviews, you’ll see a pop-up when you choose Apply. Choose Continue
- When you’re ready, select Start interview and follow the on-screen instructions
- Answer project-specific questions from the client
- Review your proposal, adding any notes or work samples you want, and submit
On the mobile app: start the process
You’ll need to use a desktop or laptop to complete the interview. If you’re using the mobile app, you can either save the job or get a link sent to your email to complete the interview later. To get a link sent to your email:
- If a job requires an instant interview, you’ll see a pop-up when you choose Apply. Choose Continue to interview
- Select Send me an interview link. A link will be sent to your email so that you can complete the interview on a larger device
What’s next after the instant interview?
- Once you’ve completed the interview, you’ll have a chance to review your proposal and add notes or attach work samples before submitting
- After you submit your proposal and the instant interview has been processed, you’ll see a status badge showing it was included. You’ll also be able to view your video and transcript
- You can’t edit or retake the interview, but you can still make other proposal edits, such as adding attachments or changing your bid amount
- Clients can review your proposal, including your interview, and decide on next steps
What are some tips for a successful instant interview?
As with any client interview, be prepared and show your best work.
- Prepare in advance — After you submit your proposal, you won’t be able to retake the interview, so be sure to prepare before you start
- Review the job post and anticipate possible questions
- Have a few work samples ready in case you want to share them during the interview
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet interview area
- Check your lighting and background, and dress like you would for a client video call — the client may watch your recording later
- Keep answers concise — Focus on relevant experience. Help the client quickly understand what you can do for them
Frequently Asked Questions
If a client requires an instant interview for their job post, you must complete it in order to submit your proposal. If the job post does not require it, you can submit your proposal without completing an interview.
No. You will not be charged Connects if you take the interview but choose not to submit a proposal afterward.
Yes. If the job post requires an instant interview, you must complete one—even if the client has invited you.
No. Once you submit your proposal, you cannot retake the instant interview. Be sure to prepare and record your best answers before submission.
No. Instant interviews replace the traditional cover letter. However, you can still include optional notes or attachments with your proposal.
Each instant interview is project-specific. If a different job post requires an interview, you'll need to complete a new one—even if you've done one previously.
No. Instant interviews must be completed in English.
Instant interviews are designed to focus solely on the information you share about your skills and experience—not on how you look, sound, or where you're from.
No. Instant interviews evaluate whether your skills and work experience match the requirements in the client’s job post—not your speaking style.