Video 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 your described experiences and the skills align with the project to help clients make decisions more quickly.
What are video interviews?
When you’re submitting proposals on Upwork, you may see job posts where the client requires a video interview with Uma™, Upwork’s Mindful AI.
Instead of a cover letter, you'll start with a virtual interview, where Uma™ asks you questions from the client and records the interview.
A video interview lets you:
- Showcase your qualifications
- Interview at a time that’s convenient for you
- Get a contract faster, as it helps clients move forward faster
Uma™ will evaluate how your described work experience and skills match the job post. Clients will also be able to see the full interview video, an AI-generated summary, and the transcript.
How do I complete a video interview?
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 video 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 a video 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
Why did my recorded interview upload fail or get stuck?
This typically occurs due to fluctuations in internet connectivity. Because video files require a consistent, high-bandwidth connection, even a momentary drop can cause the upload to stall or fail.
Tips for a smoother upload:
- Use a stable connection: Connect via a strong Wi-Fi signal or, ideally, a wired Ethernet connection
- Prioritize bandwidth: Close other high-data apps, such as streaming or large downloads, during the upload to ensure the video has the priority it needs
What’s next after the video interview?
- Once your video interview is complete, you’ll see a badge confirming it was included with your proposal — along with access to the video and transcript
- While the interview itself can’t be edited or redone, you can still make changes to the rest of your proposal. That includes updating your bid, adding notes, or attaching work samples to better showcase your expertise
- Clients will be able to review your full proposal, including the interview, before deciding on next steps
What are some tips for a successful video interview?
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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 to share
- 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
- Keep answers concise — Focus on relevant experience. Help the client quickly understand what you can do for them
Am I required to do a video interview via AI?
If a client requires a video interview for their job post, you must complete it in order to submit your proposal. If the job post doesn't require it, you'll submit your proposal without completing an interview.
If I decide not to submit my proposal after the interview, will I still be charged Connects for interviewing?
No. You will not be charged Connects if you take the interview but choose not to submit a proposal afterward.
Will I still need to do a video interview if the client invites me to their job?
Yes. If the job post requires a video interview, you must complete one—even if the client has invited you.
Can I redo my video interview if I’m not happy with my answers when I watch the video?
No. Once you submit your proposal, you cannot retake the video interview. Be sure to prepare and record your best answers before submission.
Do I still need to submit a cover letter when I do a video interview?
No. Video interviews replace the traditional cover letter. However, you can still include optional notes or attachments with your proposal.
Can I do video interviews in a language other than English?
No. Video interviews must be completed in English.
What measures have you taken to ensure video interviews are fair and equitable?
Video 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.