Upwage runs AI interviews for high-volume hourly and frontline hiring, and its interviews are typed, not spoken. A text-based chat interview usually starts within minutes of applying, and an AI analyst rates your answers for the recruiter. This page explains what Upwage is, what the interview is like, what it scores, the rules and practicalities, and how to prepare. We researched Upwage's own candidate pages and independent reports in November 2026; employers configure these tools differently, so your invitation has the final word.
What Upwage is
Upwage's AI interviewer asks STAR-style behavioral questions with personalized follow-ups; its AI analyst rates each competency low, medium or high and gives an overall rating. Recruiters decide. Upwage published a bias audit in May 2026.
Who uses it: Gopuff, REI, Jackson Hewitt, MasterCorp, Carenet Health, Easterseals, Metropolis and Compass Group, according to Upwage's case studies.
What the interview is like
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Format | A typed chat interview in your browser |
| How you get it | Often attached to the apply button, or a text message with a link |
| Length | Upwage advertises screens of about five minutes |
| Availability | Any time, day or night |
| Languages | Upwage says any language; one customer cites Spanish and Creole screeners |
What it scores
- Employer-defined competencies, using Situation-Task-Action-Result questions with follow-ups.
- A low, medium or high rating for each competency and an overall rating.
- The recruiter reviews and decides.
Rules and practicalities
- You can pause and resume.
- Retakes and time limits are not stated.
How to prepare
- Write complete answers; you can pause and come back.
- Use the STAR structure: situation, task, action and result.
- Mention specific skills the job asks for, with real examples.
- Expect the interview right after you apply, so apply when you have a few quiet minutes.
Answering well when an AI is asking
- Write complete answers in full sentences; short replies give the scoring model little evidence.
- Use a simple structure: the situation, your action and the result.
- Mention the specific skills and experience the job asks for, with examples.
- Proofread before sending, since you usually cannot edit an answer afterward.
For a free practice routine, see how to practice for an AI interview for free. Other AI interviewers work differently, so compare the HireVue AI interview, the Mercor AI interview and the Paradox Olivia interview.
Your rights and what happens next
After a Upwage interview, a recruiter usually reviews the scores, transcript or recording, often within days, and decides whether to move you forward; most vendors say a human makes the decision. If you hear nothing in a week or two, a short, polite follow-up to the recruiter is reasonable.
Depending on where you live, the law may give you rights over automated interviews. Illinois requires employers to explain and get consent before using AI to analyze video interviews, New York City requires bias audits and advance notice for automated hiring tools, and the EU AI Act treats AI used in recruitment as high risk. You can ask the employer how your recording is stored and who reviews it, and request an alternative if you need an accommodation.
Where CoPilot Interview fits
AI-led interviews are screening rounds you take on your own, and they almost always forbid outside help; some log tab switches, pasted text or a second voice. So the useful preparation is practice. CoPilot Interview is an AI interview assistant; its free AI mock interview builds questions from your résumé and the job description, reads them aloud and scores each spoken answer out of ten, which is close to how many AI interviewers work. The free plan gives 15 minutes a day of live help in sessions of up to 15 minutes, with AI mock interviews included. On the day, follow your employer's rules and the instructions in your invitation.
Disclosure: CoPilot Interview is our product, so weigh what we say about it accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Upwage interview spoken?
No. It is a typed chat interview in your browser.
How long does Upwage take?
Upwage advertises screens of about five minutes, though you can pause and resume.
How is my Upwage interview scored?
An AI analyst rates each competency low, medium or high and gives an overall rating; recruiters decide.
Which employers use Upwage?
Upwage names Gopuff, REI, Jackson Hewitt, Easterseals and Compass Group, among others.
Can I use an AI assistant during my Upwage interview?
No. AI-led screening interviews are meant to be answered on your own, and many log signals such as tab switches, pasted text or another voice. Practice beforehand instead, and follow your employer's rules.
Practice this interview before the real one
The AI mock interview builds questions from your resume and the job description, reads them aloud and scores each spoken answer out of 10. Included on the free plan.
Start a mock interview