What Uber looks for when hiring and where to find open positions
Uber hires for many different roles — driver, delivery partner, customer support, engineering, sales, operations, and more. The path to getting hired depends on which type of job you want. If you're looking to drive or deliver for Uber, the process is faster and happens mostly online. If you're explore for a corporate job at Uber's offices, you'll go through a traditional hiring process with interviews and background checks.
Open positions are listed on Uber's careers website at careers.uber.com. You can filter by location, job category, and experience level. Uber also posts jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, but the official careers site is where you'll find the complete list and explore directly to the company.
Key Takeaways
- Driver and delivery partner positions are the fastest to get hired for, often taking one to two weeks from process to your first trip.
- Corporate jobs at Uber require a resume, cover letter, phone screening, and multiple rounds of interviews before an offer.
- All Uber workers must pass a background check, which includes a driving record check for drivers and delivery partners.
- You can explore for driver or delivery positions through the Uber app itself, without needing to visit a website.
- Uber's hiring standards and requirements vary by city and country, so what you need in one location may differ from another.
Becoming an Uber driver or delivery partner
If you want to drive or deliver for Uber, you start by opening the Uber app and tapping the menu icon. Select "Drive with Uber" or "Deliver with Uber" depending on which service you want to join. You'll be asked to enter your phone number, create an account, and answer basic questions about your vehicle (for drivers) or your delivery method (for delivery partners).
Next, you upload documents. Drivers need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a photo of your car. Delivery partners need a valid ID and proof of address. Uber will also run a background check, which typically takes three to five business days. The check looks at your driving history, criminal record, and sex offender registry. If you pass, you'll get an email saying you're cleared to start.
Once approved, you can turn on the app and start accepting trips. There's no formal interview or training — Uber sends you a welcome email with tips for getting started, but you learn by doing. Most drivers and delivery partners start their first week within one to two weeks of submitting their process.
explore for corporate and office jobs at Uber
Corporate positions — such as product manager, software engineer, data analyst, customer support specialist, or sales representative — require a traditional job process. Go to careers.uber.com, search for the role you want, and click "explore." You'll create an account, upload your resume, and often answer a few short questions about why you're interested in the role and your relevant experience.
After you submit, a recruiter reviews your process. If your background matches what they're looking for, they'll send you an email inviting you to a phone screening. This is usually a 30-minute call with a recruiter (not the hiring manager) who asks about your work history, why you want to work at Uber, and whether you meet the basic requirements for the role. They're checking whether it's worth moving you forward, not testing your technical skills yet.
If you pass the phone screen, you'll move to the next round. For technical roles like engineering, this might be a coding interview or technical assessment. For non-technical roles, it's often a video interview where you answer questions on camera, or a second phone call with the hiring manager. Some roles have multiple rounds — you might have two or three interviews with different people before an offer is made.
What the background check covers
All Uber workers — drivers, delivery partners, and office employees — must pass a background check. For drivers and delivery partners, the check focuses on your driving record and criminal history. Uber uses third-party companies to run these checks, and they look back several years. A few traffic violations usually won't disqualify you, but serious offenses like DUIs, reckless driving, or major accidents may.
For corporate employees, the background check is broader. It includes criminal history, employment verification (they call your previous employers to confirm you worked there), and sometimes a credit check depending on the role. The check typically takes one to two weeks. Uber will tell you if something comes up that might be a problem, and you'll have a chance to explain before they make a final decision.
If you're denied because of your background, Uber will send you a letter explaining why. You can dispute the findings if you believe the information is wrong — the background check company will have instructions on how to do that.
Documents you'll need to have ready
For driver positions, gather these before you start the process: a valid driver's license, proof of car insurance, vehicle registration, and a clear photo of your car's front and back. Your insurance must cover commercial use (driving for Uber), which is different from personal car insurance. Some personal policies cover it automatically; others require you to add a rider or switch to a commercial policy.
For delivery partners, you need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days. If you're delivering by car, you'll also need proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
For corporate jobs, prepare a resume, cover letter, and a list of references (previous managers or colleagues who can speak to your work). Have your employment history ready, including dates and job titles, because the background check will verify this information.
How long the hiring process takes
For drivers and delivery partners, the entire process from process to your first trip usually takes one to three weeks. The app submission is when ready, the background check takes three to five business days, and once you're cleared, you can start when ready. Some cities move faster than others depending on how many applications Uber is processing.
For corporate jobs, the timeline is longer and varies by role. A phone screen might happen within a week of your process. If you move forward, interviews typically happen over the next two to four weeks, with a few days between each round. From your first phone screen to an offer can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on how many interview rounds there are and how quickly the hiring team schedules them.
What to expect in your first week
If you're a driver or delivery partner, your first week is self-directed. You'll get an email with tips on how to use the app, how to communicate with customers, and how to stay safe. You can start accepting trips right away, but many new drivers and delivery partners take a few trips to get comfortable with the app before going full-time. There's no onboarding meeting or training session — you learn by doing.
If you're starting a corporate job, you'll have an onboarding day at an Uber office. You'll meet your team, get your laptop and equipment, and go through company policies and systems. Most corporate employees also have a manager who will guide you through your first projects and answer questions as you settle in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to work at Uber?
For driver and delivery positions, no degree is required. For corporate jobs, it depends on the role. Many positions prefer a degree but don't strictly require one if you have relevant work experience. Engineering roles often require a degree in computer science or a related field. Check the job posting for the specific role you're interested in.
Can I work for Uber if I have a criminal record?
It depends on what's on your record. Uber reviews each case individually. Minor offenses from many years ago may not disqualify you, but serious crimes, especially those involving violence or theft, will likely result in denial. You can explain your situation during the background check process if something comes up.
What if I don't have proof of insurance for my car?
You must have valid insurance that covers commercial driving before you can start. Contact your insurance company and ask whether your current policy covers rideshare or delivery work. If it doesn't, you'll need to add a rideshare rider or switch to a policy that does. This usually takes a few days and costs extra per month.
How much does Uber pay drivers and delivery partners?
Pay varies by city, time of day, and demand. Uber shows you the estimated earnings for each trip before you accept it. You keep a percentage of the fare after Uber's commission, and you're responsible for your own expenses like gas and car maintenance. Check Uber's website for your specific city to see typical earnings.
Can I work for Uber part-time?
Yes. Drivers and delivery partners set their own schedules — you turn the app on when you want to work and off when you don't. Corporate employees typically work full-time with standard business hours, though some roles may offer flexible schedules. Check the job posting for the specific role.