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Why can't I see certain shifts in the Instawork app?

Updated yesterday

Instawork is a marketplace where temporary shifts are constantly being added and booked. If you're wondering why you can't see certain shifts, this article explains the most common reasons and what you can do about them.

Multiple factors affect shift visibility

There are several reasons why you might not see certain shifts in the app:

Shifts get booked quickly

Shifts can be booked within minutes or even seconds of being posted. When a shift is booked, it immediately disappears from the "Open Shifts" section.

Quality and reliability ranking

Instawork prioritizes Pros with strong performance records. Shifts are offered in this order:

  1. Top Pros get first access (learn more about the Instawork Top Pro Program)

  2. Pros with high Partner ratings get access next

  3. Pros with strong reliability records (few cancellations, no-shows, or tardiness) get third priority

The better your quality and reliability, the better your shift access will be. Maintain high ratings, avoid no-shows, late cancellations, and tardiness to improve your access to shifts.

Position approvals

You can only see shifts for positions you're approved for. See your approved positions in the "Manage Positions" section of your Profile tab. You can always apply for more approved positions in the Instawork app. Learn more about position applications.

Location settings

Shifts may be outside your preferred work radius. You can adjust this in your settings:

  1. Go to Profile

  2. Tap Settings

  3. Select Notifications

  4. Tap Shifts

  5. Edit your preferred mile radius

Specific shift requirements

Some shifts have specific requirements that may limit who can see them, such as:

  1. Partners requesting specific Pros they've worked with before

  2. Experience level requirements

  3. Certification requirements

  4. Special skills or qualifications

Overtime caps for W-2 shifts

If you work W2 shifts, you may have reached your maximum allowed hours for the week. To prevent overtime, the system will not show you additional shifts once you've reached your hour cap for that week.

How to improve your access to shifts

To see more shifts and get better access:

  • Maintain high ratings by providing excellent service

  • Be reliable; show up on time and avoid cancellations

  • Complete your profile and add all relevant skills and experience

  • Apply for additional positions you're qualified for

  • Check the app regularly, as new shifts are posted throughout the day

  • Set up notifications for new shifts in your area

  • Expand your work radius if possible

Common questions about shift visibility

I got a notification for a shift, but now I don't see it. What happened?

Most likely, another Pro booked the shift before you could view it. Shift notifications are sent to multiple Pros at once, and shifts are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

My friend can see shifts that I can't see. Why?

Your friend may:

  • Have higher ratings or reliability scores

  • Be approved for different positions

  • Have been specifically requested by the Partner

  • Have different location settings

  • Not be approaching overtime limits (for W2 shifts)

I'm looking for shifts in a specific position, but I don't see any.

First, make sure you're approved for that position. If you are, it's possible that:

  • Partners in your area aren't currently posting shifts for that position

  • All shifts for that position have already been booked

  • The position isn't in high demand in your area

In most markets, you'll commonly see shifts for:

  • General Labor

  • Event Server

  • Bartender

  • Busser

  • Prep/Line Cook

  • Dishwasher

  • Warehouse Associate

I don't see any shifts at all. Is Instawork available in my area?

If you don't see any shifts, we may not have launched operations in your city yet. We're expanding quickly, but we're not active in every market.

If you have questions about shifts or need help applying for more positions, please contact our support team through the Instawork app.

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