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:
Top Pros get first access
Pros with high Partner ratings get access next
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.
Additionally, some shifts show a "Needs Approval" status. This occurs when your eligibility for a position or location is under review, or the approval process for your application has not been completed. Shifts with this status may also require additional documentation like certifications or further verification by businesses or Instawork.
Location settings
Shifts may be outside your preferred work radius. You can adjust this in your settings:
Go to Profile
Tap Settings
Select Notifications
Tap Shifts
Edit your preferred mile radius
Specific shift requirements
Some shifts have specific requirements that may limit who can see them, such as:
Partners requesting specific Pros they've worked with before
Experience level requirements
Certification requirements
Special skills or qualifications
Some shifts may require manual reviews by businesses or Instawork before they are made available. This can include processes like verifying certifications, assessing experience levels, or fulfilling specific requirements set by partners.
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
Address "Needs Approval" barriers by completing all sections of your profile, including uploading certifications and submitting pending applications.
Regularly check the "Shift Access" section in the app to follow up on pending requirements and take necessary actions.
Common questions about shift visibility
I got a notification for a shift, but now I don't see it. What happened?
Why do shifts I’ve previously worked now require approval?
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.
Even if you've worked a similar shift before, changes to partner requirements or business preferences may necessitate re-approval.
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)
Shifts can be reserved for workers who have been specifically requested by businesses or those who possess specialized skills or certifications.
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.