Complete your profile for initial access
To see general labor and other entry-level shifts in your area, make sure you have:
A clear profile picture
Complete personal information (full name, date of birth, address)
Verified phone number
You likely completed most of these steps when signing up, but double-check your profile to make sure everything is filled out correctly.
Apply for positions you're qualified to work
You must apply for each position before you can see those shifts. While general labor positions are usually approved automatically, skilled positions like bartending, line cooking, or event serving require additional review.
To apply for positions:
Go to your profile page
Scroll down to "My Positions"
Select "Manage Positions"
Under "Apply to more positions," select a position you're interested in
Fill out all required information (work experience, position quiz, certifications)
Schedule a coach call if required
Once approved, you'll start seeing these positions in your "Open Shifts" page.
Build a strong reliability and performance record
Your access to shifts improves with a strong track record. These factors affect your access:
Ratings from businesses you've worked with
Showing up on time for shifts
Completing shifts as scheduled
Wearing proper attire
Avoiding cancellations, especially last-minute ones
We understand unexpected situations happen, but maintaining a good record helps us match you with more shifts.
Adjust location and notification settings
Expanding your search radius and enabling notifications can help you see a broader range of shifts.
1. Open the app and go to Profile
2. Tap the Settings icon in the top right corner and select Notifications
3. Under the Location section, increase the radius to cover a larger area (e.g., 50 miles or more)
4. Enable notifications to ensure you're alerted when new shifts are posted
Use filters to find more shifts
In the app's Shifts tab, you can use filters to refine your search and find available opportunities.
Broaden your criteria by increasing the distance range and being flexible with dates, times, and roles.
Use the Shift Filter on the home page to target shifts within a wide radius, such as 50 miles.
Check the app frequently
Shifts are continuously added throughout the day, and many can be claimed quickly. Make it a habit to check the app often to spot new opportunities.
Book available shifts while waiting for approvals
While waiting to be approved for additional positions, we recommend booking shifts that are currently available to you, such as general labor. Building a positive track record with these shifts will help you gain access to more opportunities.
Why are there few or no shifts in my area?
Check your Shift Access tab to see your position-by-position access. Your Shift Access tab shows you how much access you have to shifts for each position. Your reliability, quality, and profile strength all affect your level of access. Learn more about shift access.
If you have questions about your shift access, please contact our support team through the Instawork app.