When browsing through shifts in the "Find Shifts" tab of the Traba app, you will often see shifts with the blue tag "Waitlist Available", like in the screenshot below:
Notifications for waitlisted shifts are sent simultaneously to all workers on the list, and shifts are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis to the first worker who responds. Additionally, shift invitations do not guarantee a spot, as businesses often invite more workers than there are available positions. If the shift fills up before you accept, you may be placed on the waitlist.
We encourage you to sign up for the waitlists for the shifts you are interested in working. "Waitlist Available" can mean several things:
The waitlist system ensures that open spots are filled efficiently by notifying workers as soon as a spot becomes available.
The shift is full as we have all the signups we need for it. It is still recommended you sign up for the waitlist as when a signed up worker cancels their shift, the workers on the waitlist are notified first of an available slot, so you will be among the first to get a chance to sign up for the slot. Often, the business may also increase the number of workers requested for the shift and again, the waitlist gets notified first of such available spots.
The other reason may be that you do not meet all the requirements for the shift. Many of our shifts require heavy lifting of up to 75lbs, language skills, steel-toed boots and other such requirements. If a shift requires heavy lifting of up to 75lbs and you do not mark that as something you're able to do in your profile, you will always only be able to sign up to the shift's waitlist, even if there are available slots. It is always recommended that you keep your profile up to date to maximize chances of being able to sign up to shifts.
Shifts may remain visible in the app even if all spots are filled. This indicates the shift has not started yet but does not mean there are open positions.
Workers classified as 1099 contractors cannot accept W2 shifts, and W2 workers cannot self-accept shifts as these are assigned by a recruiter. Attempting to accept shifts outside your classification will result in an error.
If a business cancels a shift, it may still appear in the app briefly but cannot be selected.
Please keep in mind to always have your profile reflect the truth. The screenshot below is an example of a worker unable to sign up for a shift as they don't meet both language requirements. Does not happen always, but if you were to mark yourself as a Spanish speaker despite not being one, the business will likely turn you away without pay when you show up for the shift.
Troubleshooting Steps
Check Your Schedule Page
Confirm whether the shift appears on your schedule. If it does, you have successfully secured the shift and are expected to attend.
Refresh the App
If a shift invitation disappears or you encounter a persistent loading state, refresh the app to update the shift availability.
Understand Your Worker Classification
Ensure you are attempting to accept shifts appropriate for your classification (1099 or W2). Contact your recruiter if you are a W2 worker awaiting shift assignments.
