EDD work search requirements in CA vs other states - how many jobs per week?

Welcome to California! Unlike Oregon, EDD doesn't require a specific number of job contacts per week. The requirement is that you make a "reasonable effort" to find work, which is intentionally flexible. However, you SHOULD keep detailed records of your work search activities because EDD can request proof at any time. I recommend documenting at least 3 job search activities per week (applications, interviews, networking events, etc.). The form where you certify has a checkbox saying you looked for work - you typically don't have to list the specific jobs unless they specifically request it during an eligibility determination interview. Just make sure you're active in your job search and keep good records!

omg the Oregon unemployment system is THE WORST!!! i was on it 2019-2020 and had same experience, so much documentation they wanted. CA is way more chill but watch out cuz they can audit u later so keep notes somewhere just in case

The EDD's official guidance is that you must be able to prove you're looking for work if asked, but there's no specific number of job contacts required like some other states. Here's what I recommend: 1. Keep a detailed work search log (date, company, position, how you applied, any response) 2. Save confirmation emails from applications 3. Screenshot job postings you've applied to 4. Document networking events or job fairs While you don't enter this during certification (just check "yes" that you looked for work), if EDD schedules an eligibility interview or determination, you'll need to provide details. I personally keep at least 3-4 activities per week documented just to be safe.

I moved from Washington to California last year and had the same exact question! So the big difference is that in CA you don't have to list each job when certifying - you just check a box saying you looked for work. BUT - and this is important - if they ever audit you or call you for an eligibility interview, you need to be able to provide details. I got caught in this trap. They scheduled an interview 8 weeks after I started claiming because they had a question about my work search activities. I couldn't remember all the places I had applied and almost lost my benefits! Now I keep a detailed log including screenshots of confirmation emails. Better safe than sorry!

While California doesn't have a minimum number requirement like Oregon does, I personally recommend documenting at least 2-3 quality job searches per week. I've been through two eligibility interviews with EDD, and they were very reasonable about the work search requirements. They care more about you making genuine efforts rather than hitting a specific number. Also - about your certification questions - when you certify every two weeks, you'll see question #3 asking if you looked for work. Just mark "Yes" and proceed. You don't enter job details during regular certification unlike some other states. By the way, if you're having trouble reaching EDD with questions (their phone lines are notorious), I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an EDD representative who explained all the work search requirements clearly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Was worth it to get my specific questions answered.

U know what drives me CRAZY about EDD??? they make everything so confusing!!!! in 2022 they told me i needed to apply to 3 jobs minimum then in 2023 they said no minimum just "reasonable effort" whatever TF that means?!!? i still do 3-5 jobs a week just to be safe but who knows what they actually want!

i moved from new york to california and its sooo different. in NY we had to list 3 work searches per week no matter what. in CA i just check a box saying yes i looked for work. but i keep a journal with dates job titles and websites just in case they ever ask me. better safe than sorry

Just to add a little more clarity - the EDD defines "reasonable effort" based on your occupation, labor market, and physical limitations. For instance: - If you're in a specialized field with few openings, applying to 1-2 quality positions weekly could be reasonable - If you're in retail/service with many opportunities, they'd expect more applications - If you have physical limitations, they consider that when evaluating your search efforts If you're maintaining good records of 3+ work search activities weekly, you'll be in good shape. "Activities" can include: submitting applications, attending interviews, networking events, job fairs, updating your resume, taking training related to your job search, etc.

As someone who's dealt with multiple state unemployment systems, I can confirm CA is much more relaxed than most! You're right to be confused coming from Oregon - their system is super rigid. Here's what I've learned from my experience with EDD: - No specific number required, just "reasonable effort" - During bi-weekly certification, you just check "yes" to looking for work - BUT keep detailed records because they can audit anytime - I document 3-4 activities per week (applications, networking, career workshops, etc.) - Save everything: confirmation emails, job post screenshots, contact info The key difference is CA trusts you upfront but verifies later if needed, while Oregon makes you prove it every single week. Much less stressful once you get used to it! Just stay consistent with your job search and documentation and you'll be fine. Welcome to California and good luck with your marketing job search!