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!

Hey Elijah! I just went through this exact transition myself - moved from Texas to California about 6 months ago and had the same confusion. Texas required 3 specific work contacts per week that you had to enter during certification. California's system is definitely more flexible but here's what I've learned: - You only check "yes" that you looked for work during bi-weekly certification - No specific number required, just "reasonable effort" - BUT keep detailed records! I got randomly selected for a phone interview after 2 months and had to provide all my job search details - I track 3-4 activities per week minimum (applications, LinkedIn networking, updating profiles, attending virtual job fairs) - Save screenshots of job postings and confirmation emails The "reasonable effort" thing threw me off too, but after talking to an EDD rep, they basically said as long as you're actively searching and can prove it if asked, you're good. For marketing roles specifically, I'd focus on quality over quantity since there are fewer specialized positions. Pro tip: Set up Indeed and LinkedIn job alerts so you have a steady stream of opportunities to apply to. Makes it easier to hit that 3-4 per week goal consistently!

I actually came from Arizona to California about a year ago and faced the same confusion! Arizona required 5 work search contacts per week with detailed documentation during each certification. What I've learned about California's system: - Much more flexible - no specific number requirement, just "reasonable effort" - During bi-weekly certification you just check "yes" to looking for work - Keep detailed records though! I got audited 4 months in and needed to provide specifics - I maintain a simple spreadsheet tracking: date, company, position, application method, and any follow-up For marketing specifically, I found networking events and informational interviews count as work search activities too, which is great since our field is so relationship-driven. I typically do 2-3 applications plus 1-2 networking activities per week. The adjustment from a rigid state system to California's "trust but verify" approach takes some getting used to, but it's actually much less stressful once you find your rhythm. Just stay consistent with documentation and you'll be fine! Also, since you're new to CA, check out the California Marketing Association - they have great networking events that count toward your work search requirements while actually being useful for finding opportunities!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been on California EDD for about 8 months now - everyone here has given you solid advice! The "reasonable effort" standard is definitely vague on purpose, which can be frustrating when you're used to concrete numbers. I keep a simple Google Sheet with columns for: Date, Company, Position, Application Method, Contact Person (if applicable), and Follow-up Notes. Takes maybe 2 minutes per entry and has saved me twice during eligibility interviews. One thing I didn't see mentioned - if you're doing any freelance or contract work while job searching (which is common in marketing), make sure to report that income during certification. Even small amounts need to be reported, but it doesn't necessarily disqualify you from benefits. Also, since you mentioned you're in marketing, consider reaching out to local recruiting agencies that specialize in marketing roles. Building relationships with recruiters counts as networking activity for work search purposes, plus they often have access to opportunities that aren't posted publicly. The transition from Oregon's rigid system to California's flexible approach definitely feels weird at first, but you'll appreciate the freedom once you settle into a routine. Good luck with your search!

I've been on California EDD for over a year now after moving from Nevada, and I can definitely relate to your confusion! Nevada had a strict 5 job contact requirement too, so California's "reasonable effort" standard felt way too vague at first. Here's what I wish someone had told me when I started: **The Reality Check:** Even though CA doesn't specify a number, I've found that documenting 3-4 quality activities per week keeps you completely safe. This could be applications, phone screens, networking calls, career fair attendance, or even updating your LinkedIn profile. **Documentation Strategy:** I use a simple Notes app on my phone where I immediately log: Date, Company, Position, How I Applied, and any Response. Takes 30 seconds but saves hours of stress if they ever call. **Marketing-Specific Tip:** Since you're in marketing, consider joining professional groups like AMA chapters or attending AdClub events. These networking activities absolutely count toward work search requirements, and honestly they're more valuable than blindly applying to jobs online. **The Bottom Line:** California trusts you upfront but can verify later. As long as you're genuinely looking and can prove it, you're golden. The system is actually way less stressful than Oregon once you get used to it! Welcome to California - the job market here for marketing is actually pretty solid right now!

Coming from someone who made the exact same transition (Oregon to California) about 2 years ago, I completely understand your confusion! Oregon's system is incredibly rigid - I remember having to document EVERYTHING down to the exact time I submitted each application. California's approach is refreshingly different but can feel unsettling at first. Here's what I learned: **Key Differences:** - No specific number requirement (vs Oregon's strict 5) - Just check "yes" during bi-weekly certification instead of listing each job - "Reasonable effort" is intentionally flexible but you MUST be able to prove it if audited **My Personal Strategy:** I keep a simple spreadsheet tracking 3-4 activities per week: job applications, LinkedIn networking, informational interviews, and industry events. For marketing specifically, I count things like updating my portfolio, attending webinars, and reaching out to agency contacts. **Pro Tip:** Set up a dedicated email folder for job application confirmations and save screenshots of job postings. When EDD called me for a random eligibility interview at month 6, having organized records made it a breeze. The "trust but verify" system here is actually much less stressful than Oregon's micromanagement approach once you establish a routine. You'll get used to it quickly! Good luck with your marketing job search - the market here is much more robust than Oregon!

Hey there! I actually made a similar transition from Nevada to California about 6 months ago and had the exact same questions. Nevada required 4 work search contacts per week with detailed documentation, so California's "reasonable effort" standard felt way too vague at first. Here's what I've learned through experience: **The Good News:** You don't have to enter specific job details during bi-weekly certification - just check "yes" that you looked for work. SO much easier than other states! **The Important Part:** Keep detailed records anyway! I got randomly selected for an eligibility interview after 3 months and had to provide specifics about my work search activities. Having good documentation saved me. **My Approach:** I track 3-4 activities per week in a simple spreadsheet - job applications, networking events, LinkedIn outreach, industry meetups, etc. For marketing roles, I also count things like updating my portfolio and attending professional development webinars. **California-Specific Tip:** Since you're in marketing, definitely check out local PRSA chapters and marketing meetups. Networking activities absolutely count toward your work search requirements, and the connections are way more valuable than just applying online. The system here is actually much less stressful once you get used to it. California trusts you to do the right thing upfront rather than micromanaging every detail like Oregon. Just stay consistent with your search and documentation and you'll be fine! Welcome to California and good luck with your marketing job hunt!

As someone who recently moved from Illinois to California, I can totally relate to your confusion! Illinois required 2 work search activities per week that you had to log during certification, so California's approach seemed almost too lenient at first. Here's what I've discovered after 4 months on CA EDD: **The System:** Just check "yes" during bi-weekly certification that you looked for work - no need to enter specific details like other states require. **The Reality:** Keep detailed records anyway! I maintain a simple document tracking: date, company, position, application method, and any follow-up. Aim for 3-4 activities per week to be safe. **Marketing-Specific Advice:** Since you're in marketing, consider joining local AMA chapters, attending digital marketing workshops, or even taking LinkedIn Learning courses related to your field - all of these count as work search activities! I've found networking events are actually more valuable than cold applications for marketing roles. **Documentation Tip:** I screenshot job postings and save confirmation emails in a dedicated folder. When friends got audited, having organized records made their eligibility interviews stress-free. The "reasonable effort" standard is intentionally flexible to accommodate different industries and job markets. For specialized fields like marketing, quality applications and networking often matter more than hitting a specific number. California's approach is definitely more relaxed than most states, but staying consistent with your search and keeping good records will keep you covered. Welcome to California - the marketing opportunities here are definitely worth the adjustment period!

I just went through this exact same transition from Florida to California about 8 months ago! Florida required 5 work search contacts per week with super detailed documentation during every certification - company names, dates, contact methods, the whole nine yards. California's system felt almost too good to be true at first. Here's what I've learned: **The Process:** During bi-weekly certification, you literally just check "yes" that you looked for work. No entering job details, no contact information, no application methods - just a simple checkbox. **The Catch:** EDD can audit you at any time and request detailed proof of your work search activities. I got selected for an eligibility review at month 5 and had to provide everything - dates, companies, positions, how I applied, any responses. **My Strategy:** I keep a Google Doc with 3-4 activities per week minimum. For marketing, I count: job applications, LinkedIn networking messages, attending virtual career fairs, updating my portfolio, taking relevant online courses, and reaching out to recruiting agencies. **Marketing-Specific Tip:** Join the San Francisco Marketing Association or LA Marketing groups if you're near those areas. Their events count as networking activities and are actually useful for finding opportunities! The "reasonable effort" standard basically means they want to see you're genuinely trying to find work, not just going through the motions. Coming from Florida's rigid system, California's trust-based approach felt weird but is actually much less stressful once you establish a routine. Keep good records and you'll be totally fine! The marketing job market here is definitely stronger than most states too.

I made the exact same transition from Oregon to California about a year ago and completely understand your confusion! Oregon's system is incredibly strict - I remember having to document every single detail down to the exact time I submitted applications. Here's what I've learned about California's approach: **The Big Difference:** You just check "yes" during bi-weekly certification that you looked for work - no need to enter specific job details like Oregon required. Much simpler! **The Important Part:** Keep detailed records anyway! I got randomly audited 7 months in and needed to provide proof of all my work search activities. Having good documentation saved me from any issues. **My Recommendation:** Track 3-4 activities per week minimum. For marketing specifically, this can include: job applications, LinkedIn networking, informational interviews, attending webinars, updating your portfolio, or reaching out to recruiters. **Pro Tip:** Save all your application confirmation emails and screenshot job postings. I keep everything in a dedicated folder organized by week - makes it easy to reference if EDD ever calls. The "reasonable effort" standard is intentionally flexible to account for different industries and job markets. For marketing roles, quality networking and targeted applications often matter more than hitting a specific number. California's trust-based system is way less stressful than Oregon's micromanagement once you get used to it. Just stay consistent with your search and keep organized records - you'll be totally fine! Welcome to California and good luck with your job search!