Work search requirements for new EDD claim - how many jobs and how often?

Congrats on getting your claim approved! For the work search requirements, you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week. When you certify for benefits every two weeks, you'll need to report your work search activities for each week. EDD won't send you a confirmation about CalJOBS registration - the important thing is that you can log in and your resume is uploaded. Make sure you're keeping track of all job applications with the company name, position, date applied, and contact method (online, in-person, etc.). EDD can audit your work search activities at any time, so having good records is important. If you're having trouble reaching EDD to confirm anything, check out Claimyr.com - they helped me get through to an EDD agent when I had questions about my work search requirements. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. Saved me hours of redial frustration!

theres no specific # officially but they usually say 3 is good. dont worry too much they hardly ever check that stuff unless theres a reason to flag ur account. ive been on ui twice and never had issues. just make sure u certify on time thats the main thing!

Actually, this is incorrect information that could get the OP in trouble. EDD DOES require you to make a good faith effort to find work each week. While they don't always specify an exact number, 3 work search activities per week is the generally accepted minimum. And they absolutely DO audit work search records - I've been through it myself. To the OP: Different activities count as work search efforts: - Applying for jobs (online or in-person) - Attending job interviews - Registering with placement agencies - Attending job fairs - Participating in workshops - Networking events related to your field Keep detailed records of ALL activities. Date, company name, position, contact person, method of contact, and result. EDD can request this information up to 3 years after you receive benefits.

When I was on EDD last year I got so stressed about this same thing!!! The whole system is designed to be confusing I swear. I ended up applying to like 7 jobs a week because I was paranoid lol. Better safe than sorry though. And be careful with your certifications - answer the questions EXACTLY as they're written or you might get stuck in pending!

For tracking your job search activities, I recommend a simple spreadsheet with these columns: 1. Date of activity 2. Company name 3. Position title 4. Method of contact (online app, email, phone, in-person) 5. Website/location/contact info 6. Result/follow-up This covers everything EDD might ask for during an audit. I've been through three unemployment claims and this system works perfectly. Regarding job fairs and networking events - yes, these count! Make sure to get business cards or some kind of proof you attended. For online applications, take screenshots as proof. The minimum is considered 3 activities per week, but I always recommend doing more if possible. And NEVER skip a week - that's the fastest way to trigger a determination interview about your eligibility.

Am I the only one who thinks its RIDICULOUS that EDD makes us jump through all these hoops?? I got laid off after 14 YEARS at my company - not my fault! Now I gotta prove I'm looking for work every single week when there are barely any jobs in my field? The whole system is broken. My cousin in Nevada said their unemployment system is way simpler and they don't hassle you nearly as much. California EDD is just trying to deny benefits any way they can!!!

To answer your certification question: On the UI Online certification forms, you'll just need to answer "Yes" to the question asking if you looked for work. You don't enter the specific job details during regular certification. HOWEVER, you should keep your detailed records because: 1. EDD may send you a DE 4365REV form at any time requesting your work search details 2. If you get scheduled for an eligibility interview, they'll ask about your job search activities 3. During quarterly reviews, some claims are randomly selected for work search verification The online certification just asks if you looked for work and if you refused any work - pretty simple. But having those detailed records ready is what saves you if they ever question your eligibility.

Just wanted to add that my friend got audited last month and they specifically asked for details about his work search from 6 months ago! He couldn't remember all the places he applied and almost lost his benefits. Don't be like my friend - keep those records organized from day one! Also, about CalJOBS - make sure your resume there is actually current. They do sometimes check that you're using the system. I log in once a week just to do a quick job search so it shows activity on my account.

when i was on unemployment during covid we didnt have to search for jobs at all but now its back to normal requirements which is good i guess. the economy is different now so we should all be looking anyway. just make sure u apply to jobs ur actually qualified for because if you get offered one and turn it down edd can cut u off just fyi

The employer will report to EDD if you refuse suitable work. They have a financial incentive to do this since unemployment claims can affect their experience rating (which determines how much they pay into the unemployment insurance system). I would recommend keeping your job search focused on positions you would actually accept. It saves everyone time and prevents potential eligibility issues down the road.

One thing I wish someone had told me when I started collecting unemployment is to save screenshots of your job applications! I learned this the hard way when EDD asked for proof of a specific application I made 4 months earlier. The company's website no longer showed my application in their system, and I almost had issues because of it. Also, don't stress too much about the CalJOBS registration - as long as you can log in and your profile is complete, you're good. I never got any confirmation email either, but it hasn't been a problem. Just make sure to update your resume there occasionally and maybe browse jobs once a week to show activity. You've got this! The first few weeks feel overwhelming but once you get into a routine it becomes much easier. The fact that you're asking these questions shows you're taking it seriously, which is the most important thing.

Hey Keisha! I was in the exact same boat as you about 6 months ago - first time on unemployment after 12 years at my job. The anxiety is totally normal! Here's what I learned that might help you: **Work Search Requirements:** - 3 job contacts per week is the standard minimum - Job fairs, interviews, online applications, and even registering with temp agencies all count - Keep a simple log with date, company, position, and how you applied **CalJOBS Registration:** - No confirmation email is normal - if you can log in, you're registered - Update your resume there occasionally and search jobs weekly to show activity - The system sometimes glitches, so don't panic if it acts weird **Pro Tips:** - Apply to jobs you'd actually take (turning down suitable work can end your benefits) - Take screenshots of online applications as proof - Set up job alerts on multiple sites to make finding opportunities easier - LinkedIn can be great for networking events that count toward your search requirements The manufacturing sector has been picking up lately, so hopefully you'll find something soon! Feel free to ask if you have more questions - this community has been super helpful for navigating all the EDD confusion.

Hey Keisha! Welcome to the unemployment world - it's definitely overwhelming at first but you'll get the hang of it. I've been through this process twice and here's what I wish someone had told me: **Work Search Breakdown:** - 3 job contacts per week is the sweet spot (some people do more to be safe) - Online applications definitely count as contacts - Job fairs are excellent - you can sometimes get multiple contacts from one event - Informational interviews and networking meetings count too **CalJOBS Tips:** - No confirmation is normal - if you can log in and see your profile, you're good - Try to log in weekly and browse jobs to show activity - Keep your resume updated there - some employers do search that database **Record Keeping:** I use a simple notebook with columns for: Date | Company | Position | Method | Result. Screenshot everything online and keep business cards from job fairs. EDD audits are random but thorough when they happen. **Manufacturing Job Search:** Since you're in manufacturing, don't forget about staffing agencies like Aerotek, Manpower, and Kelly Services. Registering with them counts as job search activity, and they often have connections to manufacturing companies that don't post publicly. The first month is the hardest because everything feels uncertain. Once you get into a routine of applying to jobs and certifying every two weeks, it becomes much more manageable. You've got this!

Hey Keisha! Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been navigating EDD for the past few months. The work search requirements can definitely feel daunting at first, but once you get into a rhythm it becomes much more manageable. A few things that have helped me: **Weekly Planning:** I aim for 4-5 job contacts per week to stay above the minimum. I usually do 2-3 online applications, attend one networking event or job fair if available, and maybe register with a new staffing agency or follow up on previous applications. **CalJOBS Activity:** I log in every few days just to browse and save a couple job postings to my favorites. This shows ongoing activity in case they ever check. No confirmation email is totally normal - you're good as long as you can access your account. **Documentation:** I keep a Google Sheet with tabs for each week. Columns include date, company, position, contact method, website/location, and any follow-up notes. Takes maybe 5 minutes per application to log but saves so much stress later. **Manufacturing Focus:** Since you mentioned manufacturing, definitely check out Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and company websites directly. A lot of manufacturing companies prefer direct applications through their career pages rather than third-party sites. The anxiety about messing up and losing benefits is so real - I felt the same way! But honestly, as long as you're making a genuine effort to find work and keeping records, you'll be fine. The fact that you're asking these questions shows you're taking it seriously, which is what matters most. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions as you get started!

Welcome to the unemployment journey, Keisha! I totally understand the anxiety - I was in your exact shoes about 8 months ago after being laid off from my job of 11 years. The good news is that everyone here has given you solid advice about the 3 job contacts per week minimum. One thing I'll add that really helped me stay organized: I created a simple routine where I'd spend Monday mornings setting up my job search plan for the week. I'd identify 4-5 positions to apply for (going slightly above the minimum for peace of mind), schedule any networking events or job fairs, and make note of which staffing agencies I wanted to contact. For CalJOBS specifically - you're all set if you can log in and see your uploaded resume. I never got a confirmation either, but I make sure to log in every few days and run a quick job search or update something small on my profile to show activity. The manufacturing sector has actually been pretty active lately in my area, so hopefully you'll have some good opportunities! Don't forget about trade associations and union halls too - they sometimes host job fairs or networking events that can count toward your search requirements. You're asking all the right questions, which tells me you'll do just fine with this process. The first few weeks feel overwhelming, but it becomes routine pretty quickly. Hang in there!

Hey Keisha! I just went through this exact same process about 3 months ago after being laid off from my warehouse job, so I totally get the confusion and anxiety you're feeling right now. Here's what I wish someone had told me from day one: **The Basics:** - 3 job contacts per week is the standard minimum (I usually do 4 just to be safe) - CalJOBS registration is good if you can log in - no confirmation email needed - Keep records of EVERYTHING - date, company, position, how you applied **What Counts as Job Search:** - Online applications (definitely your main go-to) - Job fairs and career events - Registering with temp agencies like Randstad, Kelly, or Express Employment - Networking events - Following up on previous applications (after 1-2 weeks) **My Weekly Routine:** I spend Sunday evenings planning my week - find 4 jobs to apply for, check if there are any job fairs, and maybe contact one new staffing agency. Takes the pressure off during the week. **Manufacturing Tips:** Check out company websites directly (Caterpillar, John Deere, local manufacturers) - they often post jobs there first. Also look into apprenticeship programs if you're open to learning new skills. The certification process is actually pretty simple - you just answer yes/no questions about whether you looked for work. You don't have to enter all the details unless they audit you later (which is rare). You're going to do great! The fact that you're being proactive and asking questions shows you're taking this seriously. Feel free to ask if you have more specific questions as you get started!

Hey Keisha! I can totally relate to that overwhelming feeling when you first start navigating unemployment - I went through the same thing after my company downsized last year. Everyone here has given you excellent advice, but I wanted to add a few practical tips that really helped me stay organized and reduce anxiety: **Simple Tracking System:** I use my phone's notes app with a basic format: "3/29 - ABC Manufacturing - Production Supervisor - Applied via company website - Screenshot saved." Takes 30 seconds per application and I always have it with me. **Weekly Goal Setting:** Instead of stressing about finding the "perfect" jobs, I set a goal to find 5 decent matches each week and apply to 4 of them (keeping one as backup in case an application doesn't go through). This takes the pressure off and ensures I always hit the minimum. **CalJOBS Maintenance:** I set a phone reminder to log in every Wednesday just to browse jobs for 10 minutes. Keeps the account active and sometimes I actually find good opportunities there. **Manufacturing-Specific Tip:** Check out your local community college's career services - they often have job fairs specifically for trades and manufacturing, plus some offer free resume reviews. These events are gold mines for networking and multiple job contacts in one day. The first month feels chaotic, but by week 4 you'll have a rhythm down. You're already asking the right questions and being proactive, which means you're going to handle this just fine. The manufacturing sector is actually pretty strong right now in many areas, so stay optimistic!

Hey Keisha! I just wanted to add something that might help ease your mind a bit - I was in almost the exact same situation about 6 months ago after being with my company for 8 years. The learning curve feels steep at first, but honestly, you're already on the right track by asking these questions and getting organized early. One thing that really helped me was setting up a dedicated email folder just for job applications and EDD correspondence. It makes it super easy to find things later if you need them. Also, don't be afraid to apply for jobs that are slightly outside your comfort zone - sometimes companies are willing to train the right person, especially with your 9 years of manufacturing experience. I noticed you mentioned feeling worried about messing something up. Here's the thing - EDD isn't trying to trick you or set you up to fail. As long as you're genuinely looking for work and keeping basic records, you're doing everything right. The system is designed to help people who are making a good faith effort to find employment. Manufacturing is actually one of the sectors that's been hiring pretty steadily lately, so try to stay positive! Your experience is valuable, and 9 years at one company shows reliability - that's something employers really appreciate. You've got this!

Hey Keisha! Welcome to the unemployment process - I totally understand that overwhelming feeling you're experiencing right now. I went through this exact same situation about a year ago after 10 years at my job, so I can really relate to the anxiety. Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about the 3 job contacts per week minimum and keeping detailed records. I just wanted to add a few things that really helped me get into a good routine: **CalJOBS Pro Tip:** Since you're already registered, try setting up job alerts on there for your specific manufacturing skills. This way you'll get email notifications when relevant jobs are posted, making it easier to hit your weekly application goals. **Manufacturing Network:** Don't forget to reach out to former coworkers who might have moved to other companies - they can be great sources for job leads and sometimes those referrals carry more weight than cold applications. These networking conversations definitely count toward your job search activities too. **Stress Management:** I found it helpful to treat job searching like a part-time job - dedicate specific hours each day (maybe 2-3 hours in the morning) rather than letting it consume your entire day. This helped me stay focused and prevented burnout. The fact that you're being so proactive and thorough right from the start tells me you're going to do great with this process. Manufacturing experience is in demand right now, and your 9-year track record is a huge asset. You've got this! Feel free to come back and update us on how things are going - this community is really supportive and always willing to help troubleshoot any issues that come up.

Hey Keisha! I'm actually going through the exact same thing right now - just got approved for my first unemployment claim after 12 years at my job, so I totally understand that mix of relief and anxiety you're feeling! Reading through all these responses has been super helpful for me too. I wanted to add one small thing that my friend who went through this last year told me: she said to take a screenshot every time you submit an application online, and also screenshot the job posting itself before it potentially gets taken down. Some companies remove job postings quickly, and if EDD ever asks for proof of a specific application, having both the confirmation page AND the original job posting can be really helpful. Also, I've been using the "save job" feature on Indeed and other sites even for jobs I'm not sure about yet - it creates a little digital trail that shows I'm actively browsing and researching opportunities, which feels like it could only help if they ever review my account activity. The manufacturing job market does seem pretty active right now from what I've been seeing in my searches. Your 9 years of experience is going to be such an asset - employers love that kind of stability and deep knowledge. Thanks for asking all these questions publicly - it's helping those of us in the same boat! Good luck with everything!

Hey Keisha! I just wanted to jump in and say you're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed - I think every first-time unemployment claimant goes through this exact same anxiety! Reading through all these responses, it's clear you're getting amazing advice from people who really know what they're talking about. One small thing I'll add that helped me when I was in your shoes: I created a simple weekly checklist on my phone with things like "apply to 3-4 jobs," "log into CalJOBS," "update job search spreadsheet," etc. Having that visual checklist made the whole process feel less overwhelming and more like manageable tasks I could check off. Also, don't underestimate the value of your 9 years of manufacturing experience! In today's job market, employers are really looking for people with that kind of hands-on experience and work ethic. You're going to be a strong candidate. The fact that you took the initiative to ask these questions right away shows you're approaching this the right way. Most people just wing it and stress about whether they're doing things correctly. You're being proactive and that's going to serve you well throughout this process. Keep us posted on how things go - this community is genuinely rooting for you!

Hey Keisha! I just wanted to add my voice to this amazing chorus of helpful advice you've received. As someone who went through unemployment twice in the last five years, I can tell you that your proactive approach is exactly what sets successful claimants apart from those who struggle. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the importance of keeping your CalJOBS profile fresh - I recommend updating something small on your profile every couple of weeks, even if it's just adding a new skill or tweaking your summary. This shows ongoing engagement with the system. For manufacturing specifically, don't overlook smaller local companies that might not post on major job boards. Sometimes calling directly and asking to speak with HR about opportunities can yield surprising results, and these calls absolutely count as job search activities. Also, consider looking into lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification programs while you're job hunting. Many are available online and having these credentials can really make your resume stand out in the manufacturing sector. Plus, time spent in legitimate job training programs can count toward your work search requirements. You've gotten such incredible advice from this community - the fact that you're taking notes and planning to implement these strategies tells me you're going to navigate this process successfully. Your manufacturing background combined with this level of organization is going to serve you really well. Best of luck, and don't hesitate to come back with updates or more questions!

Hey Keisha! I just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who's been helping friends navigate EDD for the past couple of years. You've received absolutely incredible advice from this community - I'm honestly impressed by how thorough and supportive everyone has been! One thing I'd suggest that might help with the anxiety piece: consider setting up a simple reward system for yourself. Like after you complete your weekly job search activities, treat yourself to something small - a favorite coffee, a movie, whatever makes you happy. Job searching can be emotionally draining, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of unemployment, so building in those little positive moments can really help maintain your motivation. Also, since you mentioned being worried about messing something up - I've found that EDD is actually pretty reasonable when people are making genuine efforts. The horror stories you sometimes hear online usually involve people who weren't following the basic requirements or were trying to game the system. You're clearly taking this seriously and being thoughtful about compliance, which means you're going to be just fine. Your manufacturing experience is gold right now. I've seen so many companies struggling to find skilled workers with your kind of background and tenure. The fact that you stayed at one place for 9 years is going to be seen as a huge positive by employers - it shows loyalty, reliability, and depth of knowledge. Keep us posted on your progress! This thread has been so helpful for understanding the EDD process that I'm sure others will benefit from hearing about your experience as you go through it.