How to report the 5 required work search activities on DEO CONNECT system?

You'll actually log those work search activities when you claim your weeks in CONNECT. There isn't a place to enter them before then. Every two weeks (for regular UI), you'll log into CONNECT and claim your weeks. During that process, you'll be prompted to enter details for each work search activity. But ABSOLUTELY keep your own separate record with all details - job title, company name, application date, contact method (online, in-person, etc), website or address, and any contact person info. DEO can audit you anytime within a year and request proof of your work searches.

Here's what you need to know about work search in FL: 1. You don't enter work searches until you CLAIM weeks (every 2 weeks) 2. You'll need these details for each job: employer name, date of contact, method of contact (online/phone/in-person), position, result 3. Keep track in a notebook or spreadsheet because DEO can request verification 4. CareerSource Florida workshops count as work search activities 5. Make sure jobs are appropriate for your skills/experience Start collecting these details now so you're ready when claiming time comes around. The CONNECT system will guide you through entering each one during your biweekly claims.

OMG the CONNECT system is THE WORST!!!! I had to call them like 20 times about the work search stuff because it kept glitching when I tried entering mine. Then they put a HOLD on my account because they said my work searches weren't valid even though I DID EXACTLY what the instructions said!!!! SERIOUSLY keep records of EVERYTHING because the DEO will find ANY reason to deny benefits. Take screenshots of job applications, save confirmation emails, write down who you talked to... EVERYTHING!!! The system is designed to be confusing so they can deny you later!!!

Had the same confusion when I started my claim in January. You don't log work searches until you claim weeks (which happens after your waiting week). DEO gives you a work search log form you can download and print here: https://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-center/unemployment/forms/work-search-record.pdf That's the easiest way to stay organized. I use it religiously because I got audited last time I was on unemployment in 2020 and had to provide all my records. Some CareerSource activities also count toward your requirements - worth checking out if job applications are slow.

When I filed last year i had same question... Nobody tells you this stuff up front! The way it works is you just keep track of your jobs yourself until its time to claim weeks. Then you'll enter them all at once in CONNECT. But be careful, if you cant get through on CONNECT when its time to claim (happens ALL THE TIME) you might miss your window to claim! I got so frustrated trying to reach someone at DEO when CONNECT wouldn't let me login. Busy signals for days!! Finally found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual DEO agent in about 20 minutes instead of calling for days. They have a demo video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj Their website is claimyr.com - totally worth it when you need to talk to a real person about your claim issues.

idk if anyone said this yet but make sure you're actually applying to REAL jobs that match your skills!!! my friend got denied benefits because she just put random applications to jobs she wasn't qualified for and DEO figured it out. they do check sometimes!!!!

To answer your follow-up question - your CONNECT home page will show when you can claim your first weeks. Usually it's after the "waiting week" which is unpaid. The system will show a link that says "Claim Your Weeks" when it's time. For tracking format, DEO has an official work search form (someone shared the link already). But any organized record works as long as you have: 1. Date of contact 2. Employer name 3. Contact method 4. Person contacted (if applicable) 5. Type of work sought 6. Result of contact Keep this information for at least a year after your claim ends.

so do we actually have to apply to 5 jobs every single week? thats like impossible in my small town lol

I just want to say thank you to everyone who responded! I downloaded the work search form and started tracking everything. I had my first interview yesterday and I'm keeping detailed notes of all my applications. This community has been so helpful - I was really confused about the whole process before.

Just wanted to add - if you're coming from restaurant management like you mentioned, don't forget that networking counts too! Reach out to former colleagues, suppliers, or industry contacts. Document these as "contacted [name] at [company] regarding management opportunities" with the date and method (phone, email, LinkedIn, etc.). Also, since you have management experience, consider looking into temp agencies that specialize in hospitality - many of them count as legitimate work search contacts and they often have immediate openings that could turn permanent. Places like Gecko Hospitality or HCareers if they operate in your area. The restaurant industry moves fast, so staying visible in your network while you're searching is crucial. Good luck with everything!

Adding to what everyone has said - as someone who's been through this process twice, I can't stress enough how important it is to be detailed with your record keeping. I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company, position, method of contact, and outcome. One thing I learned the hard way: when you do get called for an audit (happened to me in 2022), they want PROOF of your work searches. Screenshots of online applications, confirmation emails, business cards from job fairs, etc. Just writing down that you "applied at ABC Company" isn't enough - you need to show you actually did it. Also, don't sleep on the CareerSource workshops! They're free, count toward your 5 weekly requirements, and some are actually helpful. I did a resume workshop and an interview skills session that really helped me land my current job. Plus the people there know the DEO system inside and out and can answer questions about work search requirements. The waiting week is tough but use that time to get organized with your tracking system. Once you start claiming weeks, everything moves faster and you want to be prepared. Good luck with your search - the restaurant industry is hiring like crazy right now so hopefully you'll find something soon!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you understand what counts as "suitable work" for your work search requirements. Since you're coming from restaurant management, DEO generally expects you to look for jobs that match your experience level and pay range (at least initially). But here's the key: after a certain period (I think it's 10-12 weeks), they can require you to accept jobs that pay less or are outside your field. So document everything appropriately - if you're applying to management roles now, make sure those applications reflect your actual qualifications. Also, when you do start claiming weeks in CONNECT, the system can be glitchy during peak times (Sunday evenings, Monday mornings). Try to claim during off-peak hours if possible. I learned this after getting locked out multiple times and having to call DEO to reset my claim window. The restaurant industry connections others mentioned are gold - I got my current job through a former vendor who knew I was looking. Don't forget to document informal networking too, like "contacted John Smith, former supplier at XYZ Foods, regarding management opportunities in the area" - that counts as a legitimate work search activity. Keep your head up, the process is frustrating but you're doing everything right by staying organized and asking questions!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who recently went through this exact same process! I was laid off from my retail management job in January and had all the same questions about work search requirements. A few things that really helped me: 1. **Download the official DEO work search form immediately** - seriously, print out like 10-15 copies and keep them in a folder. It makes claiming weeks SO much easier when you have everything organized in the format they expect. 2. **Set up email alerts on job sites** - Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, etc. When you set up these alerts, document it as "Created job search profile and alerts on Indeed.com for management positions" - boom, that's one of your 5 weekly activities right there. 3. **Take advantage of slow days to batch your applications** - I found it easier to dedicate 2-3 hours twice a week to job searching rather than trying to squeeze it in daily. Restaurant management jobs get posted randomly so having those email alerts helps you catch them quickly. 4. **Document EVERYTHING in real-time** - don't wait until the end of the week to fill out your tracking form. I kept a small notebook and wrote down every application, phone call, or networking conversation as it happened. The system is definitely confusing at first, but once you get into a rhythm with the tracking and claiming process, it becomes much more manageable. Good luck with your search - the hospitality industry is definitely bouncing back strong right now!

As someone who just went through the work search audit process last month, I want to emphasize how thorough DEO can be when they review your records. They don't just check that you completed 5 activities - they actually verify the legitimacy of your job searches. Here's what happened during my audit: DEO contacted three of the employers I had listed to confirm I actually applied there. They also asked me to provide screenshots of my online applications and email confirmations. One of my work search activities was attending a virtual job fair, and they wanted proof of registration plus a summary of what companies I spoke with. The good news is that if you're documenting everything properly from the start (like you're planning to do), the audit process is just paperwork. But I've heard horror stories of people who made up work searches or didn't keep proper records having their benefits suspended. A few specific tips for restaurant management job searches: - When you apply through corporate websites (like for chain restaurants), save the confirmation page as a PDF - If you drop off a resume in person, ask for a business card or write down the manager's name - Join local restaurant/hospitality Facebook groups - networking there counts as work search activity - Check with hotel chains too - many need food service managers Keep doing exactly what you're doing with the detailed record keeping. The DEO system is frustrating but being organized will save you so much stress later!

As someone who works in workforce development, I want to add a few important points that haven't been fully covered yet: **Timing for first claim:** You typically can't claim your first weeks until after your "waiting week" is complete AND your claim is approved. This usually means 2-3 weeks after you initially file, depending on processing times. **Work search exemptions:** Some people are exempt from work search requirements (like if you have a definite return-to-work date within 16 weeks), but most people need to complete the 5 activities weekly starting immediately after filing. **CareerSource workshops are underutilized:** These count toward your requirements AND provide valuable networking opportunities. Many locations offer virtual options now too. Check floridajobs.org for schedules. **CONNECT system tip:** Log in during off-peak hours (Tuesday-Thursday, mid-morning or early afternoon). The system gets overloaded on Sundays/Mondays when everyone tries to claim. Since you mentioned restaurant management experience, definitely look into hospitality recruiting firms like Gecko Hospitality or Horizon Hospitality - initial consultations with recruiters count as legitimate work search activities and they often have exclusive openings not posted elsewhere. Keep detailed records from day one - you're already on the right track asking these questions early!

Just want to echo what everyone else has said about keeping detailed records - it really is crucial! I went through this process last year after being laid off from my hospitality job, and the organization tips shared here are spot on. One thing I'd add that helped me specifically as a restaurant manager: don't overlook corporate dining opportunities! Companies like Aramark, Sodexo, and Compass Group manage food services for hospitals, universities, corporate campuses, etc. These positions often value restaurant management experience and may offer better work-life balance than traditional restaurant roles. Also, when documenting your work searches, be specific about the positions you're applying for. Instead of just writing "applied to ABC Restaurant," write "applied for General Manager position at ABC Restaurant via company website." The more detailed your records, the better prepared you'll be if questions come up later. The stress you're feeling is totally normal - everyone goes through this anxiety when starting the unemployment process. But you're asking all the right questions and taking the right steps. The restaurant industry is definitely hiring right now, so stay positive and keep networking within your professional circles. Good luck with your search!

One more resource I haven't seen mentioned yet - Florida's WorkForce Connection centers often have computers and staff available to help with online applications if you run into technical issues with job sites or need help uploading resumes. This can count as a work search activity too ("visited WorkForce Connection center for job search assistance"). Also, since you're coming from restaurant management, consider reaching out to food distributors and vendors you worked with - many of them hire former restaurant managers for sales or account management roles. Companies like Sysco, US Foods, or local distributors often value that industry experience. Document these networking contacts as "contacted [name] at [company] regarding opportunities in food service sales/account management." The key thing everyone's emphasized about detailed record-keeping is absolutely true. I keep a simple Google spreadsheet that I can access from my phone, so I can update it immediately after any job-related activity. Makes claiming weeks much smoother when everything's already organized and accessible. You're being really proactive about this whole process, which will definitely pay off. The restaurant industry connections you already have are probably your best asset - don't hesitate to leverage those relationships!

Coming from someone who just completed their unemployment claim process successfully after 4 months - you're absolutely doing this right by asking these questions upfront! I wish I had found a thread like this when I started. One thing that really saved me: create a "job search ritual" where you do the same routine every time. I would open my tracking spreadsheet, check my email alerts, apply to 2-3 positions, then immediately document everything while it was fresh in my mind. Having that consistent process made it feel less overwhelming and ensured I never forgot to record anything. Also, don't underestimate the power of following up on applications after a week or so. A polite email or phone call asking about the status of your application counts as another work search activity - "followed up via email with [hiring manager] at [company] regarding [position] application submitted on [date]." Sometimes this follow-up is what gets you noticed too! Since you mentioned being stressed about the requirements, just remember that thousands of people successfully navigate this system every week. The fact that you're being proactive and organized puts you way ahead of most people. You've got this!

As someone who's been through the Florida DEO system multiple times, I can confirm what others have said - you're definitely on the right track by asking these questions early! One additional tip I haven't seen mentioned: when you're doing your work searches, try to vary the types of activities you're doing each week. Don't just do 5 online applications every week. Mix it up with things like: - Online applications (2-3 per week) - In-person visits to drop off resumes (1-2 per week) - Networking calls or emails to industry contacts (1-2 per week) - CareerSource workshops or job fairs (as available) This variety shows DEO that you're making a genuine effort to find work through multiple channels, not just going through the motions. Plus, different approaches often yield different results - some of my best job leads came from unexpected networking conversations rather than formal applications. Since you're coming from restaurant management, don't forget about adjacent industries that value your skills: catering companies, event venues, country clubs, corporate cafeterias, and even retail management roles often appreciate hospitality management experience. Keep that detailed documentation everyone's mentioned - it really does matter if you ever get audited. You're being smart about this process and that preparation will pay off!

One thing I want to add that's been super helpful for me - create a dedicated folder on your computer (and phone if possible) for EVERYTHING unemployment related. I have subfolders for: - Work search records/screenshots - DEO correspondence - Job applications and confirmations - Resume versions - Reference contact info This saved me SO much time when I had to provide documentation later. Also, if you're tech-savvy, you can set up automatic forwarding rules in your email so anything from job sites or with keywords like "application received" automatically goes to a specific folder. Makes it way easier to find confirmation emails when you're claiming weeks. The restaurant management experience you have is honestly really valuable right now - so many places are desperate for experienced managers who know how to handle staffing challenges and operations. Don't sell yourself short while you're searching. You've got skills that are in high demand!