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.