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!

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 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!