Can I use Indeed for unemployment work search requirements in NY?
I'm filing my weekly claims with NYS Department of Labor and need to do my job search activities. Can I count applying to jobs on Indeed toward my work search requirements? I've been using their easy apply feature but wasn't sure if that counts as a valid job contact for unemployment purposes. Do I need to keep records of the Indeed applications or is there something specific I should be documenting?
19 comments
Join the conversation
Ezra Beard
Yes, Indeed applications absolutely count for your NYS Department of Labor work search requirements! You need to keep records though - save the job posting details, company name, position title, and date you applied. The easy apply feature is fine as long as you're actually submitting applications to real job openings.
0 coins
Tobias Lancaster
AuthorThank you! Should I be printing out confirmations or is keeping notes in a spreadsheet enough?
0 coins
Statiia Aarssizan
I use Indeed all the time for my weekly claims. Just make sure you're applying to jobs that match your skills and previous work experience. NYS Department of Labor wants to see you're making genuine efforts to find work, not just clicking apply on random jobs.
0 coins
Reginald Blackwell
this is good advice - they can ask for details about your job search during a review
0 coins
Aria Khan
Wait I thought you had to apply directly on company websites? I've been avoiding Indeed because I wasn't sure if it counted...
0 coins
Ezra Beard
No, job search activities can include applications through job boards like Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, etc. As long as you're actually applying for real positions and keeping proper records, you're good.
0 coins
Everett Tutum
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to clarify my work search questions last month. Kept getting busy signals and the online chat was always full. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. The agent confirmed that Indeed applications count as long as you document them properly.
0 coins
Tobias Lancaster
AuthorInteresting, might check that out if I need to call them. The phone lines are impossible!
0 coins
Sunny Wang
Been using indeed for months for my job search log, never had any issues with NYS Department of Labor accepting it
0 coins
Isabella Oliveira
I keep a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, job title, where I applied (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.), and any notes. Haven't had any issues with DOL when they've reviewed my records. The key is being consistent and showing you're actively searching. Screenshot confirmations when you can, but detailed notes should be sufficient for most cases.
0 coins
Kaiya Rivera
Just want to add that you should also keep track of how many work search activities you're doing per week - NYS requires a minimum number depending on your situation. I learned this the hard way when I got selected for a review and realized I was only doing 2 activities some weeks when I needed 3. Indeed applications definitely count, but make sure you're meeting the weekly minimum requirement. You can also mix it up with networking events, job fairs, or contacting employers directly to reach your quota.
0 coins
Grant Vikers
Great point about the weekly minimums! I didn't realize there were different requirements depending on your situation. Is there an easy way to find out exactly how many work search activities I need to do per week? I want to make sure I'm not falling short like you did. Also, when you mention networking events and job fairs, do those count as separate activities even if I don't apply to specific jobs at them?
0 coins
Khalil Urso
@Grant Vikers You can find your specific work search requirements by logging into your NY.gov account or checking the paperwork you received when you first filed. Most people need 3 activities per week, but it can vary. And yes, networking events and job fairs definitely count as separate activities! You just need to document what you did - like attended "ABC Company virtual job fair, spoke with 2 recruiters about marketing positions. Each" meaningful contact or event can count as one activity. Just make sure to keep good records of what you did and when.
0 coins
Jordan Walker
@Grant Vikers You can find your specific work search requirements by logging into your NY.gov account or checking the paperwork you received when you first filed. Generally it s'3 activities per week, but it can vary based on factors like how long you ve'been unemployed or if you re'in certain training programs. And yes, networking events and job fairs count as separate activities even without specific applications - just make sure to document who you spoke with, what companies were there, etc. I usually note the event name, date, location, and any contacts I made.
0 coins
Connor O'Neill
@Grant Vikers You can find your specific work search requirements in your NY.gov unemployment account under the Work "Search Requirements section," or it should be mentioned in your determination letter. Generally it s'3 activities per week, but it can vary. And yes, networking events and job fairs each count as one activity even without specific applications - just document the event name, date, and what you did like (attended "virtual job fair, spoke with 5 employers .")Career counseling sessions, resume workshops, and even creating/updating professional profiles like LinkedIn also count toward your weekly activities.
0 coins
Hiroshi Nakamura
@69130aba881c You can find your specific work search requirements in your unemployment determination letter or by logging into your NY.gov account. Most people need 3 activities per week, but it can vary. And yes, networking events and job fairs definitely count as separate activities! You just need to document what you did - like "attended XYZ job fair, spoke with 5 employers" or "attended networking event at local library." The key is showing you're actively looking for work in multiple ways, not just clicking apply buttons.
0 coins
Serene Snow
@Grant Vikers The weekly requirements are usually listed in your determination letter when you first get approved for benefits. For most people it s'3 work search activities per week, but it can be different based on your industry or how long you ve'been unemployed. You can also check by logging into your NY.gov unemployment account - it should show your specific requirements there. And yes, networking events and job fairs absolutely count as separate activities! Just make sure to document them properly with details like the event name, date, and what you did there.
0 coins
Saleem Vaziri
@3a48add83475 Thanks for the clarification about checking the determination letter! I found mine and you're right - it clearly states the weekly requirement. One follow-up question: if I attend a virtual job fair or online networking event, does that count the same as an in-person one? I've been seeing more virtual events lately and want to make sure those are acceptable work search activities for NYS DOL.
0 coins
Genevieve Cavalier
@Grant Vikers The weekly requirements are usually listed in your initial determination letter when you first get approved for benefits. You can also check by logging into your NY.gov unemployment account - it should show your specific requirements there. Most people need 3 work search activities per week, but some may need more depending on their benefit amount or how long they ve'been collecting. And yes, job fairs and networking events absolutely count as separate activities! Just make sure to document what you did - like which companies you talked to or what type of event it was.
0 coins