How can unemployment be reduced - NYS Department of Labor job search requirements helping me find work?
Been on unemployment for 8 weeks now and doing my weekly claims religiously. The NYS Department of Labor job search requirements are actually keeping me motivated - I have to apply to 3 jobs per week and log everything. But I'm wondering if there are other strategies that actually work to reduce how long you're unemployed? I've heard some people get jobs faster by doing certain things. My benefits run out in 18 weeks so I'm getting anxious about finding something soon. Anyone have success stories or tips that actually reduced their unemployment time?
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Anastasia Smirnova
The job search requirements are designed to help but there are definitely additional strategies that work. First, exceed the minimum - apply to 5-7 jobs weekly instead of just 3. Second, use the NYS Department of Labor's career services through your local One-Stop center. They offer resume workshops and interview prep that many people don't know about. Third, consider temporary or contract work while job searching - it doesn't affect your benefits if you report earnings correctly on your weekly claims.
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Diego Chavez
•I didn't know about the One-Stop services! Do I need to register separately for those or does my existing NYS Department of Labor account work?
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Sean O'Brien
Honestly the best thing that reduced my unemployment time was networking. I was doing all the NYS Department of Labor requirements but getting nowhere with online applications. Then I started reaching out to former colleagues and attending industry meetups. Got hired through a connection after 12 weeks instead of the full 26 weeks of benefits.
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Zara Shah
•This is SO true! I was stuck in the application black hole for months. One LinkedIn message to an old coworker led to my current job.
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Luca Bianchi
wait can you do temp work while on unemployment?? I thought any work would mess up my weekly claims and I'd have to stop filing
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Anastasia Smirnova
•You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits! Just report all earnings on your weekly claim. NYS Department of Labor has a formula - you can earn up to about $405 per week before it affects your benefits significantly.
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GalacticGuardian
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor agents to ask about work search activities that count beyond just applications. Ended up using claimyr.com to get through - they have this video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows exactly how it works. Got connected to someone who explained that informational interviews and job fairs also count toward your requirements.
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Diego Chavez
•Interesting, I've been struggling to get through their phone lines too. Did they charge you for that service?
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GalacticGuardian
•Yeah there's a fee but honestly worth it when you need specific answers. The agent I spoke with was really knowledgeable about the work search rules.
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Nia Harris
Ugh the whole system is broken. I've been unemployed for 6 months and the NYS Department of Labor job search requirements feel like busy work. Most of the jobs I apply to don't even respond. It's all about who you know, not what qualifications you have.
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Mateo Gonzalez
•I understand the frustration but the requirements do serve a purpose. Have you tried working with a recruiter? They often have relationships with employers that aren't posting jobs publicly.
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Zara Shah
Just wanted to add - make sure you're keeping detailed records of all your job search activities! I got audited by NYS Department of Labor and had to provide documentation for every application and contact I made. They're pretty strict about the work search requirements.
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