How to log job search for unemployment - NYS Department of Labor weekly claim requirements
I'm confused about the job search requirements for my weekly claims. I've been unemployed for 2 weeks now and I know I need to do job searches but I'm not sure how to properly log them for the NYS Department of Labor. Do I need to keep a physical log or is there somewhere online to track this? Also how many job searches do I need per week? I don't want to mess up my claim by not doing this right.
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Malik Johnson
You need to keep your own record of job search activities. NYS Department of Labor requires 3 job search contacts per week. Keep track of company name, contact person, date, method of contact (online application, phone call, etc.) and position applied for. They don't provide an online tracking system - you maintain your own log and only submit it if they audit your claim.
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Emma Davis
•Thank you! Do networking events count as job search activities? I went to a career fair last week.
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Isabella Ferreira
Yes career fairs definitely count! Also informational interviews, contacting staffing agencies, and even LinkedIn networking can count. Just make sure you document everything with dates and details.
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Ravi Sharma
Wait I thought it was only 2 job searches per week? I've been doing 2 for the past month and haven't had any issues with my weekly claims...
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Malik Johnson
•It's 3 per week unless you're in a union or have standby status. Check your determination letter - it should specify your requirements.
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NebulaNomad
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to clarify my job search requirements and someone recommended claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to actual agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Emma Davis
•That sounds really helpful! I've been trying to call for days with no luck.
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Freya Thomsen
just keep a spreadsheet with all your job applications, works fine for me
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Omar Fawaz
The NYS Department of Labor job search requirement is such a hassle! I understand why they need it but having to track everything when you're already stressed about being unemployed is frustrating. At least they don't make you submit it every week like some states do.
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Chloe Martin
•I know right?? I'm spending more time documenting my job search than actually looking for work sometimes lol
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Connor Gallagher
I've been using a simple Google Doc to track my job search activities and it works great! I set up columns for date, company name, position, contact method, and any follow-up actions needed. Since it's in the cloud I can access it from anywhere and it's easy to search if I need to find something specific. The key is being consistent about logging everything right after you do it - don't wait until the end of the week or you'll forget details.
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Ethan Wilson
•That's a really smart approach! I love the Google Doc idea - much better than keeping paper records that I might lose. Do you also track things like networking conversations or just formal applications? I'm still figuring out what exactly counts as a "job search contact" for NYS requirements.
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