How to put unemployment on resume while job searching for NYS Department of Labor requirements

You don't need to mention unemployment benefits specifically on your resume. Instead, focus on what you were doing during that time - any training, volunteer work, freelance projects, or professional development. If there's a gap, you can address it in your cover letter or during interviews by saying you were 'seeking new opportunities' or 'exploring career options.' The key is to show you were productive during the time off.

honestly i just put 'career transition period' for mine and nobody ever asked about it in interviews. most employers understand that people have gaps especially after covid and everything

If you're having trouble getting through to employers about gaps, I had success using Claimyr.com to get connected with NYS Department of Labor agents who helped me understand what activities count toward my job search requirements. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made it much easier to document legitimate job search activities instead of just applying randomly.

I went through this same thing last year! What worked for me was creating a 'Professional Development' section on my resume that included any courses, certifications, or skills I worked on during unemployment. You can also list relevant volunteer work or consulting projects. The goal is to show you weren't just sitting around - you were investing in your career growth.

ugh the whole system is so frustrating. they make you jump through hoops with the job search requirements but then you have to worry about explaining why you're unemployed in the first place. it's like a catch-22