NY unemployment job search tracking - What's the best method for DOL proof?

I created a simple spreadsheet that's worked well for me. The key info NY DOL wants is: date applied, company name, position, method of contact (online, email, phone), and any follow-up actions. I also keep a folder with screenshots of confirmation emails and application pages. They're pretty strict about the 3 job search activities per week, so staying organized from the start is crucial.

OMG I didn't even know we had to keep detailed records!! I've been certifying every week but haven't saved ANYTHING except some random emails. Now I'm freaking out!! Will they make me pay back all my benefits??? Has anyone actually been audited?? I've applied to like 30 jobs but have zero proof!!!!

they do random audits so keep good records. my cousin got audited last year and had to submit everything within like 48 hours. just use a word doc or google sheet with dates and company names. indeed counts as one activity per application but u need 3 different activities per week

I developed a pretty efficient system after getting benefits in 2025. Here's what worked for me: 1. Use a dedicated spreadsheet with these columns: Date, Company, Position, Contact Person, Method of Application, Website/Email Used, Follow-up Date, Status, Notes 2. Take screenshots of EVERYTHING - confirmation pages, emails, rejection letters 3. Create a separate folder for each week of certification 4. Download the official NY DOL Work Search Record (it's form WS5) - you can find it by searching "NY DOL WS5" on their website 5. Backup everything to cloud storage This system saved me when I got audited in March. They requested 8 weeks of records, and I was able to submit everything within a day. Remember that networking events, career fairs, and skills workshops also count toward your activities!

I tried calling the DOL three times to ask about job search requirements but could never get through to anyone. Then I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. The agent walked me through exactly what they look for during audits and confirmed everything mentioned here. They also have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE What I learned from the agent: They recommend keeping both digital AND paper records. During an audit, they typically ask for 3 months worth of documentation. Even if you're missing some records, partial documentation is better than nothing.

It worked for me - got through in about 15 minutes after spending days trying to call myself. The agent I spoke with confirmed I needed to document job search activities even for weeks I'd already certified for. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind.

Let me tell you about my HORRIBLE experience with NY unemployment! I kept METICULOUS records of every single job I applied for - dates, screenshots, contact info, EVERYTHING. Then I got audited in January, submitted all my perfect documentation, and STILL got denied 4 weeks of benefits because they claimed I didn't do enough activities!!! Turns out applying through Indeed multiple times only counted as ONE activity type for the whole week! The system is RIGGED to deny benefits any way they can!

when i was on unemployment last month i just used a google doc with all the info and took screenshots. worked fine for me. btw i also applied for this warehouse job near albany last week through indeed and got hired immediately, $23/hr if anyones interested

I've started using the WS5 form mentioned above and created a detailed spreadsheet. Quick follow-up question: for online applications where there's no specific contact person, what do you all put in that field on the form? Just "HR" or "Hiring Manager" or leave it blank?

Based on my experience with NY DOL audits, here's a cheatsheet of what counts as separate work search activities: 1. Submitting job applications (online, in-person, etc.) 2. Attending workshops (virtual or in-person) 3. Going to job fairs 4. Creating profiles on job sites (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) 5. Networking events 6. Registering with staffing agencies 7. Civil service exams 8. Meeting with career counselors 9. Skills development courses Remember: You need THREE DIFFERENT TYPES of activities each week, not just three activities. Five Indeed applications = one activity type. A job fair, one Indeed application, and a networking event = three different activity types.

I went back through my emails and found most of my applications! But I'm still missing about 2 weeks worth. If I get audited do you think they'll make me repay those weeks? Has anyone successfully appealed when they had incomplete records?

To address the repayment concern: in my experience, the DOL typically gives you a chance to explain missing documentation before demanding repayment. If you can show good faith effort (partial records, detailed explanation of your job search process), they may waive the repayment requirement. Appeals are possible but time-consuming. The key is to start keeping proper records immediately and be proactive if audited. Explain your situation honestly - many people don't realize the documentation requirements until after they've been certifying for a while.

I've been through the NY unemployment system twice (2023 and 2024) and learned the hard way about documentation. Here's my current system that's bulletproof: 1. **Weekly folder structure**: I create a new folder each week labeled "Week of [date]" with subfolders for applications, confirmations, and follow-ups. 2. **Real-time logging**: I fill out the WS5 form AS I apply, not at the end of the week. This prevents forgetting details. 3. **Activity diversification**: Monday = online applications, Wednesday = networking/LinkedIn outreach, Friday = skills development or job fair research. This ensures I hit different activity types. 4. **Screenshot everything**: Application confirmations, job posting pages, email receipts, even LinkedIn connection requests. If there's no confirmation page, I screenshot the "application submitted" message. 5. **Follow-up tracking**: I set calendar reminders to follow up on applications after 1 week, which counts as additional activity. The most important thing I learned: treat this like a part-time job. Spend 2-3 hours each day on legitimate job search activities and document EVERYTHING in real-time. It's way easier than trying to reconstruct weeks of activity later. Also, pro tip: the NY DOL considers informational interviews as networking activities. Reach out to people in your field for 15-minute coffee chats - it's great for job searching AND counts toward your requirements.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I just finished setting up my documentation system based on everyone's advice. I'm using the WS5 form as my primary tracker and created a Google Drive folder with weekly subfolders like Seraphina suggested. One thing I learned from calling the DOL (finally got through after 2 hours on hold): they said keeping both digital AND physical copies is ideal in case of technical issues during submission. They also confirmed that volunteer work related to your field can count as a networking activity if you're making professional connections. For anyone still worried about past weeks - the agent told me they understand people don't always know the requirements upfront. They look more favorably on claimants who show they're making genuine efforts to find work, even if early documentation is incomplete. The key is being honest and proactive. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifesaver when the official resources are so hard to navigate!