NYS Department of Labor job search requirements when unemployment is low - still need to apply to 3 jobs weekly?
I've been on unemployment for about 6 weeks now and the job market in my area seems really tight. My caseworker mentioned that when unemployment is low, they might adjust the job search requirements but I can't find any clear info on the NYS Department of Labor website. Are we still required to apply to 3 jobs per week even when there aren't many openings? I'm in manufacturing and there's literally like 2-3 new postings per week in my entire county. Anyone know if they make exceptions or modify the requirements during periods when unemployment is low?
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Clarissa Flair
The 3 job contacts per week requirement remains the same regardless of local unemployment rates. However, NYS Department of Labor does allow you to count different types of job search activities toward this requirement - not just applications. You can include networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, or even contacting employers directly about potential openings. Keep detailed records in your job search log of all activities.
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Eve Freeman
•That's helpful! So if I go to a job fair that counts as one of my three contacts for that week?
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Caden Turner
yeah same situation here, barely any jobs posted but still gotta do the 3 contacts thing. i've been counting when i call companies directly to ask about openings even if they dont have anything posted online
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McKenzie Shade
•That's actually a good strategy. Direct employer contact counts as long as you document it properly with the company name, contact person, date, and method of contact. Make sure you're keeping records of everything in case NYS Department of Labor audits your job search activities.
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Harmony Love
I was struggling with this exact issue last month! The key is understanding that NYS Department of Labor looks at your overall job search effort, not just the raw number of applications. When I had my eligibility review, they were more interested in seeing that I was making genuine efforts to find work appropriate to my skills and experience. If you're having trouble reaching the 3 contacts because of limited openings, try using claimyr.com - they helped me get through to an actual NYS Department of Labor representative who explained all the different activities that count. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Rudy Cenizo
•Did they really accept things other than job applications? I've been stressing about this because there just aren't enough positions in my field right now.
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Natalie Khan
THE SYSTEM IS RIDICULOUS!! They expect us to apply to jobs that don't exist just to check boxes. When unemployment is low you'd think they'd ease up but NOPE still gotta jump through all their hoops. I've been applying to jobs I'm overqualified for just to meet the requirement and it's a waste of everyone's time.
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Clarissa Flair
•I understand the frustration, but applying to positions you're overqualified for can actually hurt your claim if NYS Department of Labor determines you're not making suitable job search efforts. Focus on positions that match your skills and experience level, and supplement with other approved job search activities.
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Daryl Bright
wait so when they say unemployment is low does that mean like statewide or just in your area? because my town has tons of jobs but they're all retail and food service and i worked in accounting
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McKenzie Shade
•NYS Department of Labor considers both state and local labor market conditions, but you're only required to search for work that's suitable to your training and experience. You don't have to take a minimum wage retail job if you were working in accounting, but you may need to expand your search geographically if local opportunities are limited.
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Adrian Hughes
I'm in a similar boat - been unemployed for about 8 weeks and finding it really tough to hit the 3 job contacts weekly in my field (IT support). What's helped me is mixing in some of the alternative activities others mentioned here. I've been attending virtual networking events through LinkedIn, reaching out to former colleagues for informational interviews, and even volunteering at a local nonprofit that uses technology - all of which count toward the requirement if you document them properly. Also started following up on applications I submitted weeks ago, which my caseworker said counts as a legitimate job search activity. The key seems to be showing genuine effort rather than just hitting a number. Keep your documentation detailed - date, company, contact method, and outcome for everything you do.
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