NYS Department of Labor job search requirements - which activities actually reduce unemployment claims?
I've been on unemployment for 6 weeks now and I'm getting confused about the job search requirements. NYS Department of Labor says I need to do 3 work search activities per week but I'm wondering which ones actually help reduce the time I'm on benefits? I've been applying online, going to job fairs, and doing some networking but nothing seems to be working. My cousin said there are specific activities that count better than others for the weekly claims but I can't find clear info on the my.ny.gov site. Has anyone figured out the most effective ways to meet the requirements while actually finding work?
12 comments
Join the conversation
AstroAce
The NYS Department of Labor work search requirements are pretty flexible but some activities definitely work better than others. Direct applications to employers count as your strongest activity, especially if you can document follow-up calls or emails. Networking events and job fairs also count and can lead to actual connections. The key is documenting everything properly in your work search log because they do audit these during adjudication reviews.
0 coins
Ethan Clark
•Thanks! I've been keeping a log but wasn't sure about the follow-up part. Do I need to call every employer I apply to?
0 coins
Yuki Kobayashi
I had luck with the NYS Department of Labor career center workshops - they count toward your weekly requirement AND they actually teach useful interview skills. Also try reaching out to staffing agencies since that counts as a work search activity plus they might have immediate openings. Don't just rely on online applications, the job market is too competitive right now.
0 coins
Carmen Vega
•Which career center did you go to? I called mine but they said all the good workshops are booked up for weeks.
0 coins
Andre Rousseau
honestly the whole system is a joke... been doing my 3 activities every week for 4 months and still nothing!! they make you jump through hoops but half the job postings are fake anyway. the NYS Department of Labor just wants to make it look like they're helping but really they just want you off the system
0 coins
Yuki Kobayashi
•I get the frustration but the requirements are there for a reason. Have you tried adjusting your approach or getting help with your resume?
0 coins
Zoe Stavros
When I was having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor about my work search documentation, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a real agent by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped me clarify which activities would be most valuable for my specific situation and how to document them properly.
0 coins
Jamal Harris
•Never heard of that but might be worth trying. I've been on hold for 2 hours today trying to ask about my work search log.
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
temp agencies!! thats what got me off unemployment fastest. they count as job search activities but also give you actual work right away. even if its just short term stuff it shows employers youre actively working and not just sitting around collecting benefits
0 coins
Carmen Vega
Same boat here, been doing the minimum 3 activities but maybe I need to do more? My adjudication officer mentioned something about 'good faith effort' during my phone interview.
0 coins
AstroAce
•The 3 activities is the minimum but showing more effort definitely looks better if your claim gets reviewed. Quality over quantity though - better to have 3 really strong applications than 6 random ones.
0 coins
Miguel Castro
From my experience, the most effective combo is direct applications + follow-up calls + visiting local career centers. I was stuck for 3 months just doing online applications, but once I started actually calling employers a few days after applying AND attending the free resume workshops at my local One-Stop Career Center, things picked up fast. The career center staff also helped me identify which job boards actually have real postings vs the fake ones that just collect your info. Also don't overlook LinkedIn networking - sending personalized messages to people in your field counts as a networking activity and sometimes leads to referrals.
0 coins