Where do I log virtual job fairs in NY unemployment work search record?
So I've been claiming unemployment benefits since August and documenting my work search every week. Usually it's pretty straightforward - I just select job search prep or employer contact and pick from the subcategories. But here's my issue: I've been invited to participate in several virtual job fairs hosted by the state, and I have no idea where to record this activity in the job zone system. There's nothing that specifically says 'job fair' under any category. These aren't NYSDOL appointments (which have their own section), but they are legitimate work search activities that require registration and attendance. I've participated in 3 of these online job fairs in the past month and want to make sure I'm recording them correctly. Anyone know exactly which category these should go under? I don't want to mess up my claims over something like this.
31 comments
Ella rollingthunder87
I record virtual job fairs under "Job Search Preparation" and then select "Attending a workshop" as the subcategory. Been doing it this way for months and never had an issue with my claims. I think the important thing is just making sure you document the date, time, and name of the job fair so you have proof if they ever question it.
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Tony Brooks
•That makes sense! Do you put any additional notes in the description field? Or just the basic info?
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Ella rollingthunder87
•I usually add the name of the organizations hosting the fair, how many employers I spoke with, and any follow-up actions I took. Better to have too much info than not enough!
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Yara Campbell
•I do the exact same thing! Also take screenshots of your registration confirmation emails just in case 👍
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Isaac Wright
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Maya Diaz
•Sounds like one of those sketchy services that's just trying to make money off desperate people. Does it actually work?
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Isaac Wright
•Yeah it works! I was super skeptical too but I was at my wits end after calling for 2 weeks straight. They got me through to someone in about 45 minutes when I had been trying for days with no luck.
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Tami Morgan
•wait rlly? i've been trying to get thru for over a month. can they help with payment holds too or just answering questions?
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Isaac Wright
•They just connect you to a live agent, so once you're connected you can discuss whatever issue you have - payment holds, work search questions, anything you'd normally call about.
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Rami Samuels
I put them under "Employer Contact" and then select "Other". In the description I write out that it was a virtual job fair with the date and number of employers I spoke with. Never had any issues with my benefits getting approved this way.
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Haley Bennett
The whole system is designed to be confusing on purpose so they can deny benefits. Been on unemployment 3 times in NY and every time theres some new ridiculous hoop to jump through. Just pick whatever category seems closest and keep detailed notes of everything you do. Screenshot EVERYTHING.
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Douglas Foster
•THIS!!! 💯 They literally hope you mess up so they can deny you. Classic government BS.
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Nina Chan
•For real. My claim got delayed 2 months becuz I answered one stupid question wrong on the certfication. The whole thing is a cruel joke.
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Ruby Knight
When I had this same issue earlier this year, I called the ny unemployment helpline and the rep told me to list virtual job fairs under "Job Search Preparation" and select "Other" as the subcategory. Then in the description box, provide all details about the fair - date, time, sponsor, employers you spoke with, etc. The key is documenting everything clearly.
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Tony Brooks
•Thank you! That's really helpful. I'll do it that way for the next ones I attend.
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Diego Castillo
Here's what I've learned after dealing with ny unemployment for the past 6 months: Virtual job fairs can actually be recorded in multiple ways, depending on what you actually did at the fair: 1. If you just attended workshops or presentations, use "Job Search Preparation" and select "Attending a workshop" 2. If you actually spoke with employers and applied for positions, use "Employer Contact" and select either "Submitting a job application" or "Other" 3. If you networked with industry professionals but didn't directly apply, use "Job Search Preparation" and select "Other" The most important thing is documenting everything thoroughly. I screenshot registration confirmations, keep notes of who I spoke with, and save any follow-up emails. If you're ever unsure about work search requirements or documentation, getting through to an actual person is critical. I wasted weeks trying to call before discovering claimyr.com - they call and wait on hold for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Completely changed my experience with the system. Don't stress too much though - as long as you're making good faith efforts to find work and documenting those efforts, you should be fine. The system is confusing but navigable with the right approach.
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Logan Stewart
•this is actually super helpful info, thx for taking the time to write it all out 🙏
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Tony Brooks
•Thank you for such a detailed response! This covers exactly what I needed to know.
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Mikayla Brown
I just called about this last month! The rep told me to log virtual job fairs under Job Search Preparation > Other and make sure to include all details in the description field. Make sure you note that it was state-sponsored too if it was.
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Sean Matthews
Am I the only one who thinks its ridiculous that they invite you to these job fairs but dont give clear instructions on how to log them? 🤦♀️ typical NY unemployment nonsense
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Ali Anderson
•omg THIS. its like they WANT us to mess up so they can deny benefits
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Zadie Patel
•fr fr the whole system is designed to be as user-unfriendly as possible
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A Man D Mortal
•I spent 3 hours on the phone trying to get an answer to this same question last month... nothing is ever simple with them 🙄
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Declan Ramirez
I know this isn't exactly what you asked, but are those virtual job fairs actually worth attending? I keep getting invites but wasn't sure if they're just a waste of time or if people actually get hired from them.
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Tony Brooks
•I've been to 3 so far and while I haven't gotten a job yet, I did get 2 interviews from the last one. They're definitely better than just applying blindly online.
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Emma Morales
•I got my current job from one! It was for healthcare workers tho so might depend on your industry
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Katherine Hunter
Speaking from experience, the key to avoiding problems with NY unemployment isn't just where you log things but making sure you're providing DETAILED descriptions. No matter which category you put it under, write down the name of the job fair, who organized it, date/time, how you registered, which employers you spoke with, and any follow-up actions.
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Lucas Parker
honestly just use claimyr.com to get someone on the phone and ask them directly. trying to guess the right answer from us internet strangers might get u in trouble with your benefits. better to hear it straight from DOL.
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Donna Cline
•whats claimyr? never heard of it
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Lucas Parker
•it's this service that calls unemployment for you and waits on hold, then calls your phone when they get a live person. saved me HOURS of hold time when I had issues with my claim. claimyr.com
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Harper Collins
I work at a career center and we advise people to document virtual job fairs under Job Search Preparation > Other. Make sure to include the full name of the event, sponsor, date, and list of employers you interacted with. Save all confirmation emails and registration details as proof.
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