Where to record virtual job fairs on NY unemployment job search record form?
I'm confused about recording my job search activities correctly on the NY unemployment job search record form. Usually it's straightforward - I categorize activities as either 'job search prep' or 'employer contact' with their subcategories, including NYSDOL phone appointments. But I've been invited to several virtual job fairs by NYSDOL, and I can't figure out which category to put them under. They're not exactly 'job search prep' or 'employer contact', and they're not NYSDOL appointments either - they're events I register for and attend. Where am I supposed to record these virtual job fairs on my form? I don't want to mess up my benefits by documenting things incorrectly.
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Miguel Ramos
Virtual job fairs should be recorded under 'Job Search Preparation' and then select 'Attended workshop' as the subcategory. I had the same confusion last month! Even though it's not technically a 'workshop' in the traditional sense, NYSDOL considers virtual job fairs as a type of workshop activity since they're providing a structured environment for job seekers. Make sure to note it was a 'NYSDOL Virtual Job Fair' in the description field and include the date, time, and any confirmation number you received when registering.
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Ava Martinez
•Thank you so much! I was worried about selecting the wrong category. I'll put it under 'Attended workshop' and make sure to include all those details in the description. Do you know if I need to list each employer I spoke with at the fair, or is just recording the event itself enough?
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QuantumQuasar
i put mine under employer contact cuz u actually talk to employers there... makes more sense that way IMO
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Miguel Ramos
•That's actually not correct according to NYSDOL guidelines. Even though you do interact with employers, the virtual job fair itself is categorized as a workshop-type activity. If you specifically follow up with any employers after the fair, THOSE contacts should be listed separately as 'employer contacts.'
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Zainab Omar
You're overthinking this! As long as you're documenting that you attended something, they don't really scrutinize which exact category you put it under. I've been on unemployment three times and never had an issue. Sometimes I just write things in wherever there's space, lol.
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Connor Gallagher
•This is TERRIBLE advice! The NYSDOL absolutely DOES care about proper documentation. My cousin got his benefits DELAYED for TWO MONTHS because of incorrect job search records!!! Don't listen to this person!
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Yara Sayegh
I had this exact same question when I attended my first virtual job fair last month. I called NYSDOL to check (took forever to get through) and they confirmed it should go under 'Job Search Preparation' as 'Attended workshop'. The rep said to make sure I write 'NYSDOL Virtual Job Fair' in the description and include the date and confirmation number. She also suggested keeping a copy of the registration email as proof in case they ever question it during an audit. By the way, if you're having trouble getting through to NYSDOL by phone, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you skip the phone wait times. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to clarify this exact issue!
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Ava Martinez
•That's really helpful to know that you confirmed this directly with NYSDOL. I'll definitely keep copies of all my registration emails just in case. And thanks for the tip about Claimyr - the phone wait times have been absolutely ridiculous lately. I'll check out that video!
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Keisha Johnson
I've been to 3 of those virtual job fairs and honestly they're kinda useless. Half the employers don't even have real openings they're just collecting resumes for their database. But yeah put it under workshop I guess.
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Paolo Longo
•Agreed! Went to one in January and it was a complete waste of time. But at least it counts for the job search requirement ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Ava Martinez
Update: I followed the advice to list it under 'Job Search Preparation' > 'Attended workshop' and included all the details about the virtual job fair. I also contacted one employer directly after the fair, which I listed separately as an 'Employer Contact.' Just wanted to thank everyone for their help!
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Miguel Ramos
•Perfect! That's exactly the right way to document it. Good job following up with an employer too - that shows initiative which is exactly what NYSDOL wants to see.
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Connor Gallagher
Does ANYONE else find it RIDICULOUS that they make the form so CONFUSING?!? Even their own activities don't fit neatly into their categories!!! This is a PERFECT example of how BROKEN the system is!!! I spent 3 HOURS last week trying to figure out where to put my career counseling session!!
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Yara Sayegh
•The system definitely has its issues, but for career counseling sessions, those also go under 'Job Search Preparation' > 'Career advisor meeting'. Hope that helps for next time!
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