PA UC job search confusion - CareerLink applications not showing up in my count

yep same here, applied to like 4 jobs last week thru indeed after clicking from careelink but nothing shows in my account. still got paid tho

The PA CareerLink system only automatically tracks applications submitted directly through their platform. When you're redirected to external sites like Indeed or company websites, you need to manually log these work search activities in your JobGateway account. Go to your dashboard, click on 'Job Search Activities' and then 'Add a Job Search Activity.' You can select different activity types including applications, interviews, job fairs, etc. Make sure you're tracking all activities - PA UC requires at least 3 per week.

I went through this EXACT thing last month!!! The whole system is so confusing and the instructions are terrible. I ended up getting a determination letter saying I didn't meet work search requirements even though I was applying to jobs every day. Had to appeal and it was a whole nightmare.

To answer your follow-up question, there's no strict time limit for adding work search activities, but you should add them before filing your weekly certification. When you certify each week, you're declaring under penalty of law that you've completed the required activities. If you've already certified without properly recording activities, go ahead and add them now, and keep detailed records (screenshots, confirmation emails, etc.) in case there's ever a question. I also recommend keeping a separate spreadsheet or document with all your job search information including company name, position, date applied, website, and any contact information. This helps if you ever need to provide evidence during an audit or appeal.

If you're having trouble reaching someone at PA UC to help with this issue or any account problems, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last month - needed to speak to someone about work search requirements but couldn't get through the phone lines. Claimyr got me connected to a PA UC agent within 30 minutes after days of trying on my own. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 or visit claimyr.com. Way better than spending weeks trying to get through on your own.

The whole work search system is a JOKE!!!! UC makes everything confusing ON PURPOSE so they can deny claims. I did everything right and still got flagged for "insufficient work search" last year. Took 9 WEEKS to fix and I almost got evicted waiting for my money!!!

Just to add some clarification - when filing your weekly certification, there's a section where they ask if you completed your work search activities. You can answer YES even if the activities aren't showing in CareerLink, as long as you actually did them and can prove it if asked. But definitely add them manually like others suggested.

btw if ur applying to jobs just to check the box make sure u dont apply to ones that will actually call u lol. my buddy got offered a job and when he turned it down they reported him to UC

I had this exact problem in February. For anyone reading this in the future - make sure you're doing at least 3 QUALIFYING activities each week. Not everything counts as a work search activity. Reading job postings doesn't count. You need to be submitting applications, posting resumes, attending interviews, going to job fairs, etc. Here's a list of qualifying activities: https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/job-search/Pages/default.aspx

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been applying through CareerLink but getting redirected to company websites, and none of my applications are showing up in my dashboard either. Reading through these comments has been super helpful - I had no idea about manually adding activities in JobGateway. Going to go add all my applications from this week right now. It's so frustrating that the system doesn't explain this clearly anywhere. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a new claimant and had the same exact confusion - applied to 5 jobs this week through external sites after clicking from CareerLink and was freaking out when nothing showed up in my dashboard. Just went and manually added all my activities in JobGateway like everyone suggested. The system really should make this clearer upfront instead of making us figure it out through trial and error. For other newcomers reading this - definitely keep your own records with screenshots and confirmation emails like others mentioned. Better to be over-prepared than face an appeal situation later!

This is exactly what happened to me last month! I was so stressed thinking I was doing something wrong. For anyone still confused about this - here's what I learned: when CareerLink sends you to external sites like Indeed or company career pages, those applications don't automatically sync back. You HAVE to go into your JobGateway account and manually add each one under "Job Search Activities." I now do this immediately after each application while I still remember the details. Also pro tip - take screenshots of your application confirmations because some sites delete that info after a few weeks, and you might need proof later if UC audits your work search. The whole system is unnecessarily confusing but at least once you know the process it's manageable.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Applied to 8 jobs this week through external sites after clicking from CareerLink and was absolutely panicking when my dashboard showed zero applications. This thread is a lifesaver - I had no clue about manually adding activities in JobGateway. Just spent the last hour going back and logging everything. It's honestly infuriating that PA UC doesn't make this process clear anywhere - like why wouldn't there be a big warning when you get redirected saying "Remember to manually log this application when you return"? I was genuinely worried I'd lose my benefits even though I've been job hunting constantly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips about keeping records - definitely going to start taking screenshots of every confirmation page now. This community is more helpful than any official UC documentation I've found!