PA UC job search requirements confusion - alternatives to CareerLink?

You're correct about needing to apply for 3 jobs each week. For PA unemployment, you need to perform at least 3 work search activities weekly, and they must be reported when you file your weekly certification. You don't have to use CareerLink, but you should keep detailed records of your job search activities including: - Company name and contact info - Position applied for - Date of application - Method of application (online, in-person, etc.) - Any response received They don't require proof when you file weekly, but keep records for at least a year as they do random audits where you'd need to provide evidence.

i use indeed all the time instead of careerlink. pa uc doesnt care where u apply as long as u do the 3 per week. just make sure u save EVERYTHING. screenshots of confirmations, emails, whatever you get.

When I was on unemployment last year I used LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter. CareerLink is terrible! So outdated.

To clarify how this works: When you file your weekly claim, there's a section specifically asking if you completed your work search requirements. You just answer 'yes' if you did your 3 activities. You don't submit the details weekly, but you need to be keeping track of everything in case of an audit. PA UC can request your work search records anytime within a year. Work search activities can include: - Applying for positions - Creating/posting resumes on job sites - Taking civil service tests - Job interviews - Creating profiles on employment websites Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, or any legitimate job site works fine. No need to use CareerLink if you don't want to.

PA UC system is ALL ABOUT PAPERWORK!!! I got audited last year and they wanted PROOF of EVERYTHING!! Make sure you print EVERY confirmation email and take screenshots of EVERY application submitted!!! They denied my benefits for 3 weeks because I couldn't prove one of my applications!!! The system is designed to trip you up!!

I had a similar issue trying to reach someone at PA UC about my job search requirements. After getting nothing but busy signals for days, I tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual person at unemployment in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent I spoke with confirmed that we don't need to use CareerLink specifically, and gave me a lot of helpful advice about tracking job applications correctly. Definitely worth it to get clear answers directly from UC.

There's actually a Work Search Record form on the PA UC website that you can download and use to track your activities. I use it and just fill it out each week. Makes it super easy if they ever request proof. Just Google "PA UC work search record form" and it should come up.

my brother got audited last month just saying

The REAL QUESTION is why they make this so COMPLICATED?!? In 2025 we shouldn't have to jump through so many hoops just to get benefits WE PAID INTO!!!

To answer your follow-up question: PA UC does provide an official Work Search Record form that you can download from their website. Here's the process: 1. Go to www.uc.pa.gov 2. Click on "Forms and Publications" 3. Look for the "Work Search Record" form (UC-304) This form isn't required, but it's formatted exactly how they want to see the information if you're audited. You can also create your own system as long as it captures all the required details mentioned above. I'd recommend completing it weekly while the information is fresh, rather than trying to reconstruct your search activities later.

Just wanted to add my experience - I've been using Indeed and LinkedIn for my job search requirements for about 6 months now. Never had any issues with PA UC accepting them instead of CareerLink. I keep a simple spreadsheet with company name, position, date applied, and method (Indeed/LinkedIn/direct company website). Also save confirmation emails in a dedicated folder. The key is being consistent and thorough with your record keeping. I actually found better job opportunities on Indeed than I ever did on CareerLink anyway!

I've been navigating the PA UC job search requirements for about 4 months now and can share what's worked for me. Like others mentioned, you absolutely do NOT need to use CareerLink - I use Indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites exclusively. Here's my system that's kept me audit-ready: - I downloaded that UC-304 form someone mentioned and fill it out weekly - I screenshot every application confirmation page and save them in folders by week - I keep a backup spreadsheet with job title, company, date, application method, and any follow-up The weekly certification just asks if you completed your work search - you click "yes" and move on. No detailed entry required unless you're audited. One tip: if you're in a specialized field and worried about running out of jobs, remember that "work search activities" include more than just applications. You can count networking events, updating your LinkedIn profile, taking online courses related to your field, or even informational interviews. Just document everything the same way. The system seems scary at first but once you get into a routine it's really not that bad. Focus on quality applications to jobs you actually want rather than just hitting the number requirement!

I just went through this same confusion when I started my PA UC claim a few weeks ago! After reading through all these helpful responses, I wanted to add that I called PA UC directly (took forever to get through) and they confirmed a few key points that might help: 1. You start the work search requirement immediately when you file your first weekly claim - there's no "waiting period" 2. The weekly certification has a simple yes/no question about completing work search activities - you don't enter details there 3. They told me that for online courses (since someone asked), you should save screenshots of the course completion page or certificate, and note the course name, provider, and date completed I've been using a combination of Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor for my applications and keeping everything in a Google Drive folder organized by week. So far so good! The key thing the UC rep emphasized was being consistent with whatever tracking method you choose - they care more about having complete records than which specific format you use. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: start your documentation system from day one rather than trying to recreate it later. Makes everything so much less stressful!

Been on PA UC for about 8 weeks now and can confirm everything people are saying here is accurate! I use Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and direct company applications - never touched CareerLink once and have had zero issues. For anyone starting out, here's what I wish I'd known from day 1: - Set up your tracking system BEFORE you start applying (learned this the hard way) - Take screenshots of EVERYTHING - confirmation pages, application submissions, even the job posting itself - Create a dedicated email folder for all job-related correspondence - The UC-304 form mentioned earlier is a lifesaver - I fill it out every Friday after completing my weekly applications One thing I haven't seen mentioned: if you apply through a company's website directly (not through a job board), make sure to note that in your records. During my brief call with PA UC, they mentioned they like to see variety in application methods, not just job board applications. Also, don't stress too much about the audit thing - yes, keep good records, but most people never get audited. The key is just being consistent with whatever system you choose. I use a simple Excel spreadsheet plus screenshot folder and it's worked great so far. The whole process is way less scary once you get into a routine with it!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who's been dealing with PA UC for the past 3 months - all the advice here is spot on! I've been using Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and company career pages exclusively (CareerLink is honestly terrible). A few additional tips that have helped me stay organized: - I use a simple Google Sheets template with columns for Date, Company, Position, Source (Indeed/LinkedIn/etc), Application Method, and Status - For screenshots, I save the application confirmation AND the original job posting in case the posting gets taken down later - I set aside 2-3 hours every Monday to do all my applications for the week, then update my tracking sheet immediately after each one The weekly certification really is just a yes/no question - takes like 30 seconds. I've never been audited but I know my records are solid if it happens. The most important thing is just being consistent with whatever system works for you. One thing that surprised me: PA UC actually encourages using multiple job sites because it shows you're making a "good faith effort" to find work. So definitely don't feel like you need to stick to CareerLink!