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 So outdated.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.