Can I count reapplying to same company as ESD job search activity?
So I applied for a warehouse position at Amazon back in February and got the rejection email last week. I really want to work there and saw they posted a similar position yesterday. If I apply again, can I count this as one of my three job search activities for ESD? Will they flag it as duplicate if I'm applying to the same company but for a different opening? I'm trying to make sure I'm following all the rules correctly since I can't afford to lose my benefits right now. Anyone been in this situation before?
17 comments

Elin Robinson
Yes, you can absolutely count reapplying to the same company for a different position as a job search activity. ESD's requirements focus on the actual application activity, not preventing you from trying the same company more than once. The key thing is that it needs to be a legitimate new application for an actual job opening. Document it normally in your job search log with the new date, position title, and application method.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
•Oh that's such a relief! Thank you. I wasn't sure because the positions are really similar (one was Warehouse Associate I and this new one is Warehouse Associate II). I'll make sure to note the different position titles in my job search log.
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Atticus Domingo
i apply to amazon like every 3-4 months lol. they always need people but their hiring system is weird. ive used it for my job search activities multiple times and never had a problem with esd
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Beth Ford
•Be careful with this approach though. I've heard that ESD sometimes reviews job search logs more carefully during eligibility reviews. If they see the exact same company over and over without any other activities, they might question if you're making a reasonable effort to find work. I'm not saying don't do it, just mix it up with other applications too!!
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Morita Montoya
Just make sure when you list it on your job search log, you're specific about it being a NEW position you're applying for. I got flagged once because I just wrote "Applied to Amazon" twice and ESD thought I was counting the same application twice. So write out the full job title, posting date, and maybe even the job ID number if they provide one to show they're different positions.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
•That's really smart about including the job ID number. I didn't think about that! I'll definitely be more detailed in my log entries.
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Kingston Bellamy
Anyone else finding it IMPOSSIBLE to get through to ESD to ask simple questions like this?? I've been trying for THREE DAYS to talk to someone about my job search activities and keep getting disconnected. This system is a joke - they expect us to follow all these detailed rules but don't provide any way to get clarification when needed. So frustrating!!
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Joy Olmedo
•I was having the same problem until I discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an ESD agent without the endless waiting and disconnections. It basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Totally saved my sanity when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a demo video that explains it better than I can: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth checking out if you're still trying to get through.
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Isaiah Cross
To expand on what others have said, here's what ESD's policy actually states about job search activities: 1. Each application to a different position counts as a separate activity, even at the same company 2. What matters is that each application is for a "suitable position" you're qualified for 3. You need documentation of each application (date, position, method of application) The WorkSource workshops actually specifically mention that applying to multiple positions at the same employer is perfectly acceptable. Just avoid applying to positions you're clearly not qualified for, as that could be seen as not making a serious effort to find work.
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Morita Montoya
•This is spot on. I attended a WorkSource workshop last month and they confirmed exactly this. They even gave examples where applying to multiple positions at large employers like Amazon, Microsoft, etc. is common and acceptable practice.
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Beth Ford
I went through something similar last year when I was on unemployment. I kept applying to different positions at the hospital near me (I'm in healthcare). I was worried too, but when I had my eligibility review interview, the ESD representative actually said it showed persistence and that I was targeting my job search appropriately for my skills. So in my experience, not only is it allowed, they might even view it positively!
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Ivanna St. Pierre
•That makes me feel so much better about this! I really do want to work at Amazon specifically because the location is perfect for my situation, and the pay is better than other warehouse jobs in my area. Good to know being persistent might actually be viewed positively.
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Atticus Domingo
just wondering.... has amazon ever called u back after rejecting u before? im in the same boat and wondering if its even worth it or just a waste of one of my activities
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Kiara Greene
•My brother got rejected twice by Amazon and then hired on the third application. He said their hiring system is super automated and sometimes just depends on when you apply (like if they've already filled most positions by the time they see your application). So definitely worth trying again!
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Isaiah Cross
One more important point: if you're using WorkSource's job match system or the ESD's eServices portal to document your job search, they have specific fields for recording different positions at the same company. Make sure you're using those correctly - enter the specific job title, department if applicable, and use the notes section to clarify it's a different position than previously applied for. This makes it very clear during any review that you're following the rules correctly.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
•Thank you for this detailed advice! I've been using the paper job search log up until now, but I might switch to the online system if it makes it clearer when applying to multiple positions at the same company.
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StarSailor
I've been in a similar situation and can confirm what others have said - definitely count it as a legitimate job search activity! I actually had success doing exactly this with a different company. Got rejected for one position, applied to another similar role a month later, and ended up getting hired. The key things I learned: 1) Make sure you're applying to genuinely different postings (different job IDs, posting dates, etc.), 2) Be super specific in your job search log - include the exact job title, posting date, and job reference number if they provide one, and 3) Don't let one rejection discourage you from a company you really want to work for. Amazon posts new positions constantly, so your timing might just be better this time around. Good luck with the application!
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