Can I use Indeed for Washington ESD unemployment work search requirements?

Yes, applying for jobs on Indeed definitely counts toward your Washington ESD work search requirements. Make sure you keep detailed records of each application - company name, position title, date applied, and how you applied. Just browsing doesn't count, you need to take some action like applying or contacting employers.

Thanks! Do I need to save screenshots of my applications or is just writing down the details enough?

Writing down the details is usually sufficient, but I always save screenshots just in case. Better to have too much documentation than not enough if they audit your job search log.

I use Indeed all the time for my job searches. You can apply directly through Indeed or it might redirect you to the company's website. Both count as long as you're actually submitting applications. Make sure to vary your job search activities though - don't just use Indeed for everything.

What other activities do you do besides Indeed? I'm trying to mix it up but running out of ideas.

I use LinkedIn, company websites directly, and sometimes go to job fairs. Also networking events count if you talk to potential employers there.

Be careful about just relying on online applications. Washington ESD likes to see variety in your job search methods. I got questioned during an interview about why all my activities were just online applications. Try to mix in some direct employer contact, networking, or attending job search workshops.

Oh no, I've been doing mostly online applications. What happened during your interview?

They asked me to explain my job search strategy and why I wasn't doing more direct outreach. I had to provide more documentation to prove I was actively looking. It worked out fine but was stressful.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD to ask about specific job search requirements but can never get through. Their phone lines are always busy and I keep getting disconnected. Has anyone found a better way to reach them when you have questions?

I had the same problem for weeks until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - they basically wait on hold for you and call you back when they get an agent on the line. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work?

I was skeptical too but it worked for me. Got through to an agent in about 2 hours instead of spending days trying to call myself. Worth it when you need answers about your claim.

ugh the job search requirement is so annoying. I apply to jobs on Indeed but half the time I never hear back. Feels like I'm just going through the motions to check a box for Washington ESD.

I understand the frustration, but try to think of it as actually helping your job search. The requirement forces you to stay active in looking for work, which is ultimately good for getting back to employment faster.

I guess you're right. It's just discouraging when you apply to so many places and hear nothing back.

Make sure you're keeping your job search log updated in real time. I used to wait and try to remember everything at the end of the week but that was a mistake. Now I log each activity right after I do it, including Indeed applications.

Good point. I've been procrastinating on updating my log. Do you use the Washington ESD website to track or keep your own records?

I keep my own detailed spreadsheet and then just summarize on the ESD website when I file my weekly claim. Having more detail helps if they ever audit you.

One tip for Indeed - if you're in a smaller city, you might run out of relevant jobs quickly. I started expanding my search radius and looking at remote positions too. All still counts for your job search requirements.

That's smart. I hadn't thought about remote jobs. Do I need to be willing to actually take them or can I just apply to meet the requirement?

You should be genuinely willing to accept suitable work that you apply for. Washington ESD expects you to be making a good faith effort to find employment, not just going through the motions.

I've been using Indeed for months and it definitely counts. The key is being thorough in your documentation. I include the job posting URL, company name, position, date applied, and any follow-up actions. Never had an issue with Washington ESD accepting my job search activities.

Do you save the actual job posting URLs? I hadn't thought about including those.

I copy the URL before applying since some postings get removed later. It's extra documentation that shows you applied to a real job posting.

Just remember that Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time. They might call the employers you listed to verify you actually applied. I know someone who got caught lying about applications and had to pay back benefits. Always be honest about your job search efforts.

Wait, they actually call employers? That's terrifying. What if the employer doesn't remember my application?

They don't call every employer, just random audits. As long as you actually applied, you should be fine. Keep your application confirmations as backup proof.

I had questions about my job search requirements and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks. Finally used Claimyr to get connected to an agent who clarified everything for me. The agent confirmed that Indeed applications count as long as you're documenting them properly.

How long did it take with Claimyr? I'm still trying to get through to ask about my specific situation.

It took about 3 hours for them to get me connected to an agent. Way better than the days I spent trying to call myself and never getting through.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much better about using Indeed for my job search activities. Going to start keeping better records and maybe try some other methods too to mix things up.

You're welcome! Good luck with your job search. Remember, the goal is to get back to work, not just satisfy the requirement.

Hope you find something soon! The job market is tough right now but staying active with your search is the best approach.

I apply to jobs on Indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites directly. Washington ESD has never questioned my job search activities as long as I'm documenting everything properly. The key is consistency and detail in your records.

What level of detail do you include in your job search log?

Company name, position title, date applied, method of application, and any follow-up actions. I also note if I heard back from them or not.

Be aware that some jobs on Indeed are posted by recruiters or staffing agencies. These still count for your job search requirements, but make sure you're clear about who you're actually applying to work for in your documentation.

Good point. I've applied to some jobs where I wasn't sure if it was the actual company or a recruiter. Should I list both?

I usually list the staffing agency as the employer since that's who I'm actually applying through, but mention the end client if it's specified in the job posting.

Anyone else finding that Indeed jobs are mostly requiring way more experience than they used to? I feel like I'm wasting time applying to jobs I'm not qualified for just to meet the 3 activities per week requirement.

Try not to let the requirements discourage you from applying. Many job postings list ideal qualifications rather than minimum requirements. You might be surprised what employers are willing to consider.

That's a good way to think about it. I guess I should keep applying even if I don't meet every requirement listed.

Pro tip: Indeed lets you save jobs to apply to later. I use this feature to build up a list of potential applications, then apply to them throughout the week to spread out my job search activities.

That's smart! I never thought about spacing out my applications like that.

It helps me be more strategic about when I apply and makes sure I'm not scrambling at the end of the week to meet my requirements.