Confused about job search contact info for Indeed applications on ESD weekly claim report
I'm struggling with how to properly document my Indeed job applications for my ESD weekly job search activities. When I apply through Indeed, I don't always get direct contact info for the employer. The ESD weekly claim form asks for contact name, phone number, email, etc., but sometimes all I have is the Indeed posting. What exactly am I supposed to put down? Do I just write "Applied through Indeed" or will ESD reject that? Has anyone had their job search activities questioned because of this? I've applied to about 8 positions this week but I'm worried about getting my benefits denied if I don't have complete contact info.
32 comments


Zoe Dimitriou
For Indeed applications, I always put the company name, "Applied via Indeed," and then list the Indeed job ID number (usually found in the URL or job details) in the contact info section. For the phone/email, I put "N/A - online application" and then copy the direct link to the job posting. ESD understands that many applications are done online now through job boards where you don't get direct employer contact info. I've been audited twice and never had an issue with this approach.
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Andre Lefebvre
•Oh thank you! That's really helpful. I didn't even think about copying the Indeed job ID. Do you also take screenshots of your applications just in case?
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QuantumQuest
same thing worried me last month lol. i just put "indeed application" and whatever company name was listed. nobody from esd has said anything yet so guess it works???
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Jamal Anderson
•Watch out! My friend did that and got audited and almost lost benefits. ESD wants SOMETHING for contact info even from online apps.
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Mei Zhang
The most important thing is to be consistent and thorough with what information you DO have. Here's what I've found works best for documenting Indeed applications for ESD: 1. Company Name: List the actual employer (not just "Indeed") 2. Position: Copy the exact job title 3. Contact Method: "Applied online via Indeed" 4. Contact Information: Include the Indeed job ID number AND the direct URL to the posting 5. Follow-up Method: "Will wait for employer response" ESD recognizes that online applications often don't provide direct contact information. Their main concern is verifying you actually applied rather than making up job search activities. I've been through job search reviews twice, and they accepted this documentation without issues.
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Andre Lefebvre
•This is so detailed and helpful! I've been stressing about this. Do you know if ESD actually contacts Indeed to verify applications? I'm wondering how thorough their checks are.
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Liam McGuire
The ESD system is SO FRUSTRATING with this!!! It's like they designed the job search verification process in 1995 before online job boards existed! I got flagged for "incomplete contact information" last year even though I applied to 15+ jobs - ALL through Indeed and LinkedIn. Had to go through a whole appeal process just because their form doesn't match how people ACTUALLY apply for jobs nowadays. Make sure you save EVERYTHING - screenshots, confirmation emails, EVERYTHING!!
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Andre Lefebvre
•That sounds like a nightmare. Did you eventually get it resolved? What evidence ended up working?
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Amara Eze
Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask about this? I was having the same issue and spent WEEKS trying to figure it out on my own. Finally, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual ESD agent. They connected me within 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. The agent gave me specific instructions for documenting online applications. They even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me so much stress because I was doing it wrong before!
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QuantumQuest
•does this actually work? ive called like 20 times and never get through
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Amara Eze
•Yes, it worked really well for me! Got connected to an ESD rep in about 25 minutes when I had been trying for days before. They answered all my questions about documenting Indeed applications.
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Giovanni Ricci
I just put whatever info is available in the Indeed posting. Sometimes there's a recruiter name, sometimes not. ESD knows how online job applications work these days.
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Andre Lefebvre
•That's what I thought too, but I've seen people on here talking about getting their benefits delayed because of incomplete job search information, so I got worried!
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Jamal Anderson
In addition to what others have said, I always take screenshots of completed applications and save the confirmation emails. For ESD documentation, I include the company name, position, date, and the general Indeed contact method (since direct employer info isn't available). But the MOST important thing is to download/print the job description before applying. Indeed postings sometimes disappear, and if you get audited 2 months later, you'll want proof the job actually existed. I keep a folder with all my application records including screenshots showing the "Application Submitted" confirmation page.
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Andre Lefebvre
•That's a great tip about downloading the job description! I didn't think about postings disappearing. I'll start doing that immediately.
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Mei Zhang
One more thing - when you're applying through Indeed, sometimes there's a "Contact Info" section in the job details that has the hiring manager's info. Always check there first. Also, if you click through to the company's actual website from the Indeed posting, they sometimes list the HR email there that you can use for your ESD documentation. It takes a few extra minutes, but having more complete contact info can save you headaches later.
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Andre Lefebvre
•I'll definitely do some extra digging for contact info when possible. Thanks for the additional tips! I feel much more confident about how to document my job search properly now.
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QuantumQuasar
I've been dealing with this exact same issue! What I've learned after going through a job search audit is that ESD actually has updated their guidance for online applications. You can put "Online Application Portal" as the contact method and include the platform name (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) plus the job posting URL. The key is being consistent and thorough with whatever information IS available. I also recommend keeping a simple spreadsheet with columns for: Date Applied, Company Name, Position Title, Application Method, Job Posting URL, and any confirmation numbers. This makes it super easy to fill out your weekly claims and also serves as backup documentation if you ever get audited. The ESD representatives I spoke with said they care more about seeing genuine job search effort than having a phone number for every single application.
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Lucas Lindsey
•This is incredibly helpful! I love the spreadsheet idea - that sounds way more organized than the random notes I've been keeping. Quick question: when you went through the audit, did they actually verify your applications by contacting the employers or checking the job posting URLs? I'm curious how thorough their verification process actually is.
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Landon Flounder
I had this exact same worry when I first started claiming! What worked for me was creating a simple system: I always include the company name (not just "Indeed"), the exact job title, and then write "Applied via Indeed online portal" for the contact method. For contact details, I put the Indeed job URL and add "No direct employer contact provided - online application system." The key thing I learned from talking to an ESD rep is that they understand most job applications are done through online platforms now. They're mainly looking to verify that you're actually applying to real jobs, not trying to track down every hiring manager's phone number. I've been doing this for 6 months without any issues. One tip: if the Indeed posting shows it was posted by a recruiting agency rather than the company directly, I'll note that too since it explains why there's no direct employer contact. Hope this helps ease your stress about it!
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Anna Stewart
•This is exactly what I needed to hear! I've been overthinking this whole thing and stressing myself out unnecessarily. Your system sounds really practical and straightforward. I especially like the tip about noting when it's a recruiting agency - I've applied to several positions through staffing companies on Indeed and wasn't sure how to document those either. It's reassuring to know that ESD understands how modern job searching actually works. I'm going to start using your format right away. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
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Jamal Anderson
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I just wanted to add that I found it useful to also note the date the job was posted (if available on Indeed) in my documentation. This can help show ESD that you're applying to current, active job postings rather than old listings. Also, for those worried about Indeed postings disappearing - I started using the "Save Job" feature on Indeed first, then applying, so I have a saved list I can reference later if needed. One more thing I discovered: some Indeed applications will send you a confirmation email to your registered email address. I always save these as they provide additional proof of application submission with timestamps. The email subject usually includes the company name and position, which makes them easy to organize in a separate folder for ESD documentation purposes.
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Tate Jensen
•These are all fantastic tips! I'm definitely going to start using the "Save Job" feature before applying - that's brilliant for keeping track of everything. The confirmation email tip is gold too, I never thought to save those systematically. I've been so worried about getting my benefits denied over incomplete contact info, but reading everyone's experiences here has really put my mind at ease. It sounds like as long as I'm thorough with the information that IS available and consistent in my documentation approach, ESD will accept it. I'm going to create that spreadsheet someone mentioned and start implementing all these suggestions right away. Thank you all so much for taking the time to help out a newcomer who was stressing about this!
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Zoe Kyriakidou
I went through this same stress when I first started claiming! Here's what has worked perfectly for me over the past 4 months without any issues from ESD: For Indeed applications, I document: - Company Name: [Actual employer name from posting] - Position: [Exact job title] - Contact Method: "Applied via Indeed online portal" - Contact Info: Indeed job URL + "Direct employer contact not available through platform" - Date Applied: [Date I submitted] The trick is being consistent and detailed with what you CAN provide. I also keep a simple note in my phone with the Indeed job ID numbers as backup. One thing that really helped my peace of mind was calling ESD (yes, it took forever to get through) and asking directly about online applications. The rep told me they completely understand that most job searching happens through platforms now, and they're way more concerned with genuine job search effort than having a hiring manager's direct phone number. Don't stress too much - you're clearly making a good faith effort to find work, which is what matters most! Just be thorough with the info you do have access to.
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Diego Chavez
•This is so reassuring to hear from someone who's been doing this successfully for months! I really appreciate you sharing your exact documentation format - that's going to be super helpful as a template. The fact that you actually got through to ESD and confirmed they understand online applications gives me so much peace of mind. I was honestly losing sleep over this thinking I might mess up my benefits over something as simple as not having a hiring manager's direct email. Your approach of being "consistent and detailed with what you CAN provide" is exactly the mindset I needed to adopt. I'm definitely going to use your format and stop overthinking this. Thank you for taking the time to help ease a fellow claimant's anxiety!
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ApolloJackson
I was in the exact same boat when I started claiming benefits! The anxiety about documenting Indeed applications properly is so real. What I've found works well is this approach: For the ESD weekly claim, I put: - Company Name: The actual employer (not "Indeed") - Position Title: Exactly as listed on Indeed - Contact Method: "Online application via Indeed" - Contact Details: The Indeed job posting URL plus "No direct employer contact available" The most important thing I learned is that ESD updated their system to accommodate online job applications. They know that direct employer contact info often isn't available through job boards. I've been using this method for over 3 months without any issues. Also, here's a pro tip: I always screenshot the "Application Submitted" confirmation page right after applying. This gives you timestamped proof that you actually applied, which is way more valuable than having a hiring manager's phone number that you'd never realistically call anyway. Don't let this stress you out too much - you're clearly making genuine job search efforts, and that's what ESD cares about most!
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Natalie Adams
•This is exactly the kind of practical advice I was looking for! I love the screenshot tip - that's such a smart way to have timestamped proof of applications. I've been so worried about not having complete contact information, but it makes total sense that ESD would adapt to how people actually apply for jobs nowadays. Your format is really clear and straightforward too. I'm definitely going to start taking those confirmation screenshots right away. It's such a relief to hear from multiple people who've been successfully using similar approaches for months without any problems. Thanks for sharing your experience and helping calm my nerves about this whole process!
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Keisha Johnson
I've been dealing with this same issue and found a solution that's worked well for me! After reading through ESD's updated guidelines, I discovered they actually have specific instructions for online job applications. Here's my approach: For Indeed applications, I document: - Employer: [Actual company name from the posting] - Position: [Exact job title as listed] - Contact Method: "Applied through Indeed job portal" - Contact Information: Indeed job URL + job posting ID number - Additional Notes: "Applied via online platform - no direct employer contact provided" The key insight I learned is that ESD recognizes that modern job searching primarily happens through online platforms. They're much more focused on verifying that you're making legitimate job search efforts than collecting specific contact details that aren't realistically available. I also keep a backup folder with screenshots of each application confirmation page and save any automated emails Indeed sends after applying. This creates a paper trail if you ever need to provide additional documentation. I've been using this method for several months now without any issues, and it's eliminated all my stress about incomplete contact info. The most important thing is being consistent and thorough with whatever information IS available to you.
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Roger Romero
•This is incredibly thorough and helpful! I really appreciate you mentioning the updated ESD guidelines - I wasn't aware they had specific instructions for online applications. Your documentation format looks very professional and complete. The idea of including the job posting ID number is brilliant - that provides an extra layer of verification if needed. I'm definitely going to start creating that backup folder with screenshots and confirmation emails like you suggested. It's such a relief to know that ESD understands how job searching actually works in 2025 and that they're focused on genuine effort rather than outdated contact requirements. Your approach seems like the perfect balance of being thorough while working within the reality of online job applications. Thank you for sharing such detailed guidance!
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Andre Moreau
I've been in your exact situation and completely understand the stress! Here's what has worked perfectly for me over the past several months documenting Indeed applications for ESD: **My Documentation Format:** - Company Name: [Actual employer, not "Indeed"] - Position: [Exact job title from posting] - Contact Method: "Online application submitted via Indeed" - Contact Info: Indeed job URL + "Platform-based application - direct employer contact unavailable" - Date Applied: [Application submission date] **Additional Tips That Have Saved Me:** 1. Always grab a screenshot of the "Application Submitted" confirmation page - this provides timestamped proof 2. Save the Indeed job ID number (usually in the URL) as backup reference 3. If Indeed sends a confirmation email, save it in a dedicated folder 4. Take a quick screenshot of the job posting itself in case it gets removed later The reality is that ESD has adapted to modern job searching methods. I actually spoke with an ESD representative who confirmed they understand that most applications go through online platforms now where direct employer contact isn't provided. They care much more about seeing genuine job search effort than having every hiring manager's phone number. I've successfully used this approach for 6+ months without a single issue, including going through one job search review where they accepted all my documentation. Don't let this stress you out - you're clearly making good faith efforts to find work, which is exactly what they want to see!
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Lauren Wood
•This is absolutely perfect! Thank you so much for sharing such a comprehensive approach. I've been losing sleep over this whole documentation issue, but seeing your detailed format and knowing you've used it successfully for 6+ months (including during a review!) gives me complete confidence. I especially love that you actually spoke with an ESD rep who confirmed they understand online applications - that's the reassurance I really needed. Your screenshot tips are brilliant too, especially saving the job posting itself in case it disappears. I'm going to implement your exact system starting with my applications today. It's such a relief to finally have a clear, proven method instead of just guessing and worrying. Really appreciate you taking the time to help out someone new to this process!
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Hugo Kass
I've been going through this exact same struggle! After months of figuring this out the hard way, here's my foolproof system that's never caused me any issues with ESD: **For Indeed Applications, I Document:** - Company: [Actual employer name from posting] - Position: [Exact job title] - Contact Method: "Applied via Indeed online portal" - Contact Info: Indeed job URL + "No direct employer contact available through platform" **My Process:** 1. Screenshot the job posting before applying (in case it disappears later) 2. Screenshot the "Application Submitted" confirmation page 3. Save any confirmation emails from Indeed 4. Note the Indeed job ID from the URL as backup **Key Insight:** I called ESD using one of those callback services (took about 20 minutes vs hours of busy signals) and the rep specifically told me they've updated their processes for online applications. They said "We know that's how people apply for jobs now - we just need to see you're making genuine efforts." I went through a job search audit last month and they accepted ALL my Indeed applications documented this way. The auditor even complimented me on how organized my documentation was! Don't stress about this - ESD understands that direct employer contact info often isn't available through job boards. Just be consistent and thorough with what information you DO have access to. You're clearly making good faith job search efforts, which is what really matters!
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