Do I still need 3 job search activities when starting new job in 2 weeks? ESD requirements unclear
Hey everyone, I've got a job situation I need advice on. I just got a verbal offer for a position that should start around March 28th (waiting on the final paperwork). I'm currently on unemployment and will need to file two more weekly claims before this new job begins. My question is: do I still need to complete the 3 required job search activities for each of those weeks even though I've already secured employment? I looked through the ESD website but couldn't find anything specific about this scenario. Has anyone dealt with this before? I don't want to mess up my benefits for these last couple weeks, but it seems pointless to keep applying for jobs when I'm about to start one. Thanks for any help!
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Anita George
Yes, you absolutely need to continue doing your 3 job search activities each week until you actually start working, even if you have a job lined up. ESD requires those activities until your first day of work, not until you accept an offer. Congrats on the new job though!
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Austin Leonard
•Thanks for the quick response! That's what I was afraid of. Seems like a waste of everyone's time, but I definitely don't want to risk my benefits.
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Abigail Spencer
I was in the same boat last year. Applied for a bunch of jobs I knew I wouldn't take lol. You could also do the other activities that count - like attending WorkSource workshops or working on your resume with a career counselor.
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Austin Leonard
•Good point! I forgot about the workshops. That might be less awkward than applying for jobs I know I can't accept.
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Logan Chiang
OMG the ESD system is so broken!! WHY make people do pointless job searches when they ALREADY HAVE A JOB?! I had to do this too and it was such a waste of time. One more example of stupid government bureaucracy!!! 🤬
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Isla Fischer
•ikr?? they just want to make life difficult. classic government stuff
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Miles Hammonds
Wait actually I think theres an exception for this!! My neighbor told me if you have a job offer letter you can apply for 'standby' status and dont need to do the job searches anymore
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Ruby Blake
•That's not quite accurate. Standby status is primarily for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to your previous employer, not for new job offers. While there are some other circumstances where standby might apply, a future start date for a new employer typically doesn't qualify. The OP should continue doing their job search activities until they start working.
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Micah Franklin
For those two weeks, you could do some networking activities that count toward your job search requirements. ESD allows informational interviews and networking events to count. That way you're building professional connections that might be helpful in your new role rather than applying to jobs you won't take. Just document them properly in your job search log.
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Austin Leonard
•That's a great suggestion! I hadn't thought about networking activities. That would actually be useful for my career long-term. Thanks for the idea!
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Isla Fischer
when i started my new job i just did quick applications on indeed took like 5 min each just to check the boxes lol
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Austin Leonard
•Yeah, I might end up doing that too. Just feels dishonest to apply for jobs I know I can't take, but I guess that's the system.
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Anita George
Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask? I know their phone lines are usually jammed, but I've had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through. They have a service that helps you reach an actual ESD agent without waiting on hold for hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Might be worth it to get a definitive answer straight from ESD about your specific situation.
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Austin Leonard
•I hadn't heard of Claimyr before! I'll check out that video. I tried calling ESD a few times but gave up after being on hold forever. Thanks for the tip!
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Ruby Blake
Just to provide some additional clarification: The law requires continued job search activities until you're actually employed, not just until you have an offer. This is because offers can fall through, and ESD wants to ensure you remain actively seeking work until you're officially employed. When you file your weekly claim for the week you start working, you'll report your hours and earnings, and if you work full-time that week, that will effectively end your claim. For partial weeks, you may still be eligible for partial benefits depending on your earnings. As others have suggested, utilizing the variety of qualifying activities (workshops, networking, etc.) rather than just job applications can make this requirement more meaningful during your transition period.
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Austin Leonard
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! That makes sense about offers potentially falling through. I'll keep doing the activities and report my earnings properly when I start. I appreciate everyone's help with this!
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