Do I still need to do job searches with ESD if I have a job offer that starts next month?

Congrats on the job! You can actually apply for what's called "standby status" since you have a definite return to work date. Just log into your eServices account and look for the standby application option. If it's approved, you won't have to do job searches while waiting for your start date. You might need to upload your offer letter as proof though. I used this last year when I had a 5-week gap between accepting and starting my current position.

YES you still have to do the job searches! I was in the exact same boat and stopped doing my job searches when I got my job offer and ESD disqualified my benefits for those weeks. Total nightmare to fix afterward. Don't risk it!!

This happened to me last year and I found out you CAN get a waiver for the job search requirements but you have to specifically request it. You need to apply for "standby status" which means you have a job but aren't working yet. I think it only works if your start date is within 8 weeks though. If ESD approves it, you don't have to do the job searches but still have to file your weekly claims. If you don't get standby approved, one option is to use networking events or career workshops for your job search activities instead of actual applications. Those count toward your 3 required activities but don't involve applying for jobs you won't take.

I work at WorkSource and we help people with these exact situations. You have two options: 1. Apply for standby status through your eServices account. With a definite job starting within 4 weeks, you should qualify. You'll need to provide verification of the job offer and start date. If approved, you're exempt from job search requirements. 2. If standby isn't approved for some reason, you must continue the 3 job search activities weekly. But these can include career workshops, networking events, or informational interviews - not just job applications. Until you receive standby approval, continue completing your job search activities to avoid risking your benefits. And don't forget to report your job acceptance on your weekly claim!

Has anybody been able to reach ESD by phone lately??? I've been trying to call to ask about this exact thing but can't get through. Been calling every day for a week and either get disconnected or told the wait is over 2 hours!

The correct answer depends on some specific details. Here's what you need to know about standby status and job search requirements: 1. If your job start date is within 8 weeks, you can apply for standby status. 2. To apply for standby, log into eServices, go to your claim details, and look for the standby request option. 3. You MUST upload documentation proving your job offer and start date. 4. Continue doing your job searches until you receive approval confirmation for standby status. 5. Once approved, you'll see it noted in your weekly claim filing screen. Remember that standby is not automatically granted - it must be requested and approved. Some industries like construction have different standby rules, but for most jobs, the 8-week rule applies. Hope this helps!

Update: Thank you everyone for the advice! I submitted my standby application yesterday and uploaded my offer letter as proof. The system says it could take 5-7 days to review, so I'm going to continue doing job search activities this week just to be safe. I'll post another update when I hear back about the standby status. This community has been so helpful!

i think your supposed to report the job on ur weekly claim too. not just apply for standby. there's a question about if u got a job offer or something