Does ESD verify my job search activities? First-time unemployment claim questions

Hey there! I went through this last year when my retail position was eliminated. Here's what you need to know about job search activities:\n\n- ESD requires 3 job search activities per week\n- They don't typically call EVERY employer to verify, but they do conduct random audits\n- Yes, you can absolutely count applications where you never hear back\n- Keep good records with dates, company names, position, contact info, and how you applied\n- Besides applications, you can count: interviews, creating profiles on job sites, attending workshops at WorkSource, networking events, and even some career research activities\n\nI recommend creating a simple spreadsheet to track everything. ESD can request your job search logs at any time, and you'll need to provide them within a few days if they ask.

Thanks so much for the detailed response! I didn't realize WorkSource workshops could count - that seems easier than just sending out applications into the void. Do you know how I find these workshops? And when you say \

they DEFINITELY check sometimes!!! i put down that i applied at safeway and target and esd called BOTH places to check if i really did! make sure ur not making stuff up or ull have to pay everything back and maybe get in legal trouble too

Oh crap, that's scary! I definitely wouldn't make anything up, but now I'm nervous about making sure I have all the right details documented. Did they tell you ahead of time they were going to check or did you only find out after?

they dont tell u before checking!!! thats how they catch ppl. just keep everything super accurate and ull be fine

Let me clarify some things about job search requirements since there's some misinformation here:\n\n1. Yes, ESD conducts random audits, but they don't typically call employers directly. They usually verify through records you provide.\n\n2. Applications with no response absolutely count. Just document when and how you applied.\n\n3. For your job search log, you need: date of activity, type of activity, employer/organization name, position (if applicable), contact information, results, and method of contact.\n\n4. Qualifying activities include:\n - Job applications\n - Interviews (phone, video, in-person)\n - WorkSource workshops or appointments\n - Creating profiles on job sites\n - Attending job fairs\n - Taking skills assessments\n - Resume work with career counselors\n\nThe WorkSource website (WorkSourceWA.com) lists upcoming workshops. Highly recommend using their services - they're free and designed specifically to help UI claimants meet requirements.\n\nLastly, be aware that ESD reviews about 10% of claims randomly, so always keep your documentation accurate and up-to-date.

This is super helpful! I'll check out the WorkSource website today. Do you know if I need to register with them right away, or is that something I can do a bit later? And I've been taking screenshots of my online job applications as proof - is that a good approach?

You should register with WorkSource ASAP - it's actually a requirement for receiving UI benefits in Washington. Taking screenshots is an excellent approach! Save confirmation emails too. Electronic records are perfectly acceptable as documentation.

Just to add to this - when I had trouble reaching ESD about my WorkSource registration last month, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Was able to confirm my WorkSource registration status and get all my questions answered in one call.

The whole job search requirement is RIDICULOUS!!! I got audited after 6 weeks on unemployment and they disqualified me because I didn't have \

That sucks you went through that. Did you appeal? My friend got disqualified but won on appeal when she showed she was actually doing the activities even if her documentation wasn't perfect.

Yeah I appealed but still waiting after 3 weeks. Now I'm behind on rent because they stopped my payments during the appeal process. The whole thing is a nightmare.

my cousin works at esd and says they mostly check if people report like 10+ applications in one day or stuff that looks suspicious. if ur doing the normal 3 activities a week and being honest about it you'll probably never get audited. just sayin

That's good to know. I'm definitely not trying to game the system or anything. Just want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly since it's all new to me.

Regarding your question about what counts as career research activities - things like:\n\n1. Taking skills assessments on WorkSource or LinkedIn\n2. Attending industry webinars (document with screenshots/registration emails)\n3. Informational interviews with people in your target field\n4. Meeting with career counselors at WorkSource\n\nWorkSource workshops are listed on their website. They have job search skills workshops, resume building, interview practice, and industry-specific events. When I was on UI, I did about 1-2 WorkSource activities per week and then 1-2 direct job applications.\n\nThe WorkSource workshops are actually really helpful! I ended up getting my current job through a connection I made at one of their manufacturing sector events.

This is perfect! I didn't know skills assessments counted. I'm actually really interested in getting into a slightly different area of manufacturing than I was in before, so the industry-specific events sound perfect. I'm going to check for those right now!

i got laid off in january and have been on UI since then. for job search i just keep a simple notebook where i write down:\n\n- date\n- company name\n- job title\n- how i applied (website usually)\n- contact info if i have it\n\ni take a picture of my notebook page each week just in case. been doing this for 4 months and haven't been audited yet. try not to stress too much about it man

After struggling with the job search requirements when I first got on unemployment, I actually found WorkSource incredibly helpful. They have a

Thanks for the recommendation! I've been trying to call ESD for two days now and keep getting the

Thanks everyone for all the great advice! I've created a spreadsheet for tracking my job search activities and signed up for a WorkSource account. I'm actually feeling much more confident about this whole process now. I've got my first workshop scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, and I've already submitted 2 job applications (with screenshots and confirmation emails saved). Really appreciate all the help!

Excellent! You're on the right track. The first few weeks are the most stressful, but once you get into a routine with the job search activities, it becomes much easier. Good luck with your workshop tomorrow!

Thank you! I'll update here if I run into any other questions after the workshop.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this process about 6 months ago after being laid off from my warehouse job. The job search requirements definitely seem overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it quickly! A few additional tips that helped me: - Set up job alerts on Indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites - when you respond to these alerts, make sure to note the source in your log - Don't forget that updating your resume or LinkedIn profile can count as a job search activity (but don't overuse this one) - If you have any professional certifications or licenses that need renewal, working on those can sometimes count too The WorkSource workshops are honestly a game-changer. I did their "Interviewing Skills" workshop and it helped me land my current position. They also have one-on-one career counseling sessions that count toward your weekly requirements. One thing I learned the hard way - always save confirmation emails and take screenshots of online applications. I had one company's website crash right after I submitted an application and almost lost that documentation. Now I screenshot everything immediately after hitting submit. You're being smart by asking these questions upfront. Better to be over-prepared than scrambling later!