Does Washington ESD actually call your job search contacts to verify?

They can and do call employers to verify job searches, but it's not routine for every claim. It's more likely to happen if your claim gets flagged for audit or if there's a specific issue. They usually focus on verifying that you're meeting the minimum 3 job search activities per week requirement.

honestly i wouldn't stress too much about it. i've been on unemployment twice and never had them call any of my job searches. just make sure you're actually applying and not just making stuff up

Washington ESD does periodic audits of job search activities. They may contact employers directly or request additional documentation from you. The key is maintaining detailed records of each application including date, method of application, and any responses received. Online applications through company websites or job boards are acceptable as long as they're legitimate positions.

I got selected for a work search audit last year and it was actually pretty straightforward. They sent me a form asking for details about specific job searches from certain weeks. I had to provide employer names, contact info, dates, and method of application. They didn't call the employers in my case, just reviewed my documentation.

The Washington ESD system is so overwhelmed they barely have time to process regular claims, let alone call every employer. But don't take that as an excuse to slack off on job searching - they do spot checks and you don't want to be the unlucky one who gets caught.

From what I've seen, they're more likely to verify job searches if there's a specific complaint or if your benefit amount is unusually high. Most routine claims don't get that level of scrutiny unless something else raises a red flag.

just keep doing what you're doing. apply to real jobs, keep records, and don't worry about stuff you can't control. the job market is rough right now so it's not your fault if places aren't responding

The important thing is that your job search activities are genuine and documented. Washington ESD accepts various types of job search activities including online applications, networking events, job fairs, and direct employer contact. As long as you're meeting the 3 activities per week minimum and they're legitimate efforts, you're in compliance.

I keep a detailed log in a notebook plus digital records. For online applications, I screenshot the confirmation page and save any confirmation emails. For the job search log I submit to Washington ESD, I include the company name, position title, date applied, and method (online application, email, in person, etc.).

They definitely can call employers. My friend had them call one of her job search contacts and the employer told them she never applied there. Turns out she had applied but to a different location of the same company chain. Caused a whole mess and she had to provide additional documentation to clear it up.

If you ever need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your job search requirements or anything else, I highly recommend checking out Claimyr. They have a service that will call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE. They make us jump through all these hoops with job searches when half the jobs posted online are fake or already filled. Then they threaten to audit us like we're criminals. Meanwhile it takes them 6 weeks to process a simple claim.

From my experience working in HR, most companies won't remember every individual application unless you interviewed or had significant contact. If Washington ESD calls about an online application from 2 months ago, the employer might not have any record to confirm or deny it. That's why keeping your own documentation is so important.

been on unemployment 3 times over the years, never had them verify job searches. just do the minimum 3 per week and keep basic records

To directly answer your original question: Yes, Washington ESD can and sometimes does contact employers to verify job search activities, but it's not routine for every claimant. Focus on genuine job search efforts, maintain good records, and you'll be fine. The verification process is more about ensuring compliance with work search requirements than catching people in lies.

Quick tip - if you're applying through job boards like Indeed, some employers prefer direct applications through their company website. It might improve your response rate and also gives you better documentation for Washington ESD if needed.

Don't overthink it. I was paranoid about this same thing when I first started collecting. Been 8 months now and never had any issues. Just apply to real jobs and keep track of what you did.

The bottom line is Washington ESD wants to see that you're actively looking for work. Whether they verify every single application isn't really the point - it's about demonstrating good faith effort to find employment. Keep doing what you're doing and don't stress about things outside your control.

I've been collecting unemployment for about 6 months and went through an audit earlier this year. What helped me was keeping a simple Excel spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, position, how I applied, and any confirmation numbers or emails I received. When they audited me, I was able to provide everything they needed within a few days. The audit letter was pretty straightforward - they just wanted verification for about 8 specific job searches from certain weeks. None of the employers were actually contacted in my case, they just reviewed my documentation. As long as you're genuinely applying to real jobs and can show proof, you should be fine. The job market is tough right now so don't feel bad about the lack of responses - that's unfortunately normal.