Does Washington ESD actually verify job searches during weekly claims?

Yes, they can and do audit job search activities randomly or if something triggers a review. You should definitely keep detailed records of every job search contact including dates, company names, contact methods, and any responses. Washington ESD requires 3 job search contacts per week and they can request your job search log at any time during your claim period.

omg yes they check!! my friend got audited last year and had to provide her entire job search log going back like 8 weeks. she almost lost her benefits because some of her searches weren't good enough or something

I got selected for a job search audit about 3 months into my claim. Had to submit my entire log through their online portal and wait for review. Took about 2 weeks to hear back that everything was approved. The key is being thorough with your documentation and making genuine efforts to find work in your field.

I was so frustrated trying to get through to Washington ESD about this exact question that I ended up using claimyr.com to actually reach an agent. The service got me through to someone in like 15 minutes and they explained the whole job search audit process. Apparently they do random selections plus some triggered by certain flags in your claim. There's also a good video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

The job search requirement is taken seriously by Washington ESD. You need 3 qualifying job search activities per week, and they must be documented with specific details. Activities can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or informational interviews. Keep records of everything including screenshots of online applications.

They definitely audit job searches. I work in HR and we occasionally get calls from Washington ESD verifying that someone actually applied for a position. It doesn't happen often but it does happen, especially if there are red flags on someone's claim or if they're selected for a random audit.

KEEP EVERYTHING documented!!! I cannot stress this enough. Screenshots of applications, emails, phone logs, everything. Washington ESD can ask for your job search records going back to the beginning of your claim and you have to provide them or risk losing benefits.

Yeah they check but don't panic about it. Just be honest and keep good records. I've been on unemployment twice and never got audited but I always acted like I would be. Make real efforts to find work and document everything properly.

I got caught not doing proper job searches early in my claim. Had to do extra reporting for like 8 weeks after that and they watched my account more closely. It was a huge hassle. Just follow the rules from the start - it's so much easier.

The online system tracks some of your activity automatically through WorkSource WA if you use their job search tools. But you still need to maintain your own detailed log of all job search activities including ones done outside their system.

Just wanted to add that networking activities count toward your job search requirement too. Things like LinkedIn networking, informational interviews, or attending professional association meetings. Don't forget to document those as well.

been on unemployment for 4 months now and never been audited but i keep hearing about people who get selected. seems pretty random to me. i just make sure to apply to at least 3 jobs every week and keep screenshots of everything

My cousin tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and said it was really helpful for getting answers about job search requirements directly from Washington ESD staff. Apparently much easier than trying to call the regular number.

The most important thing is being able to show you're making genuine efforts to find suitable work. Washington ESD isn't trying to trick people, they just want to make sure benefits are going to people who are actively seeking employment. Keep good records and you'll be fine.

Just remember that job search audits are part of the unemployment system. They're not trying to catch you doing something wrong - they're making sure the system works properly. Be honest, keep good records, and don't stress too much about it.

One more tip - if you do get selected for an audit, don't panic. Just submit your documentation promptly and completely. Most people who get audited and have been following the rules have no problems.

This whole thread has been really helpful. I was wondering about the same thing but didn't want to ask. Sounds like the key is just being thorough with documentation and actually trying to find work, which I'm already doing.

Final thought - remember that the job search requirement exists to help you find work faster, not to make your life harder. Use it as motivation to stay active in your job search and you'll benefit even if you never get audited.

As someone new to the Washington unemployment system, this thread has been incredibly informative! I just started my claim last week and was feeling overwhelmed about the job search requirements. It's reassuring to know that as long as you're genuine in your efforts and keep detailed records, the audit process isn't something to fear. I'm going to start documenting everything from day one - dates, company names, positions, application methods, and any responses. Better to be over-prepared than scrambling later if I get selected for review. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!