ESD job search requirements confused me - how to submit correctly?
I just got approved for unemployment after being laid off from my warehouse job and I'm totally panicking about the job search requirements! Do I need to submit 3 job searches every week? WHERE do I even submit them? Is there a specific website I have to use or can I just apply to jobs on Indeed and LinkedIn? I'm worried if I mess this up I'll lose my benefits. This is my first time on unemployment and the ESD website is so confusing 😩 I don't even know if I'm supposed to document applications that I submitted before my claim was approved? Please help anyone who knows the process!!
17 comments
Ava Kim
You need to submit your job search activities through your eServices account each week when you file your weekly claim. Here's how it works: 1. Log into your ESD eServices account 2. When filing your weekly claim, you'll be prompted to enter your job search activities 3. Enter details for 3 job search activities each week 4. Job search activities can include: submitting applications, having interviews, attending job fairs, using WorkSource services, etc. You don't need to use a specific job site - Indeed, LinkedIn, company websites all count. Just document where you applied, when, position, and contact info. Keep a personal log of everything too in case ESD audits you later. And no, you don't need to document applications from before your claim was approved, only activities during weeks you're claiming benefits.
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Emma Garcia
•THANK YOU!! This makes so much more sense. I've been stressing about this for days. So just to double check - when I file my weekly claim it will automatically ask me to input my job search stuff? I don't need to go to a separate page or anything? And is it OK if I apply through different websites each week or should I stick to just one?
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Ethan Anderson
ya when u do ur weekly claim it asks u for the 3 jobs right in there. dont worry its pretty simple. just make sure u save proof of all ur applications like screenshots or confirmation emails. they might audit u later
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Emma Garcia
•Thanks for responding! That's good to know it's built into the weekly claim process. Do you know if I'll get in trouble if I accidentally submit my claim without having done 3 job searches that week? I'm trying to be careful but I'm still learning how all this works.
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Layla Mendes
The ESD system is THE WORST!!! I lost benefits for 2 weeks because their stupid job search documentation system wasn't clear. Make SURE you keep your own records. Don't trust their system. Print everything, take screenshots, save confirmation emails. They will come back months later demanding proof and if you don't have it they'll make you pay everything back!!!! The whole system is designed to trick people into making mistakes so they can deny benefits.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
•While I understand your frustration, I don't think the system is deliberately designed to trick people. It's complex and could definitely be more user-friendly, but ESD is generally fair when you provide good documentation. For the original poster: Yes, you need 3 job search activities each week, they can be on any legitimate job site, and you enter them during your weekly claim filing. Just keep good records of everything.
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Aria Park
hey i had trouble contacting esd when i had questions about my job search requirements too. i found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual ESD agent in like 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. saved me so much stress! i used it at claimyr.com - they also have a video that shows how it works https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3
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Noah Ali
•Did you actually get through to someone? I've been trying for days and keep getting disconnected. Might try this if it actually works.
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Aria Park
•yeah i did! the agent was able to explain exactly what counted for job search activities and how to document them properly. definitely worth it for me since i was about to miss my weekly claim deadline
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Chloe Boulanger
I'm going through this right now too. From what I understand, you need to log 3 job search activities each week. But here's the confusing part - not all activities have to be actual job applications. You can count things like: - Applying for jobs online - Going to job interviews - Creating/updating resume - Networking events - Using WorkSource services - Contacting employers directly I've been using a mix of these. Last week I applied to two jobs and went to a WorkSource workshop, and that counted as my 3 activities. The ESD rep told me it's good to diversify your job search activities.
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Emma Garcia
•That's really helpful! I didn't realize things like updating my resume could count. Do you know if I need to provide proof for things like updating my resume? Or just for the job applications?
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Lucas Notre-Dame
As someone who's been through this process multiple times, let me clear up a few things: 1. You must complete 3 job search activities each week 2. You report these when filing your weekly claim in eServices 3. You DO NOT need to use WorkSource website for your job search, though it's helpful 4. Keep your own detailed job search log including: - Date of activity - Company name/contact - Position applied for - Method of application - Any response received For activities like resume updates or networking, note what you did and how it helps your job search. ESD can audit you up to 1 year later, so good documentation is crucial. If you're uncertain about specific requirements, call ESD directly. Their website explains what qualifies, but reaching them by phone can clarify your specific situation.
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Emma Garcia
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! The 1-year audit period is good to know - I'll definitely keep thorough records. Is there a specific format ESD prefers for the job search log, or can I just use an Excel spreadsheet to track everything?
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Ava Kim
Based on your responses, it sounds like you're still having a hard time reaching ESD to get your specific questions answered. Their phone lines are notoriously busy, especially at the start of the month. If you're still unclear about any job search requirements, I'd recommend: 1. Visit the WorkSource center in person if possible - they can guide you through everything 2. Check the ESD handbook PDF on their website - search for "job search requirements" 3. Use the contact form in your eServices account And yes, an Excel spreadsheet works perfectly for tracking your job search activities. Just include all the details mentioned in previous responses.
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Emma Garcia
•Thanks for those suggestions! I'll download the handbook and check out the WorkSource center. One last question - if I apply for 5 jobs in one week, can I save 2 of those applications to count for the next week, or do I need to do 3 new ones each week?
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Lucas Notre-Dame
Each job search activity must be done during the week you're claiming benefits. You can't carry over extra activities to the next week. So if you apply to 5 jobs this week, you'd report 3 of them for this week's claim, but the other 2 wouldn't count for next week - you'd need 3 new activities for that week. This is one of those details that trips people up, so I'm glad you asked! Keep doing 3 new activities each week you claim benefits.
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Emma Garcia
•Got it! That makes sense. I'll make sure to space out my applications so I have 3 each week. Thanks for all the help everyone - I feel so much more confident about the process now!
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