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Emma Garcia

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!!

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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I'm new to unemployment too and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just wanted to add one thing I learned - if you're having trouble finding 3 job applications each week, remember that attending virtual job fairs or webinars about job searching also count as activities. I found some free ones through the library and WorkSource that helped me meet my requirements while actually learning useful skills. Also, don't forget that following up on previous applications counts too - so if you applied somewhere last month, sending a polite follow-up email can be one of your 3 activities for the current week. Good luck Emma, you've got this!

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Hey Emma! I see you've gotten tons of great advice here already, but I wanted to share one more thing that really saved me when I was new to this process - download the ESD mobile app if you haven't already! It makes filing your weekly claims so much easier than using the website, and you can input your job search activities right from your phone. Also, I noticed you mentioned being laid off from a warehouse job - if you're open to staying in that field, I've found that indeed.com and ziprecruiter.com tend to have the most warehouse/logistics postings in Washington. But don't limit yourself! I used my unemployment time to explore other career paths and ended up in a completely different field that I love. One last tip: if you ever have a week where you can't find 3 job applications (happens to everyone!), you can always call a company directly to inquire about openings even if they don't have posted jobs. Just document who you called, when, and what position you asked about. That counts as a valid job search activity. You're doing great by asking all these questions upfront - shows you really want to do this right!

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Sean, thank you so much for mentioning the mobile app! I had no idea there was one and I've been struggling with the website on my phone. I'll definitely download it today. The tip about calling companies directly is really smart too - I wouldn't have thought of that as a valid job search activity but it makes total sense. I'm actually open to exploring other fields beyond warehouse work, so I appreciate the encouragement to use this time to look at different career paths. It's been really overwhelming starting this whole unemployment process, but everyone here has been so helpful and supportive. I feel like I actually understand what I need to do now instead of just panicking about messing it up!

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Hi Emma! I'm also pretty new to the unemployment system and this thread has been incredibly helpful to read through. I just wanted to add one more resource that I discovered - the WorkSource website (worksourcewa.com) actually has a really detailed guide specifically for ESD job search requirements that breaks everything down step by step. I found it way easier to understand than the main ESD website. Also, something that's been working well for me is keeping a simple spreadsheet with columns for: Date, Company, Position, How I Applied, and Contact Info. I update it right after each application so I don't forget details later. When it's time to file my weekly claim, everything is right there organized by date. One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you're applying to jobs that you're actually qualified for or could reasonably do. I applied to a bunch of jobs way outside my experience level thinking it would be easier to hit my 3 activities, but an ESD rep told me they want to see "suitable work search" which means jobs you could actually perform. Just wanted to share that in case it helps! You've gotten such great advice from everyone here and it sounds like you're on the right track.

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Cole, thanks so much for sharing the WorkSource website link! I've been struggling to understand all the details on the main ESD site, so having a clearer breakdown will be really helpful. Your spreadsheet setup sounds perfect too - I like that you include the "How I Applied" column since I've been using different methods and sometimes forget which was which. That's a really important point about applying for "suitable work" - I definitely would have made that mistake of just applying everywhere to hit my numbers. It makes sense that they want to see genuine job searches for positions I could actually do. I'm feeling so much more confident about this whole process after reading everyone's advice. It's amazing how much less scary it all seems when you actually understand what's expected!

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I did not see a place to add the 3 job search activities. However, this is also my first week applying. Started process this Monday. Is that because this is my waiting week? If I missed where to add the activities, can I go back and update? Thanks to all!

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